Skype has launched its own video-calling service for the Apple iPhone, letting iPhone 4-toting users make Skype-to-Skype video calls with other users on other iPhone 4s or desktop PCs and laptops.
The latest version of Skype’s iOS app should be scuttling into iTunes today, and will also allow iPod touch 3rd generation and iPad users to receive video calls, but seeing as there’s no front facing cameras on those devices, the video conversation will have to be strictly one-way.
Works on 3G. Sorta
Unlike Apple’s FaceTime feature, the video calling app works on both Wi-Fi and 3G, although initial reports have revealed that 3G video calls are every bit as stuttery as you might expect – but at least the option is there.
“Video calling significantly enhances the user experience of Skype for iPhone, which is one of the top five free iPhone apps in 2010 according to Apple,” insisted the company in their press release.
“Now, users can make and receive free Skype-to-Skype calls, call mobiles and landlines around the world at very low rates, and now share more moments together with video on Skype for iPhone.”
Skype chats between iPhones and desktops
Of more interest to us is the ability to make video calls between an iPhone 4 and PC/Mac laptop/desktops – we could see all sorts of fun opening up with this feature (most of them involving drink, sadly).
To hook up with perambulating chums on their iPhone 4s, you’ll need to download the Skype for Windows 4.2+ desktop client (or Skype for Mac 2.8 and above), and to bag the Skype for iPhone app, stampede over to: www.skype.com/go/iphone.
