Something that wasn't made clear in the iPad announcement was the release of a new software development kit (SDK) from Apple for app developers. In this case that's big news, though, because it removed the restrictions on calling over 3G. Today, Skype posted in their blog that a new version of their iPhone software is coming that will remove the Wi-Fi only limitation on Skype calls.
Peter Parkes reported that Skype is actively developing a new version of their iPhone software for 3G. In an interview with David Ponsford he reported that they're adding things like a “quality indicator,” essentially a red/yellow/green light to give you an idea of the type of phone quality you can expect at that location in your wireless network. They're also using a different compression scheme to get better audio quality for those with the processing power of an iPhone 3GS or an iPod Touch. With the new codec, they claim that Skype to Skype calls will have CD-quality audio. Quality will be the real question, as Skype deals with the limitations and unpredictability of 3G signal strength.
So when can you expect this new version in the app store? To quote Ponsford, “Real Soon Now.”
UrAwFuL
February 03, 2010 at 6:16pm
So can I call between ANY Skype users for free to and from my phone or there is still charges?
