Skype Adds Video Calling to iPhones, iPad, iPod touch

Skype today announced that the new version of its iPhone application adds video call support, allowing users to make video calls over 3G and Wi-Fi networks. This means that users of the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch are now able to make and/or receive free video calls with one another, as well as with anyone else running Skype software that supports video calling.

"With video calling representing approximately 40 percent of all Skype-to-Skype minutes for the first six months of 2010, our users have been eager to get Skype video calling on their mobile phones," said Neil Stevens, general manager of Skype's consumer business. "By bringing video to mainstream users at their home or work via their desktops, on the go with their mobiles, or into their living room via their TV, Skype has made it possible for millions of people to share video moments wherever they are."

Skype Adds Video Calling to iPhones, iPad, iPod touch

The new Skype for iPhone app is able to make and receive video calls with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and 4th generation iPod touch with i0S 4.0 or above. The iPad and 3rd generation iPod touch are now able to receive, not send, video calls. Calls can be made between any device using the new Skype for iPhone app and desktop computers including Skype for Windows 4.2 and above, Skype for Mac 2.8 and above, Skype for Linux, and the ASUS Videophone.

Video calls use QVGA video and are reported to average 15 frames per second on received video and 12 frames per second on sent video. But these numbers are very much dependent on the quality of the 3G or Wi-Fi environment being used to make and receive the video calls.

When asked if they plan to add video call support to Android-based devices in the future, a representative from Skype said, "Mobile is a huge priority for us and you will see a lot more updates on the mobile front—including Android—in the new year."

The new Skype for iPhone application is available now for free download from the Apple App Store or at Skype's site.

Skype was one of the top five free iPhone apps in 2010 and is downloaded on one in four newly activated iPhones each day, according to Apple. Skype boasts 25 million concurrent users logged into the service at any given moment and reported an average of 124 million monthly connected users during the second quarter of 2010. Since the launch of Skype's iPhone app, over 30 million downloads have been made.

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