Skype bringing video chat to iPhone 4?
After Apple's announcement of FaceTime during the WWDC 2010 keynote, we knew it was only a matter of time before talk of Skype video chat would arise. Just two days later, an insider at Skype has told Pocket-Lint that they "would welcome the opportunity to work with Apple" when it comes to bringing Skype video calling to the new iPhone 4 scheduled to release on June 24.
It's clear to us at Skype that mobile video will become increasingly important to our customers in the coming year. We would welcome the opportunity to work with Apple to bring mobile video calling not only to our many millions of Skype users on iPhone around the world, but also to the countless more making video calls on desktops, TVs and other connected devices.
Skype has further clarified to Engadget that they are not interested in using FaceTime directly, rather to work with Apple to enable Skype video calling on the iPhone 4.
We are not considering FaceTime as a technological platform for video calling in our own products. However, given Apple's statement about FaceTime being an open platform, we are looking forward to see how it unfolds. We look forward to working with Apple to make sure the millions of users of Skype on the iPhone get the best possible experience when it comes to video calls on mobile devices and beyond.
Skype has also made it clear that they do not have any short-term intentions of enabling Skype video calling on the iPhone but want to see "how this process unfolds." The interest and desire to do so, however, is clearly evident.
FaceTime only allows video calling between iPhone 4 users. Skype video would open this up to anyone with a Skype account on any device including desktops and laptops. Working with Skype to make this happen will only make the iPhone 4 more appealing, and we can only hope that Apple agrees.
Does Skype video calling sound enticing to you? Would you use it more than Apple's FaceTime? Any predictions on when we may see something like this actually unfold? Sound off in the comments below!
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There are people making video calls on TVs!? Are the people at Skype also from the FUTURE?
No point using facetime if no one you hang with has iPhone 4 aswell. Can There please be an app so all iDevices can communicate with eachother? With the new camera!
If Skype video and audio over cellular data was available for the iPhone 4, it would convince my wife to get an iPhone 4.
She does Skype-to-Skype video all of the time.
Of course there may be an issue if Skype rolls their own stack instead of using Facetime protocols.
It'll be interesting to see how open Apple is going to be with Facetime competitors.
You know, from the slow update cycle from Skype on the iPhone (how long did it take to get Skype over 3G?), I've got to wonder if they've even got any programmers left to speak of.
Anything that makes it easier to mobile communicate over video (without unnecessary restrictions like iPhone 4 to iPhone 4 only) is a good thing. I'd love to be able to easily see video of the new baby in our family over my new iPhone, even though my relative doesn't have an iPhone.
I use Skype video all the time. I talked to my daughters who don’t live with me every day on Skype before they go to bed. I would love to be able to use it on the go.
Yes and yes. Approving devs to use the cameras for videochat, whether for Skype, for AIM, for Beejive, or anything else, would be huge.
yeah i love skype itself, but i hate the way the company is struggling to keep skype hot with updates and etc. Look at skype for the mac..is anyone even working on adding features and stuff? I don't even have to mention the iPhone app, it's a disgrace, not even push notifications for im's. Since the ompany and ebay divorced nothing good has come from skype.
I'm hoping that fring also steps up. They seem to be ahead in this dept, as they are first to enable skype calling on the iphone over 3g and I have used fring for video skype over 3g on my n95.
I think what Apple is trying to do is make facetime universal so people on different phones using the same protocol can make video calls.. Which I think is a great idea.. but presently Skype video calls would be awesome, even better than qik cause Skype is international and allows communication between PCs and mobile phones.. so in the present I see Skype video calls being more benefitial than FaceTime till everyone gets an iPhone4 and future iPhones or the Protocol is adopted.. Im sure Adroid would adopt it.. They dont come up with their own stuff anyways..
I at least want Apple to allow Facetime to work with iChat, then it will be useful to my family at least.
I see alot of bad talk about skype.. didnt anyone see the Skype demo for 4.0??
I would like facetime to be made into differant apps for a front facing camera phones and become a download for my pc. It's is open after all.
one word: DUH
Should be a FaceTime option in a 4.X release. Unless, Apple goes all evil and offers it only with iChat.
skype or not.. the wifi only needs to be the first thing that goes.
Yes the iphone needs to work with Skype. Most of my family in other states use skype, not sure how many will have the new iphone. if apple does something with skype now I think that would boost sales more.
