Skype Video Now Available on iPhone – Business Applications
Wait till you see this! Skype video is now available on the iPhone. Previously, audio was it. As of today, you can see callers on your iPhone and other portable devices.
The consumer side can have some fun applications with this. However, for business applications, this means productivity, profit and it is huge!
Imagine a situation where this would be extremely important. A support rep can now go to a customer’s location and, using an iPhone, show live video of the problem to an engineer back at the main office. The fact that this is in such a portable, convenient device as the iPhone (also other mobile devices) changes the way business is done.
You can make quick introductions to people over video. You can take the power of problem resolution directly to the point of need. For on-demand training it is powerful. The business applications are enormous for this and it means the business world has changed forever.
The best part of this is that you can use it not only in Wi-Fi but over 3G. For business, this is huge! Yes, we recommend using Wi-Fi but in the real world we know Wi-Fi is not always available. Often it would be great to have video available when you’re moving around. That is where the 3G network will come in handy. Yes! This opens up a lot of possibilities.
You can download the app for this at the Apple Store. Update your Skype app now.
Oh, and yes, you can use it on your iPad and 3rd generation iPod for viewing. Obviously we’ll need a camera for others to see you (come on, Apple. Hurry up with that 2-camera iPad model!).
As you round the corner from 2010 to 2011, think about how this new possibility can give you a competitive advantage to be closer to customers. Now that you know the technology exists, think about how it will fit into your overall business strategy to serve customers more quickly, more timely and with less cost to you.
Then after you’ve thought about it for a while, plan to relax and celebrate the New Year. We’ll have plenty of time in 2011 to make it a great year, embrace some new technology and accomplish business goals. I’ll look forward to hearing your toast to the new video features of Skype — now for iPhone and other portable devices!
You’re welcome.
The major problem my organization has adopting Skype as a business tool is that it is actively hostile to Corporate DLP and policies on file transfers and IMing.
I use Skype a lot. I pay for full world service and extra numbers. The reason why I have not switched to business pro is because it feels like there is no extra service for Skype users if they pay.
It seems we are all lumped in together with the free loaders. Surely free is not going to work forever.
You raise a good point. Look for more and more free vs. paid services in the future. If you’ve read John Anderson’s book, Free, you’ll know the model of “freemium” and “premium.” You’ll see some of this now with calls to landlines, Skype manager, etc. Watch for more services to come in the future. Thank you for your comment. Terry
is ther any plan to make skype video calls on Android ?
Thank you for the question. We’re working on it now. Our goal is to eventually have video available on all major mobile devices just like it is on desktops and laptops. Can’t give you a specific date yet (sorry) but know that we hear you and are working on it. Terry Brock