Just in time for the economic downturn comes a a free iPhone app from North America’s
largest VoIP provider! All hail Skype and reduced phone
bills!
Okay, so perhaps Skype’s iPhone launch isn’t that monumental,
especially for those that don’t even own an account with the premier voice over
IP provider, but it could do wonders for the brand. That is, if the app itself
is of sound design. So, let’s have a look.
First off, the
logistics. The Skype for iPhone app launches today, for free, via the App
Store. It’s already appeared in mobile iterations for Google Android, Nokia, and
Windows Mobile users (Blackberry users will be able to join the fun in May).
The Skype interface has been redesigned in true iPhone app style, right down to
the ‘quick-jump to a specific letter’ feature in the contacts tab. Fortunately, Skype was wise enough to tap into your iPhone’s
contact list, which does wonders for the start-up process, not to mention
saving your sanity from independent lists. What’s more, the app will actually
pull Skype profile pictures from the ‘net for contact photos.
The other four
tabs, all of which are displayed at the bottom of the screen, include chats, a
calling window, call history, and a ‘My Info’ section that covers your personal
profile. The messenger-like chat feature while fairly simple is nevertheless easy on the eyes. However it stands as the
only feature that works over the cellular network.
Unlike some other mobile Skype apps, the iPhone version is
strictly limited to Wi-Fi discussions, so no piggy-backing over a 3G internet
connection for low-rated calls. So for those hoping for an app that would
break the trend set by other iPhone VoIP apps, you’re out of luck. Other
missing features include SMS, video calling, and voice mail.
And what about iPod Touch users? The app is freely available
to you and will run just as it would on the iPhone but as you’re likely aware,
the Touch doesn’t have a microphone. However, such headsets do exist and if you’ve
got access to a Wi-Fi connection and you’re looking to save money on long
distance calls, it may be worth looking into.
All in all, Skype for the iPhone is standard, fully
functioning, affair. With well implemented core features in place users can
look forward to a decent app that is only going to get better.
