Skype's video calling feature for the Apple iPhone has been rumored for several days, but it was expected that Skype would wait to make the official announcement at the upcoming Las Vegas International Computer Electronics Show CES running January 6-9, 2011.
Skype's official iOS client has finally sprouted the ability to make video calls, allowing iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and fourth-generation iPod touch users to share real-time video amongst each other and users of Skype's Windows, Mac, and Linux clients along with the ASUS Videophone (obviously, 3GS users won't have the convenience of a front-facing camera, but they'll still be able to broadcast video from the rear-facing one).
Additionally, you'll be able to receive video from others if you're using an iPad or a third-generation iPod touch. The service is free and works over both WiFi and 3G -- and considering Skype's existing PC footprint, we'd argue this stands a very real chance of putting the hurt on FaceTime usage. No word on when Skype will be making video-capable clients available for Android or other mobile platforms, but Skype says that there'll be "plenty more" announcements in Vegas next week, so we wouldn't be surprised.
Update: So we just gave 3.0 a spin, calling iPhone-to-iPhone (both WiFi), iPhone-to-desktop (both WiFi), and again iPhone-to-iPhone (both 3G). The first two worked great, although the desktop camera produced better quality. As for the worst-case scenario, 3G-to-3G video calling, well... we wouldn't recommend it unless absolutely necessary. Video after the break, and be sure to note the battery life -- after about 10 minutes of use, we dropped from 66 percent to 61.
COMMENTARY: This announcement comes after it became known that China was banning Skype and all VoIP companies located outside of China. I mentioned this in my blog post of December 30, 2010. According to Skype, they found out about the ban from the media. I love those Communist Chinese. If the ban is not true, I really went to a lot of work determine the loss to Skype.
Courtesy of an article dated December 30, 2010 appearing in Engadget
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