Skype for the iPhone and the BlackBerry gets official

By on Mar 30, 2009 at 9:42 AM
General March 30, 2009

It is officially official,  Skype will be launching an iPhone version of its popular VoIP software on Tuesday and a BlackBerry version in May. Skype for the iPhone will be the standard run of the mill Skype application with an interface consistent with the iPhone’s slick UI. As with the desktop version, Skype to Skype calls will be free, while Skype to traditional numbers will incur a nominal fee. The VoIP service will require access to a Wi-Fi network and will not run over a cellular connection. Additionally, the iPhone version of Skype will also support chatting and, thankfully, this feature will be available via a cellular connection. There’s also several unique features including the ability to use the camera hardware to capture a photo or to pull in a picture from your photo album for use within the Skype application. Incoming conference calls can be accepted but the ability to initiate an outgoing conference call is not yet available. Not surprisingly, video calling will also not be available in these upcoming mobile versions but is reportedly being considered for future releases for the iPhone and other handsets. Best news of all, the Skype app for the iPhone will be available from the App store for free. Sorry BlackBerry users, but no additional information on the BlackBerry version yet. With a launch slated for May, you all may have to wait until WES rolls around. Hit the jump for a few more screen grabs.

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  • J

    Not really. Some Sprint phones come with Wifi. Also, I have been using the Skype WinMo client over Sprint’s 3G for months. Yet another “new” invention for the iPhone that’s actually existed for a long time.

  • J

    @Paul:
    SlingPlayer works over 3G just like Wifi, meaning a Sprint Blackberry can use it too. Also, if there is ANY carrier that doesn’t neuter phones, it’s Sprint.

  • backbeat

    ^Actually, the reigning carrier for leaving phones in tact would be TMobile by a wide margin.

  • J

    Ok, except for the fact that they’re irrelevant because their 3G network is a joke. T-Mo is for teenagers. That’s what the T stands for. There is also the issue of their 3G spectrum bands being weird which means that you can only use 3G on handsets they provide. No thanks, I’ll pass.

    Also, where they do have 3G, I am not sure what services are allowed, but I have never had anything blocked with Sprint. Not Slingbox, Not VoIP.

  • backbeat

    Since this thread is about Skype for iPhone and Blackberry, your ‘points’ are hardly relevant. TMo has been a longtime supporter of Blackberry, without limiting its usefulness.

    3G is a completely different (again irrelevant) issue which has no place in this topic.

  • J

    3G has everything to do with this article since this version of the Skype app apparently does not let you use the service over 3G while the WinMo version has no such limitation.

    People who have a decent 3G carrier have zero need for Wifi and therefore laugh and laugh at giving functionality (Skype) with one hand while taking it away with the other (no Skype over 3G). Got it?

  • backbeat

    ^When was the last time you held a -conversation- over 3G? [Answer: Never] Got it?

  • J

    Hmmm….it’s definitely not something I do often, but I much prefer the option of not having to find a Starbucks everytime I want to do certain *forbidden* activities with my phone. Why should Apple or AT&T get to choose? I am sorry that you’re upset about your hobbled (and late) Skype client. I guess it could be ok for all the unemployed hipsters and college students hanging out in Starbucks making international calls to all the long lost friends they left behind after their last study abroad trip or that semester at sea. Does that work for you? Wifi-only applications rule!

  • backbeat

    It’s not that AT&T or TMo “chooses”. They simply spec phones which support WiFi. What is wrong with that? Who’s upset? I’m glad to see Skype broadening its appeal. Just because it doesn’t appeal to you or your carrier means there is something inherently flawed with it? That’s childishly ridiculous. Don’t want to use VOIP? Then don’t. ‘Nuf said.

  • J

    AT&T *chose* to limit Skype connections to Wifi only.

    I too am glad to see Skype getting more mainstream love. At least we agree on something. Now if only Skype would support outgoing caller ID in the US.

    Want to argue about that?

  • backbeat

    All that you are speaking of is specific to the iPhone and nothing more. Let’s be clear about that. How many major carriers -do not- protect their leverage to sell minute plans? That’s business, though it would be a nice fantasy to dream about free calls forever and ever over one’s cell, wouldn’t it? ;)

    Something tells me you could argue with a hole in the wall, so I’ll pass.

  • Angus

    What is the current status of SKYPE for BlackBerry? I have used SKYPE happily for years. It would be great to use in on my BB.

    Sent 20 May 2009

  • strohl

    I have skype now on my ipod works great!!
    but i have been using it for almost a year over my Verizon account on my samsung i760 windows based mobile to make international calls and it does support caller id in the us my friends all see the number i placed in my skype account.

  • Allen

    Where is this?

  • Angus

    Any news about SKYPE for BlackBerry? It is overdue by 2 1/2 Months. Has it been drop? I cannot find any reference to it on the skype.com website.

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