Free Skype Client Lands On the iPhone

CNet is reporting that a free Skype client will finally be landing on the iPhone this week. Unfortunately some are saying that it seems many of the "critical" pieces of functionality are still missing. While the Skype engineers claim their native client will offer better audio quality (because there is no need to route through another server and transcode audio) they are still missing text messaging, file transfers, and integrated voice mail. Since the iPhone does not allow for multiple programs running concurrently, many are expecting existing multi-function apps like Fring and NimBuzz to continue their reign at the top.

captain obvious: it'll never be full featured

[girlintraining]

And this Skype client will never be full-featured because it would take revenue away from the phone company, who profits by selling voice plans. You might be thinking a data-only plan with a Skype client would save you money, but you'd be wrong: Apple doesn't want you to do that. AT&T doesn't either. Or any other wireless provider. Sure, we could invest in a decent wireless data architecture, but why do that when we know we can keep bumping up prices and not improving infrastructure, and then blaming "high consumption users" for the problem. You will pay, like the good consumer you are. Oh yes, you will pay.

Re:If so won't last long

[jgtg32a]

Unless you're a carnie

Re:hate to say it

[donny77]

It depends on what you are looking for. I got a Windows Mobile phone because i wanted office integration. I tried using the web browser for playing, I've used Google maps. I sync e-mail using Intellisync software.

After a little over two years, I'm ready for an iPhone. Why? The Internet browsing experience is better. I rarely use the office apps. I use Word to jot notes down, I can use the appropriate program on the iPhone for this purpose. I tried using Excel, the cell size is so small it is practically useless. With an iPhone I can VNC my desktop and use Excel from their on a largers screen with zoom functionality. That's better than my WM experience.

Copy and paste is coming and it's the only feature I'd really want. Tethering is again coming. MMS I could care less about personally.

Re:whut?

[rob1980]

What if I'm abroad and have access to WiFi? No extortionate international charges through the provider, just power up Skype. This actually sounds like a good idea to me, since I'm studying abroad next year.

Re:If so won't last long

[Firehed]

It only works on WiFi, and Apple has explicitly stated that VOIP over WiFi is allowed - they wouldn't say that if AT&T were going to fight it. It's better for the telcos anyways - you're paying them your monthly rate regardless of whether you use their bandwidth, so the less you use, the more profit they take in.

Re:What's the point of multitasking?

[UnknowingFool]

What's the point of including multitasking if you cannot make it pretty and shiny? I applaud Apple for continuing the fight to keep our lives pretty and shiny rather than attempting to make our lives more efficient and easier to manage. I mean, let's be serious, isn't shiny and pretty the real reason we carry personal digital devices.

It may be a limitation of the hardware or some other practical reason but the iPhone doesn't really multi-task. It only appears to do so using some hacks that Apple has done.

Re:Iphones can only run one app?

[BikeHelmet]

iCall [icall.com] has been available on the iPhone for about a half-year now. (apparently in beta)

It integrates seamlessly with the iPhone. Those skype guys are behind. :P

iPod Touch

[yabos]

You could make phone calls via the iPod Touch with an external microphone or on the new ones via the built in headphone microphone. Fring can do this already but when I tried it the call quality and lag was terrible(over wifi).