It seems that 2009 might finally be the year that Skype hits the mainstream — and with a vengeance. Ever since eBay purchased the online voice over IP (VoIP) business, Skype has been making a big push to challenge the big telecommunications players in the North American market and abroad.
The latest example of this new push is the plentiful rumors online about a new Skype calling app for the Apple iPhone. And although lots of dodgy rumors go around online concerning the iPhone, in this case they appear to be true: Skype representatives announced last week the development of a new “Skype for iPhone” application, which will be available as a free download from the iTunes app store later this week.
With the power and prestige of the eBay name behind them, Skype is attempting to become as ubiquitous as the Apple iPhone itself. And the addition of the new free Skype app for the iPhone should introduce the voice over IP service to a wider demographic, and establish the company’s brand once and for all among mainstream American consumers.
The new app will allow iPhone users to scroll through their list of Skype contacts and see who is currently online. Skype chat is also included, as well as inexpensive long-distance and international fees to call land lines and other mobile phones around the world. As usual, direct to computer calls to other Skype users will be free.
The only real downside to the Skype app at this time is that it only works when in a range of a sufficiently speedy WiFi network (which would be most of them these days). And like other Skype calls, the call quality can suffer if the strength of the Internet connection is weak. The Skype app will also be compatible with Apple’s iPod touch, though users will need to have a headset microphone to be able to make calls.
Otherwise, the Skype application will work pretty much the same way the computer version works: calls can be muted, set on hold, or even routed to speakerphone. There’s also an information window to provide call info and a quick link to buy Skype credit for calls to land lines or other mobile phones.
Experts are already predicting that the free Skype app will be a huge success. The ability to make free calls to computers, and inexpensive calls to regular phone users should make the Skype for iPhone application the must have app of 2009.
