Skype has always sort of served as one of the poster children for why iOS just had to allow applications to run in the background. I mean, come on: being able to avoid gobbling up my precious minutes without having to keep the application open all the time just so I don’t miss calls? Yes. Yes please.
Its been a few weeks since iOS launched to the multitasking masses — and today, the dream of always-on Skype becomes a reality. Skype just pushed an update to their application which adds support for iOS 4′s multitasking abilities. Incoming call while the app isn’t in view? You’ll see a prompt, like the one above. Need to pop into another application while on a call? No problem — the Skype call will continue, just as a traditional carrier call would. Go Go Gadget App-Store-link!
Update: Even more good news! Remember how Skype was planning to start charging for Skype-to-Skype calls made over 3G? Yeah, they dropped that idea. You’ll still have to pay for SkypeOut if you’re making Skype-to-not-Skype calls, of course — but if you’re just calling another Skype user, you’re in the clear regardless of what network you’re on.
I just want my video calling over 3G :(
Finally, I fully tested the new Skype end to end…Finally a great iPhone solution for camping a virtual number!! 10 out of 10!
When someone is calling you on Skype, does the iPhone emit the same “alert” tone as usual, or a longer ringtone?
custom tone(different) with little vibration
This is what I’ve had available on my Nokia E51 for a year, and only paying $30/month
yeah, but you’ve got a s—ty phone. pay more feel more enjoy more.
isn’t it more like pay more, enjoy the same (1 yr later) ?
So the new iPod Touch expected this fall (to mirror the iPhone 4) seems like it could easily be a WiFi phone on Skype then.
Plug in earbuds with mic/speaker and presto, a Skype phone where ever you have WiFi.
Basically, an iPhone without a carrier.
As if you haven’t been able to do that for years though.
*would prefer SIP so I could use it for Google Voice/Gizmo5*
YESSSS! Lol Amazing. This is exactly what I am looking forward to. I just can’t wait to get the new iPhone 4. It takes forever to get to Canada and Rogers hasnt even announced a release date. But once its here, omg omg omg.
http://www.faheemmulla.com/blog
Does this update also allow the use of a bluetooth headset while on a Skype call?
Is it always “connected”? there doesn”t seem to be any indication that it is running.
indication is in “task bar” (double tap on home button)
Rather, it probably uses the push service to notify you (app doesn’t need to be running).
I just got my first iPhone. What’s the best way to connect my phone/Skype to Google Voice have my calls forwarded over VOIP (for free, of course)? I also got a Sipgate account which looks like it has free DID. Is the best solution to just get a SIP client on the phone?
Anyone know if running Skype in the background will work for iPad? Or if not are there plans to do so?
I think I could settle for paying the iPads $30/month data fees and ditching my iPhone all together.
imagining you holding the ipad against your year after you ditch the phone. *slaps head*
iOS4 isn’t out on the iPad yet, so there’s no background processing on the iPad at the moment. Apple are supposed to be releasing this around October I believe and I see no reason then why this wouldn’t work.
Appears to be a *huge* battery drain.
15 min = -3% on an iPhone 4.
What’s the point if it kills the battery?
If I do the math you could have 450 minutes before draining the battery IF the only thing you did was that. Sounds like FUD to me.
No FUD. Try it yourself.
same here with 3GS, plus burning phone!
Dear Skype, Android users want app too!
Why when they’ve got Google Voice?
because it’s not the same thing.
They shouldn’t be able to complain, they have google voice, and verizon, and they don’t have to deal with apple, and, and, etc.
Sadly, Google Voice works only in the US.
You can use Skype on any Android device for free if you download Nimbuzz. Check it out http://usa.blog.nimbuzz.com/2010/07/20/free-texting-and-free-calling-make-you-a-happy-android/
So, this version keeps crashing, already did few times and it takes forever to connect.
And no roaming from WiFi to 3G, so still quite limited for calling…
finally. glad to see they launched it. hope next version includes video calling.
The Android fanboy in me is screaming about that popup that will appear no matter what I’m doing, even if I’m busy in another app.
