Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2010/12/30/skype_iphone_3g/

Skype offers iPhone video calls over 3G

FaceTime shame-faced

By Team Register

Posted in Networks, 30th December 2010 11:10 GMT

Skype has today updated its iPhone app to offer video calling over both 3G and Wi-Fi, trumping Apple's own FaceTime software.

Owners of the latest iPod Touch will also be able to make Skype-to-Skype video calls over Wi-Fi. The iPad and older iPods, which both lack a camera, will be able to receive video.

The app and the calls - in QVGA resolution - are free, subject to network data charges. Frame rates will depend on the network, but will not produce smooth video.

"With video calling representing approximately 40 percent of all Skype-to-Skype minutes for the first six months of 2010, our users have been eager to get Skype video calling on their mobile phones," said Skype consumer general manager Neil Stevens.

Skype is in the top five free apps in 2010, according to Apple, and it has been downloaded more than 30 million times.

A similar video-friendly update is said to be in the works for Skype's Android app. ®