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CNET Editors' review
Skype's official iPhone app is one way to climb aboard the VoIP calling (and IM) train Skype from the iPhone. Skype for iPhone has always let you place free 3G calls to other Skype users, and low-price calls to cell phones and landlines around the world. Version 2.0 at long last introduces support for making calls over the 3G data network. Call quality will depend on your data or Wi-Fi connection, though we found that Skype's audio can be clearer than with conventional calls, especially internationally. Since that isn't always the case, an improved quality meter will flash a message on the screen when your coverage fluctuates. However, if you hold the phone to your ear or let the screen dim, you may miss these visual alerts.
There's just one catch: Skype's 3G calling is only on a trial basis for now. In early 2011, the VoIP company will levy a "small monthly fee," the amount of which remains undecided for now, according to online reports. Skype has not yet released information explaining how it'll charge for the service, but we're guessing subscribers will sign up through in-app purchasing.
As for the rest, Skype for iPhone presents an interface that's arguably more intuitive than the Mac and PC Skype clients, but it's also lighter on features. Here's what you can do: quickly see the status of your contacts, start IM conversations (over Wi-Fi or 3G), add pictures from your phone to contacts (which almost instantly syncs to your computer client, as well), and access your profile and voice mail. Though Skype does voice calls well, it's also behind some competitors, especially when it comes to adding video-calling features to its voice repertoire.
Publisher's Description
From Skype:
With Skype for iPhone, call, make video calls, and instant message with anyone else on Skype. Moreover you can call and text your Contacts (or any other number) at Skype's low rates with Skype Credit. Enjoy video calls with Skype contacts on, iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, compatible mobiles, PCs, Macs or Skype-enabled TVs, message friends, wherever, and whenever the mood strikes, and wideband audio (SILK codec) on iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, and iPhone 3GS.
What's new in this version: Version 4.0 has the ability to move own video preview, restarts itself for unexpected shutdown, and improved accessibility and stability.
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All versions:
2.9 starsout of 7 votes
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Results 1-9 of 9
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"What Am I Missing?"
Version: Skype for iPhone 3.0
Pros
None that I could see
Cons
Couldn't figure out how to use it
Summary
Not like the desktop version
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"It's Skype"
Version: Skype for iPhone 3.0
Pros
less price for int calls
Cons
Unstable connection
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"not compatible with iOS4"
Version: Skype for iPhone 2.0
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
Skype 2.0 throws an error when launched on my iP3G newly updated with iOS4. Error indicates that Skype will only run on an unmodified iPhone with 3.1 or 3.2.
Mr Skype - please update your software to be compatible with iOS4. -
"No major problems"
Version: Skype for iPhone 2.0
Pros
Nice to have this mobile so I can continue chats while in the car, etc
Cons
No 3G skype to skype calls on AT&T, however, I hear it is coming
Summary
Good product, we'll see where it goes in the future
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"Beware"
Version: Skype for iPhone 1.3.1
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
We will be traveling and I thought it would be a good idea to try Skype so I encouraged everyone to install on their iPhones and laptops. I set up an account and everything was fine. My 12 yo dd set up an account and within 5 minutes she was hit with extremely lewd male porn. She had all the safeguard in place, too. I did a brief search and now I know, it is a huge problem with Skype. Needless to say, we have all removed Skype. -
"1236463637"
Version: Skype for iPhone 1.2
Pros
2873764536
Cons
23847564838
Summary
928274746728
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"On the iPhone 3GS, Skype hasn't worked well."
Version: Skype for iPhone 1.1
Pros
Talking for free with my friends and family abroad.
Cons
Iit doesn't work well on iPhone 3GS and ATT should allow a 3G connection with Skype.
Summary
Skype 1.1 doesn't work well on the iPhone 3GS. The online contact list instead of showing only the people online, shows all the contacts from Skype, and it's very difficult to see who is online and who isn't.
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"Ok, works however need so improvement ..."
Version: Skype for iPhone 1.0.1
Pros
Works, but is not perfect. however is good for me, because i make lots of international calls, with this app, i just need to go to a coffee-shop, than check their internet speed, and decided if is good to used the skype.
Cons
you cannot used your '3G'!!! att does not permit it.... that is sucks, becuase my friends, in Brazil used their 3G Networkx
Summary
So far so Good
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"Crash and Burn so far"
Version: Skype for iPhone 1.0.1
Pros
Interface looks clean, login is easy, program is responsive
Cons
Been using this app all morning and it's crashed every time, cannot call or chat. It does access your skype phone book but it just crashes and kicks you out to the iPhone desktop. So far, completely non-functional.
Summary
So far it's a completely non functional application - hopefully others will have better luck.
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