Apple already stole Android’s multitasking scheme (I think it’s the same under the hood)… I hope they imitate the Android notification system, too!
The experience portrayed above is entirely replicable with Push Messaging. App doesn’t need to be running in the background. Still do not get why this is a big deal to anyone but technology journalists looking to rationalize their Android fetish.
Now Appled needs to had more context to that dialog UI, maybe the app icon or something, they all way too similar and let’s Facebook, you are hitting that button faster than you are reading
Multitasking for Skype does not work on jailbroken iPhones :( that really blows…
I paid for a unlimited subscription that includes Landlines and Mobile. Several hours later I decided to reach out and connect with some (7) friends through my skype window. Every time I tried the call feature, I received a message that I need skype credits to make the call. Why do I have a subscription?
I have a high tolerance for technology and maybe I was doing something wrong. But what really fried my ass was the poor customer support, the lack of respect for my time and the inadequate reliance on existing users to help people that just gave them money. I must have spent about 1 and1/2 hours looking for an email or instant message interface so that I could find some avenue for help or hope. Instead Skype relies on a FQ list and a blog that contains user-generated content.
If we can rely on companies that make a living online to respect and value the online consumer, how can we ever expect brick and mortar business to step to the plate?
Sorry to hear you’ve been having problems – you can reach our support team here:
https://support.skype.com/support_selection
Hope that helps!
Peter
why would skype NOT preform a usability test form a customer support approach? if Skype things that there would be a lot of emails going to customer support – Then guess what – you have a problem with the user experience. Fix the UX and the customer service emails will go down, ignore the UX and the customers will be pissed and blog.
“Skype-to-Skype calling on 3G is free until the end of 2010, after that there’ll be a small monthly fee.”
Not exactly “Free.”
http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/get-skype/on-your-mobile/download/iphone-for-skype/
Hopefully they’re not planning a mobile access tax that they could slam on top of their POTS calling fees.
And yeah, non-Verizon crippled Android app please.
That info is just out of date. From Skype’s mouth, today:
With the Skype App running in background after 40 minutes in my iPhone 3GS, I got a huge battery drain and a burning cellphone. #fail
same here…. totally FAIL!
Just opened Skype on my 4G and it clearly says they will start charging at the end of 2010.
Make sure you’re running the latest version – you can get it here: http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-iphone (opens in App Store)
I THINK EVRYONE SHOULD STOP THINK ABOUT THEY’RE DAM PHONE AND START THINKING ABOUT THE PERSON SITTING NEXT TO THEM.WHAT THE HECK DON’T YOU FEEL ANYMORE?DON’T YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING MORE THAN TALK TO SOMEONE 10,0000 MILE’S AWAY FROM YOU .WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING RIGHT THERE.LOOKING FOR LOVE WHERE?WHEN YOUR ON THAT DAM PHONE….
I think this is a good idea and I am glad that they drop the idea to charge skype-to-skype calls and I hope they don’t want to change that in the future.
It’s good for those who r using it on iPhone ,but we do expect better quality of the call
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aren’t skype considering subscription as well? for what should be free IP to IP?
As long there isn’t any reliability issues, Internet mobile with skype is pretty cool!
Im just so happy they didnt introduce a charge!
What about iPhone 3G with enabled Multitasking (Jailbroken of course!), would Skype support multitasking on it like other apps do?
@ Skype
Why are you dragging your feet with (non-Verizon) Skype for Android?
What ever happened to the real skype? The company that could have revolutionized the world with their original business model…
Stay out of bed with the whores of society like Verizon and AT&T. Just make apps that make your service accessible to anyone and everyone on every device and platform… WIFI especially!!!
Discourage the bad behavior of overpriced cell phone companies and make your own brand by yourself!
You’ll never be as successful as you would like to be if all you can think about is a quick buck. BE REVOLUTIONARY SKYPE!
Do my AT&T minutes get charged if I have skype’s unlimited US subscription and I’m using it over 3G or WIFI?
Skype for iPhone doesn’t use your AT&T minutes – it just uses your data.
Even for Iphone 3G correct?
Correct!