The Ups and Downs of Skype 1.3 for iPhone
A new version of the popular VoIP and IM application Skype has been released for the enjoyment of iPhone users everywhere. I am of course talking about Skype for iPhone 1.3, which you can download straight from the App store – just click this link. But before you rush off to the App Store, perhaps you would like to know what version 1.3 has to offer – and what 1.3 does not provide.
First, here is what you can expect to get from Skype for iPhone 1.3:
- When you IM, you can use Skype in landscape mode. Just turn the iPhone on its side and the IM window will appear in landscape mode.
- There is a new call quality indicator which will help you decide whether you should call someone or not. It makes no sense to call someone if they’re not going to be able to hear you, now does it? In related news, the call quality feature is similar to the feature present in Skype 4.2 Beta for Windows, which was released back in December.
- For newbie users there is a hints and tips feature that should prove to be useful.
- Calls no longer drop when returning from hold.
And now here comes the downside. Skype for iPhone 1.3 does not come with push notification or the option to call over 3G. Skype’s Peter Parkes says that they’re working on push notification and a Skype for iPhone version that incorporates the feature will be released “when the experience has been perfected.” Regarding the fact that you cannot call over 3G, you have to blame Apple and its restrictions for this.
“As soon as Apple removes its current restrictions on calling over 3G, we’ll make a 3G-capable app available. We’ve got one up our sleeves ready for that moment, but for now, we’re being forced to wait," said Peter Parkes.
First, here is what you can expect to get from Skype for iPhone 1.3:
- When you IM, you can use Skype in landscape mode. Just turn the iPhone on its side and the IM window will appear in landscape mode.
- There is a new call quality indicator which will help you decide whether you should call someone or not. It makes no sense to call someone if they’re not going to be able to hear you, now does it? In related news, the call quality feature is similar to the feature present in Skype 4.2 Beta for Windows, which was released back in December.
- For newbie users there is a hints and tips feature that should prove to be useful.
- Calls no longer drop when returning from hold.
And now here comes the downside. Skype for iPhone 1.3 does not come with push notification or the option to call over 3G. Skype’s Peter Parkes says that they’re working on push notification and a Skype for iPhone version that incorporates the feature will be released “when the experience has been perfected.” Regarding the fact that you cannot call over 3G, you have to blame Apple and its restrictions for this.
“As soon as Apple removes its current restrictions on calling over 3G, we’ll make a 3G-capable app available. We’ve got one up our sleeves ready for that moment, but for now, we’re being forced to wait," said Peter Parkes.
