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Skype upgrades iPhone app for 3G calling
by Jaspreet Virk - May 30, 2010 - comments
The Luxembourg-based company has also improved the call quality indicator, and the start-up time. Further, it has enabled fast access to the "dial pad from iPhone home screen."
Are you one of those who have been using Wi-Fi to make Skype to Skype calls, or sending instant messages on Skype from your iPhone? Well, its time to upgrade.
The internet calling service company has rolled out a new version of iPhone application that will allow users to make calls under AT&T's 3G network.
The new version, Skype 2.0.0, should not come as a surprise as the company had in February this year announced that 3G will soon become a reality on Skype.
Other improvements
Apart from offering the facility to make calls using the 3G network, the new version also offers other improvements.
These include near CD-quality sound for Skype-to-Skype calls using wideband audio (SILK codec) on iPhone 3GS and 2nd generation iPod touch.
Though the iPhone users will now be able to fully exploit AT&T’s 3G network, it is not all good news. The new upgrade will come at a cost.
The Luxembourg-based company has also improved the call quality indicator, and the start-up time. Further, it has enabled fast access to the "dial pad from iPhone home screen."
The new version 2.0.0, is available for download on Apple's store, iTunes.
3G calls will cost users
Though the iPhone users will now be able to fully exploit AT&T’s 3G network, it is not all good news. The new upgrade will come at a cost.
In a statement released, Skype stated that Skype-to-Skype calls on 3G will be charged from September onwards.
“Call using your 3G connection. Skype-to-Skype calls on 3G are free until at least end of August 2010, after which there will be a small monthly fee (operator charges for data will still apply),” the statement read.
The pricing details have yet not been divulged by the company.
Recalling Skype's success
There is no doubt that the users will benefit from the upgrade, but the possible impact of the fee to be charged for the calls is yet to be known.
Whether the price factor hinders the iPhone users from using the feature will be clear once Skype levies charges.
So far, Skype has achieved tremendous success. Launched in 2003, the company has now become the fastest growing internet communication provider. Today, the IP telephony service provider has more than 400 million users worldwide.
The Skype service is accessible on desktop computers, notebooks and other mobile devices, including mobile phones. Even Apple's upcoming smartphone iPhone OS 4 is expected to offer Skype feature.