How about basic push notifications so that the app is actually useful? Sad. Skype has really dropped the ball here. Why we've had to wait until ios 4 to get push functionality is beyond me. That's even assuming skpe will even support background chats in ios4 through the crappy iPhone notifications system. Been using Im+ client and may continue to do so.
Apple will never allow Skype to compete with their "Core technology". Watch and see.
We DON'T need yet another standard for video chat. Skype works fine (well, perhaps not for Chad).
If they add video and push Skype blows FaceTime out of the water.
That is why Apple will never let it happen.
@icebike: "Apple will never allow Skype to compete with their “Core technology”. Watch and see."
Lets add that to the "Apple will never allow Opera" and "Apple will never allow Third Party Apps" and "Apple will never add cut-copy-paste" and "Apple will never add multitasking"
Apple and Jobs are control freaks, they will not allow you to use video Skype because if they let you, you will be able to Skype with your friends and family and anyone else who has Skype on their laptop or desktop or smartphone like Evo. No way will be allow you to use the camera, he wants you to use Facetime only and only with other iPhone users.
If jobs could, he would disable the ability to EMAIL anyone except other iPhone users, it makes him sick to think that you can use his iPhone to call any number or email any account. He wants the system completely closed, and then he wants to close you.
Of course the Apple FANBOIIS will disagree and find a far-fetched and idiotic reason for why it's good that you can't actually use the camera for anything useful like Skype.
Even if they release Skype with video chat it will be Wifi only. That sucks. People will just complain about Skype all over again when VOIP only worked on WiFi. The video chat feature is just a novelty until AT&T allows it over their 3G bands or upcoming 4G network. That's the only way for a seamless experience. Until then, whatever.
@Rob
Nice strawmen...three of your four have zero to do with Apple policies, and the fourth, regarding Opera, actually supports Icebike a heckuva lot more than you. With Opera, the argument was that Apple would not allow something that used interpreted code. Opera Mini never did, using only compressed images, and it still took over a year for Apple to recognize this, and allow it. To this day, Apple still does not allow other HTML/JS browsers, unless you know of a copy of Fennec (mobile Firefox) that is somehow in the App Store?
Just getting Skype-to-Skype over 3G (free until end of the year then who knows what will happen) was painful enough. I can't see Skype making this a priority anytime soon. Just their response to the question tells me not to hold my breath.
I would enjoy that because it let's me expand my iPhone 4 to others who don't have one as well (once I get it on launch day). But we'll see how Apple handles FaceTime competition.
somebody please email steve jobs about this. i would love to see a reply from him about it. lol
I'd use Skype video chat if it were enabled on the iPhone 4 more than I would use FaceTime
I think it is very important for Apple to allow video chat on skype. It would reflect very poorly upon Apple and their policies. Offering skype would make the iphone 4 a VERY compelling device to own.
If they do it, I am getting iphone 4 for sure
This is exactly what I was hoping for - if Skype gets involved it could really open up the video messaging. I hope they are able to do it, and do it quickly.
With all the open source talk about flash, Jobs is going out of his way to PROVE that Apple is truly open to ALL developers, provided they give a great user experience. For the reason that this will a.) make Jobs look good and b.) that Skype is a great user experience, he'll allow video chat through the iPhone for Skype.
The fact that droid does it is even more incentive.
@Jordan
Going out of his way? Is that why Qik and Fring have video chat ready for the official EVO release, and even Skype has announced video chat for Android later this year ( http://bit.ly/cSuTUv ), while the most any of them can say is for the iPhone is that they have not started, but "they'd love to work with Apple."
@ Jimbo... Your point is well taken, but I think the pressure from the recent Adobe War will cause him to lighten his stance. I could very well be wrong, but I'm hoping I'm not.
Hey if apple rejects Skype w/ video chat over 3g I'm pretty sure it will be in Cydia. No doubt about the the jailbreak community won't be denied!
I really do hop. Apple let's skype into the video calling, will be tough though. Apple should really consider, apple and skype obviously will benefit from this...current skype users will want a iphone4 and iphone4 users will open a skype account...bada bing!
There is nothing official from Skype, anything coming from Pocket-Lint is speculation. All references linked by Pocket-Lint, link back to Pocket-Lint. How is that so many blogs can run with the same "UNVERIFIED STORY", without sourcing it?! To date, the only information regarding Skype and video calling can be found in this link: http://tinyurl.com/2v55xwd Skype video chat is going to Android.
