The word you’re looking for is “finally.” As in, “Oh look, Skype has finally stepped up to the competition by adding two-way video chatting to its VoIP iPhone app!” Indeed, this anticipated addition is one for which Skype-watchers and users have been thirsting since Fring’s two-way video calling app nosed into the iPhone app store this past July, following Apple’s introduction of its own Face Time video chatting software. But more on that later.
What iPhone users worldwide first need to know is that starting today, an update to the free Skype for iPhone will start being seen in the App Store. The global roll-out may take some time, so be patient if you don’t find it immediately.
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The app contains many of the features you’d expect. You can use either 3G or Wi-Fi to place two-way video calls, and the technology works in both portrait and landscape modes. You can mute a call, place or answer a call with just audio or with audio and video, and swap between the front-facing or rear-facing cameras. The Skype for iPhone app retains its auxiliary features as well, like instant messenger and SMS to chat with friends before, after, or during a call; and status message updates. There’s also a history tab for reviewing recent communications with members of your buddy list.
As with the recently-released ooVoo Mobile (for Android,) Skype for iPhone will work for anyone on Skype’s network, be they desktop or mobile users. While you can only broadcast video on on Apple devices with rear-facing or front-facing cameras–namely the iPhone 4, iPod Touch 4, and iPhone 3GS, you can also receive incoming video broadcasts on the iPad and third-generation iPod Touch. As an extra bonus, desktop Skype users (Windows|Mac) can share a view of their computer screen with Skype users on iPhone.
