Looks like the busy bees at Skype aren’t resting this holiday week as they just pushed out a new free update for their iPhone client, bringing it to version 3.0.
Here’s what you need to get in on the action according to Skype’s Video Calling Guide:
To make video calls with your contacts, you will need an iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, 3rd generation iPod touch, 4th generation iPod touch or an iPad. Your contacts will only be able to see you if your device has a camera. Make sure your device is running iOS 4.0 or above and that you are using Skype for iPhone 3.0 or above.
The contacts you are calling must be using one of the following Skype clients:
- Skype for Windows version 4.2 and above
- Skype for Mac OS X version 2.8 and above
- Skype for iPhone 3.0 and above
Obviously the biggest difference between iPhone video calls via Skype over FaceTime is the ability to make calls over 3G. We haven’t had a chance to try it out yet, but we would obviously expect a noticeable drop off in quality, especially with the spotty AT&T 3G service we’ve grown accustomed to.
The other reason this is a Big Deal is because of Skype’s generous userbase that’s undoubtedly knocking on the door of 600 million users (if not more) by now. You don’t have to own a “FaceTime supported device” in order to make video calls anymore.
Eagle-eyed readers may have also noticed that Verizon’s logo is paired next to Skype’s on the Video Calling Guide. Is this a confirmation that the iPhone is coming to Big Red? It’s still speculation at this point, but we’d say the writing has been on the wall on that announcement for awhile now.
Still, we still doubt the usefulness of straight video calling in our day to day lives. Usually we just want to take calls at home unkempt and in our underwear, but Skype’s certainly making it easier to communicate with people via video. They’ve got some snazzy videos up on whatsnext.skype.com if you still need to be convinced on reasons to make video calls.
The LA Times reports that Skype is set to make other big announcements at CES next week. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for a compelling enough feature that gets us to put on pants.