They're still charging for this over 3G though. This isn't really going to change the world if it costs more than a normal call
I'd be happy to see Skype release the new multitasking feature when 4.0 is released in a timely manner, I'll be impressed by that
Adam,
Yes, people are making video calls on televisions. In fact, Panasonic, Samsung and LG have all built Skype into their 2010 lines of HDTVs. See http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/get-skype/on-your-tv/.
You can even get a sneak preview of Panasonic’s latest TV commercial featuring Skype video calling at http://bit.ly/bFwNQi.
@Calculus II Even if AT&T opens up video chatting over their 3G network, with the new tiered data plans that cap usage, it'll never work.
Skype officially addressed the claims made by Pocket-Lint, Skype says, "we are not considering FaceTime as a technological platform for video calling in our own products." Via CNET: http://tinyurl.com/23prr88
I've been using skype for the last 2 years (pc to pc calls) and on my iphone 3gs for the last year, it is an awesome app, gives me freedom to roam around my house and make calls to my dads pc in Peru (using wifi offcourse) and to my friends land lines over there too. It will be awesome to get video chat too, either way I am getting the Iphone 4 and first app to install... Skype... Please skype make video-chat on the iphone available soon!!!!!
im gonna buy the iphone 4 but am still somewhat hesitant. now if skype was going to have the capabilities of doing video chat on the iphone 4 then id be a 100% lock and no hesitation to buy iphone 4. none of my family or many of my friends have iphones so facetime wont really do much for me and communicating with them. but my parents, brother, and lots of friends use skype on their macs and pc's.
Apple needs to agree to this. It will make the iphone 4 more popular and more useful. More people in the world have skype than the iphone. So, Apple needs to capitalize on the skype market to advance their own product.
i doubt the issue is with APple really .. allowing Skye to use the front camera would be great, but it would probably also mean that the Skype video call would occur over the 3G network. Recall that Face Time ONLY works over WiFi .. not 3G....this is a protective measure coming from AT&T to control usage of their network .. doesn't seem to have anything to do with Apple, other than their allowing AT&T to dictate how Apple products get built.
I will buy at least 3 iPhone-4 and an Ipad if Skype with video conference is available. But with all of this Facetime vs skype crocked deal Jobbs is not getting my business.
All in all, I do believe that if Skype video chatting were to be enabled, the iPHONE would definitely be the best phone on the planet and would attract much more customers.
I would LOVE to have the skype video chat on the iphone 4, not everyone has a iphone or the new one at that, so having the skype would make the 4g more valuable.
I would love to be able video chat with my friends over skype. Those friends at work on their desktop or even on their iPhone 4. As for many of my friends don't have an iPhone 4, I'd like to utilize the FaceTime but can't. So having skype as an option would definitely make me much happier. I'm paying for the phone for this feature and yet can't utilize it unless I have friends who also have the same phone. Not too fun right now but I am sure soon 3rd party apps will offer video chat. If anyone knows of any already out please let me know.
I'm probably asking for too much. The phones only been out for 1 day. 3rd party apps will get around to utilizing these new features.
That would be AWESOME!!!!!
I have very little interest in facetime and would really only be interested in seeing skype video calls on the iPhone 4
You have to wonder (at least the skeptic in me does), how many "second" iphone 4's will be sold when family members and freinds of iP4 owners see Facetime. Being locked out of any other video calling option may in fact sell more phones for Apple than allowing Skype in.
Skype video in your pocket!!! It's just got to happen! But I can see it taking a while.
I'm dying to be able to skype with video ON MY PHONE!!
I think this sets up Apple to buy Skype. I think this is a real possibility coming up. Just makes sense coming up. We shall see.
Well I won't be buying the new iphone until I can do Skype video calling with my family oversees. But when/if they do make that an option give me two! I was very disappointed by the fact that you can only video call from iphone to iphone.
I would buy an iPhone 4 if I could make skype video calls.
YES I would love this feature. I have the iPhone4 now however my girlfriend has the Android (nasty) but we talk long distance via Skype on our laptops/desktops. It would be nice for me to be able to Skype (Video) while on the iphone vise the computer. I hope this comes some time down the road. Being deployed is hard and this will only make things easier.
Wow. I use Fring on my HTC EVO which hooks into Skype and I can video chat with practically anyone out there before the iPhone 4 was even released!!
Get a grip Apple! My EVO can also serve up wifi to up to EIGHT (8) iPhones when they can't get a signal from AT&T! Why can't iPhone video chat through 3G? or 4G for that matter? Oh yeah, 4g doesn't exist with AT&T yet.
