Jan Zdarsa Skype is coming to the fore and operators don't like it at all. Anyway, since this morning, the official Skype client for iPhone can be downloaded from the Appstore for VoIP calls or Instant Messaging. But it is not such a win as it might seem.
I'll take the biggest problem out of the region right away. According to the current SDK conditions, it is not possible to use VoIP telephony via the operator's networks, so you can only make calls via this iPhone application if you are connected via WiFi. Although you will be on a 3G network, for example, the Skype application for iPhone will simply not allow you to make phone calls, and you will only be able to use the client to chat with Skype friends. Users with Windows Mobile phones are not familiar with such restrictions, and it's a real shame.
On the other hand, if you happen to have decided to try the beta version of iPhone firmware 3.0, calling via Skype on this firmware version also works on a 3G network. When introducing firmware 3.0, Apple already talked about the fact that in the new firmware VoIP will appear in various applications or games, so it is expected that VoIP will really work even over the 3G network.
But what is not easily solved is that Skype cannot run in the background of course. It's a shame for sure, the client is really nice, fast and if we could be online on Skype and anyone could call us there at any time, it would be an absolute fantasy. Unfortunately, we won't see it just like that, but let's wait for a solution using push notifications after the release of iPhone firmware 3.0.
As I already indicated, I have no problem with the Skype client. It has everything you would expect from such a client – a list of contacts, chats, a call screen, call history and a screen for editing your own profile. There is also a button on the call dial to call up the list of contacts from the iPhone, so it is not a problem to call any contact from your iPhone address book.
As for the voice transmission, I think it's at a very decent level, even a call on the 3G network (really only working on iPhone firmware 3.0) sounds wonderful and it's certainly not about compromises. Many people have complained that the app crashes right at the login screen after downloading. From the looks of it, only users with jailbroken phones are likely to have this problem, and uninstalling the Clippy app is often sufficient. Or perhaps there should be a fix on Cydia by now that fixes it.
Overall, the Skype application met expectations, the only thing that freezes is the impossibility of using VoIP on 3G networks on firmware 2.2.1 and older. It feels more nimble against its competitors, so I definitely recommend giving it a try. You can download it for free in the Appstore. If you like Skype, you should definitely not miss this application on your iPhone.
[xrr rating=4/5 label=”Apple Rating”]
Great, I disabled Clippy and Skype works on the jailbroken iPhone.
No need to uninstall Clippy, just update from Cydia MobileSubstrate. An update came out last night….
Question: in what way does this app have an advantage over, for example, Fring or Nimbuzz? Just a scam? It is worth it?
It has one extra thing that I haven't seen in any similar program (which can make Skype calls). Namely, the ability to edit the directory. Contacts can be added and deleted. As far as I know, this is not possible in Fring and Nimbuzz.
It just freezes the call via 3G. Wouldn't a neofiko fix fix Skype be the solution?
jablickar: I have a jailbreak. I looked on Cydia but couldn't find anything. Could you give me a little nudge in the right direction? Please. :-)
EDIT: I found it, solved it, it works (although the transmission has reserves)! :D
The VolPower application from cydia enables calls on 3G/EDGE as well
Unlike Fring, the Skype application has the ability to add/remove contacts, it remembers the chat history, or you can load it from another online client, so it's convenient..
Call quality is above average, much much better than Fring.
The GUI is also professional.
Let's just hope that the impossibility of running in the background is solved and it will be a battle.
I've been using Skype on my laptop and since I've had it on my iPhone I haven't used anything else... it's weird but it has better sound and it's more convenient... I haven't downloaded the 3.0 firmware yet so I don't know how it will work outside of wifi … but still… it's great! The only drawback is when someone calls, but even that will hopefully be fixed in time.