What iPhone OS 4.0 Means for the Skype App

Article by George Norman (Cybersecurity Editor)

on 12 Apr 2010

Cupertino-based software developer Apple recently showcased the iPhone OS version 4.0, which will be released to the public this June. The new version of the operating system that powers the iPhone and iPod Touch comes with some 100 new features – you can check out the highlights here .

What impact will the iPhone OS 4.0 have on the Skype for iPhone app? All the great changes in iPhone OS 4.0 will make Skype for iPhone a better app as well – or at least it will make using the app a more pleasurable experience. Take the fact that the iPhone OS 4.0 will support multitasking. This means you will no longer have to close Skype for iPhone to switch to another app.

You can switch to another app and Skype for iPhone will run in the background. The app will no longer quit and you don’t have to be offline. You can remain online, meaning that you can receive calls as well as instant messages, even if you’re not actively using the Skype for iPhone app.

Speaking of which, you will be notified that someone is calling you in Skype, even if you’ve switched to another app and you’re currently using that app. This is because iPhone OS 4.0 will support local notifications (send notifications from one app on the iPhone to another app on the iPhone). As you’re using that app, a notification will appear on the screen when you receive a call for example. A single tap is all it that is needed for you to take that incoming call.

“With iPhone OS 4, we hope Skype will become a whole lot more convenient for all of you who use it,” commented Skype’s Peter Parkes.

The latest Skype for iPhone version is v. 1.3. It comes with the following highlights:
- 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.

Skype for iPhone 1.3 does not come with push notification nor does it come with the option to call over 3G. Find out why there’s no 3G support here.

If you would like to get Skype for iPhone, you can download the app straight from the App Store here.


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