As expected, Skype has added a new video calling feature to version 3.0 of its iPhone app, giving users an alternate service from Apple’s own FaceTime video chat standard.
Per Engadget, reports emerged last week that Skype was planning to make “a series of video-related announcements” at next month’s Consumer Electronics Show. A support document detailing how to make video calls via iPhone served as further evidence of the imminent release of a video-capable Skype iPhone app.
An update to the Skype for iOS app Thursday allows users to make Skype to Skype video calls over WiFi and 3G with other iOS Skype users or Skype desktop users, Engadget reports. Two-way video calls are only supported on the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and fourth-generation iPod touch, while iPad and third-generation iPod touch users can receive video calls. Video calling on Skype 3.0 requires iOS 4.0 or above.
Skype’s launch of video chat on the iPhone and iPod touch will challenge Apple’s efforts to get its FaceTime video conferencing standard to catch on. With over 500 million user accounts, Skype has the user base needed to promote rapid adoption of its video call features over Apple’s FaceTime.
Skype 3.0 is available for free and requires iOS 3.0 or later to install and run.
If you’ve tried the new video chat feature on Skype and have any feedback to offer, please let us know.
One reply on “Skype 3.0 now available for iOS, allows video chat over 3G, Wi-Fi protocols”
Just tried a Skype wifi video call.
Compared to Facetime it has a long way to go.
The video is choppy, there was an annoying sound in the background and voice cut out in the middle of the call!