iPhone update: now supports multitasking, no additional charges for calling over 3G
We’ve updated our iPhone app – you can now make video calls.
In May, we upgraded our iPhone app to allow users to make calls over 3G data connections. Today, I’m pleased to introduce a brand new version of the app. It allows you to make calls with high quality sound, and supports multitasking. This means you can receive Skype calls while other apps are running, even when your iPhone is locked. And during a call, you can keep the conversation going while you switch to another task, such as checking a movie listing or reading an email. We’ve also updated the app’s graphics to support iPhone 4’s Retina Display.
Download it now for an even better Skype experience on your iPhone (opens in the App Store).
At Skype, we believe that better call quality and better availability (which is achieved with an app capable of multitasking and/or making calls over 3G) lead to increased call frequency and longer calls. We also believe that the mobile world is in a period of significant change, for example, with some operators starting to move to tiered pricing models.
In light of that, we no longer have plans to charge a supplement to make calls over 3G. We’re delighted to make it easier for you to talk for even longer and do even more together using Skype.
Multitasking requires iOS 4 and an iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, or a third-generation iPod touch (32GB and 64GB models from late 2009).
Same experience as soooooo many comments here. Killed a freshly charged battery on my 3GS ios 4.0.2 in 4 hours while running in background.
If they cant fix it quickly, they need to issue a “recall” by releasing an update which reverses the earlier update that allowed Skype to run in the background. I had to un-install Skype from my iPhone.
OK, I downloaded the Skype app on my iPhone 4 specifically for video calling, since I’m having problems with FaceTime. I also heard that Skype works over 3G, the implication being that video calling over 3G would be possible. Now i find that the Skype app does not support video calling on iPhone at all, even over wifi. So the only advantage on iPhone is to avoid using AT&T minutes (which I never max out), and the price for this is significantly higher battery usage. Its not worth it to me. I’ll stay tuned. When and if Skype adds hassle-free video calling, I’ll use it for that. Otherwise, I’ll probably keep it logged off for now.
Leaving Skype just running in the background (iOS4), with no use at all of any other application, or even the Skype itself, drains the battery at a speed of 10% per hour. So, we can only use Skype for placing calls, and must close it completely after use, or will soon be out of battery.
Have you guys noticed how arrogant skype management is?! The internet is full of users complaining about battery drain under iOS 4 and Skype people has even comment on this issue?
I run software development business myself and I cannot imagine a situation if there is a bug in my product and I wouldn’t even give any reply to users complaining about it.
Companies that don’t give a damn about their customers deserve to go down.
my two days of using the Skype on Iphone 3GS
started to find the phone getting very hot, and high battery drainage.
So i concur with all the people complaining on this forum about BATTERY DRAINAGE.
Skype, u need to fix this!
else all this multitasking is of no use!
i myself am going back to using Skype for call only mode (which is pathetic)
I have two of the same issues as several people mentioned here:
Iphone 4
1. I get logged out from Skype after a few hours when I have skype in the background. So, people cannot call me. It also seems to take very long time to log in when I open the app manually.
2. When I use skype on wifi, 8/10 times I get a message showing network speed issues and the other person cannot hear me. I have done a test on the line using the iphone, that returns an average speed of 6.00 mbps. I have full wifi coverage according to the wifi bars. Switching to 3G calling, even with something like 3 bars makes the call quality better! Any advice/support would be appreciated.
I and a number of my friends have iOS4.1 installed and experience power drain when Skype is running in the background. For some this means that they have to choose to either recharge their phone twice a day or not have Skype running in the background. I have a Mophie on my iPhone which basically gives me two batteries and I still need to recharge every day. I am looking at my phone right now and the only app that is in the multitasking ‘tray’ is Skype. I had 100% charge at 0600. It is now 1000 and I have lost 25% power. All I have done is make ONE Skype call of about 1 minute duration. No email reading, no internet browsing, no games played. Just Skype running in the background.
Can Skype PLEASE comment on this even if it is to say that they don’t know what is causing it.
Works ok, but drains the battery like a sieve even when plugged in, i was losing battery while participating in a group chat… Fix this!!!!
Agree this is a big problem with my iPhone 4… At least happy to find out that it’s isolated to the Skype app and not a problem with my whole phone…
There is definitely a battery consumption issue when this app is running in the background. Two months and still no fix or additional information is disappointing.
the skype iphone 4 app is good but it will only be GREAT when you add video calling with front facing camera
azorzet, I have the same issues as you are having.
1) I’m using iPhone 3GS. When I put skype in the background it logs out from and people cannot call me.
2) When I open the app manually, it takes a very long time to log in. Sometimes it never logs in and I need to shut the phone down.
Serious, serious shortcoming; no proxy support.