After months of sitting on its ass while smaller companies beat it to the punch, Skype has finally (and I mean that in the way The Rock says “finally”) launched video chat for iOS. The latest version of Skype offers video chat on numerous iOS products, including the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch, and iPad. Obviously the products without front-facing cameras will not have full video-chat functionality.
There are several implications (for mobile tech nerds). On the iOS front, it will be interesting to see how this impacts Apple’s FaceTime product. FaceTime is simple and it works, but Skype has hundreds of millions of users around the world. Will Skype be able to beat out FaceTime due to its enormous user base?
Secondly, where’s the Android version? Skype for Android is pretty crappy compared to the iOS version. Will a new and improved Skype for Android — complete with video chat — be unveiled at CES 2011? As a frequent Android and Skype user, I certainly hope so.
Heck they just got Skype chat working on the Galaxy S phones. There was a disclaimer attached to the Skype app for a long time that said *Does not work on Galaxy S model phones.
Skype is available for non Verizon android devices now?
Yeah it has been out for about a month now. Maybe longer, that is just when I noticed it. I was using skoot to Skype, but it disappeared and the service discontinued, then Skype showed up a week later.
It has been out for all Android phones since October, if I remember correctly. I hate that I can't send international text messages on it. That's a big reason I have Skype.
@Ray
Would something like KiK or Fring be better for you then?
Not really. I use a Skype unlimited plan for calls to Asia, but SMS messages are still per charge. I also have it set up so the reply number is my Google Voice number. Sadly, Google has blocked international SMS to many countries and hasn't revealed if it will charge for it in the future. I'd be happy to pay for it.
Skype is now illegal in China. Innovation stifler there.