Two questions about Skype for iPhone
We’ve updated our iPhone app – you can now make video calls.
The Skype offices are buzzing today with feedback on the first version of Skype for iPhone – it’s the number one free download in the UK App Store, and there’s been an incredible amount of discussion about it so far.
It’s been just under 24 hours since it first appeared in the Japanese App Store, and we’re not expecting things to quieten down for a little while yet – we’ll be up all night listening and responding to your comments.
In the meantime, please keep the feedback coming in, but based on the discussion so far, I thought it was worth highlighting answers to two of the most commonly asked questions about Skype for iPhone:
Is Skype for iPhone a true VoIP application? Why can’t you make Skype calls over 3G?
Apple’s rules prohibit third-party voice apps like Skype from using 3G networks. Currently there are no other VoIP applications available for the iPhone that allow VoIP calling over 2G or 3G networks.
At Skype, we’re as frustrated by this as you are. We believe very strongly that your mobile network shouldn’t be able to determine the nature of the data that you send and receive. Whether this is browsing photos on Facebook, exploring Google Maps or making a Skype video call – our view is that the data involved should all be treated the same.
We welcome steps taken by mobile network operators s towards greater openness, and support views such at that held by the European Parliament and policymakers in North America: that network operators should not be able to discriminate between different Internet services, be they third party products such as Facebook, Google Maps or Skype, or their own products or services.
Why does Skype for iPhone crash during installation or launch?
Some of you have reported that Skype crashes during installation or launch. Our initial investigations suggest that this may happen on jailbroken phones, where the underlying iPhone software has been modified. Unfortunately we can’t be held responsible if Skype for iPhone misbehaves in these circumstances.
As always, however, we’re keen to hear your feedback – development of Skype for iPhone doesn’t stop here, and your thoughts and ideas can help us make it even better. Leave a comment below, or head to the iPhone area of the Skype Community to share your views.
No credit – I have the $3/month unlimited, but when I try to call landline or cell phone, it says “No Credit”. I added $10 credit and it now works, but it doesn’t seem to be using my credit, but the subscription plan. So it’s working now…
Receive calls – As it’s not possible to receive calls when Skype is not opened on the iPhone, i forwarded the skype call to my unlimited incoming cell phone plan so I receive the skype call on my iPhone. This cost nothing with the $3/month subscription plan.
I love it!!!
hello sirs
I am a long time user of skype both on my pc and my iphone, a few days ago my iphone crashed and had to be formated and reinstall all programs. I had no problem with reintalling. the only problem was skype which does not work as it used to before.
my version was upgraded to version 3.1.2 after I had version 3.0
do you have any idea how I could fix this? as my skype is very important tool for me and need it on the iphone. please send me the replay also to my my mail.
thanks
I have a brand new iPhone 3G. I downloaded the Skype app. and made my first call today, it worked fine. But after about 30seconds Skype crashed, happened about 5 or 6 times. I have only tried ringing this one person, and probably only ever will ring this one person on skype … Please help!!
What does ‘Jailbreaking’ mean… will this help the situation?
Thanks
rosie_franklin: Jailbreaking is a process that allows iPhone and iPod Touch users to run any code on their devices, as opposed to only that code authorised by Apple. Once jailbroken, iPhone users are able to download many applications previously unavailable through the App Store via unofficial installers such as Cydia; Icy; and Installer, as well as illegal pirated apps. A jailbroken iPhone or iPod Touch is still able to use and update apps downloaded and purchased from Apple’s official App Store.
Also worth noting is that Jailbreaking will invalidate your warranty.
I too am having the issues above and so are a lot of other people on the forum. One would assume that at some point Skype will sort out the problem with both the software itself and the SDLC breakdown that allowed such a bad release to go public.
Isn’t that right Skype?
I had skype work fine when I had my iPhone 3g last year. It is not working at all now. Skype crashes when I sign in. I think it may be problem with new version of Skype.
I had the same problem but after going back from a chat window – screen flashed and Skype froze.
The issue was the horizontal view. When I kept my display vertical everything worked fine.
As you can read in the comments jailbreak is not an issue. To be honest, I think it’s just a way Apple tries to scare people, since Skype is quite popular.
Any news on making skype video calls on the iPhone4?
(over wifi or 3G)
Oh, and by the way… making regular voice calls works fine over 3G here (netherlands)
Heck, it even works over 2G! (poor quality, but it works!)
Hi I have a iPod 3rd gen (not jailbroken) and when I try to sign in my skype crashes or says cannot connect to skype, check network settings. How do I do this? I still have Internet and app store, I’ve had skype working on this network before but about a week ago after I updated to the latest version it started doing this. If you need to contact me, my email is darryn89@live.com cheers
This is so stupid and I am extremely frustrated!!! Why can you not see the person that you are talking to when using skype on the iphone 4? I thought the purpose of skype was to be able and see who you are talking to. Can someone please help me figure this out?
When are you going to offer video chatting? I heard rumors that this service was going to charge an extra fee, which will greatly disappoint me and I feel will take away from your customer base because you will have deviated from your competitive advantage. I bought and Ipod Touch 4g because I travel abroad and looked forward to using SKYPE on it to chat with my friends and family back home, but It looks like I might have to download Yahoo Messenger, and nobody really wants to do that.