All my contacts are on Skype not FaceTime. Skype video call on iPhone 4 will be huge. Can't wait...
I for sure would use a skype video app more than FaceTime. Why limit yourself to just people that own an iPhone 4
I was going to get iphone4 just because I heard I could video chat. I thought I can video chat with my family lives overseas... but now that I found that it's only between iphone4 users... I changed my mind... I believe they will work this thing out though!
I would use Skype more than FaceTime due to the fact I only know one person with the iPhone 4.
PLEASE!! My husband goes overseas almost once every two months for work...he just got the iphone 4 and this would be great!!
Absolutely! I purchased an iPhone 4 simply for the faster processor, better front facing camera and for the rear (or front whatever) camera option. As a father of 2 (almost 3) and with family all over the USA and Europe; I use skype extensively. The dream of not having to chase my little ones around the house with my laptop so my parents can see them in action was well worth the upgrade. I can only hope that skype develops the integration of iPhone 4 cameras into it's app as soon as possible so that it can open up the video chat to those of us who are currently bound to a wifi and a double iphone4 only restriction
The iPhone 4 FaceTime videophone requires both a cell-phone and WiFi connection, a silly requirement, probably intended to pacify the phone carriers who worry that Skype will put them out of business. Everyone is waiting for Skype to implement video chat on their iPhone app.
I also have very little interest in facetime and would really only be interested in seeing skype video calls on the iPhone 4. Please SKYPE, let us access video calling with you app on the iPhone 4!!! You would extend your brand presence 100 fold!!
i just bought the i4 and am about to return it because I wanted to video chat my friends around the world. guess what, they don't have i4's and i thought i could video chat via skype. i'll rebuy the phone once it gets skype video.
when!?
I would love to see skype video call functionality working on Iphone 4 and PC.
I'm liken see pepole
I can't wait until Skype gets on board (if Apple lets them)...I like the idea of an "On-The Go Nanny Cam".
I'm not buying the new iphone unless I can skype with it.
Skype has consistently dropped the ball in regards to the iPhone and i certainly don't expect video calling anytime in the near future. How long have we been waiting for Push Notifications? And that would be fairly easy to accomplish. I was an early adoptee of Skype and have paid for their services. They constantly screw up my recharge order. Skype had better get it's act together or risk losing out to products such as Facetime.
One other note. It is my prediction that Skype will not make any major updates until the company is purchased through a public offering. I believe the current owners want to squeeze as much money out of the product and that means not paying people to create what would be an awesome update.
What I would like is for FaceTime to interface directly to Skype so I could use it to talk to anyone with Skype. Apple is going to make a much better client than Skype for the iPhone but without being able to talk to everyone else it is useless. Of course, Apple could take on Skype at their own game and provide PC and Mac clients for FaceTime. That would be a good second.
I would go and buy an iPhone 4 if skype was available. I have the 3GS. With my kids on the way it would beat having to lug a laptop around the hospital to show the family.
You can bet that if they make a droid with a front facing camera and access to skype, iPhone 4 sales will go down dramatically...
i would love if skype would allow video chatting, i've never even used facetime cuz i dont even know anyone that even has the iphone 4. apple should really do this cuz it would put the iphone 4 in demand by businessmen who want to make their businesses more personal and who want to be there for their families.
This would open up many applications. I would do real time reporting using the facility. Right now, I have no string reason to own an IPHONE. This would clearly take it over the edge, especially for the unlocked version of IPHONE4.
You gotta wonder, why would apple not want skype video on there iPhone . Sometimes I think that Steve Jobs needs to give up his propriiatory thinking and give the people what they want!!
I have an iPhone 4 and love FaceTime, anyone who hasn't used it might not get it. Its wonderful. And skype needs to do this. It would be epic
I think Apple should do it -- buy Skype! Imagine the network: iChat/Skype app when you're at home, Skype when you're not at your computer (make a aim-like service (me.com), and Face Time on your phone when you're on the go. One system, all three parts working together. We all win
I would love to skype from my iphpne4. I dont like the way facetime can only work with wifi. Please make the app skype
I WILL BUY AN IPHONE 4 IF SKYPE MAKES A VIDEO CHAT FEATURE
I do do want to use FaceTime I wAnt to use skype that is the whole reason I wanted the iPhone 4 and makes me mad that I can not use skype with video on my iPhone 4
The reason I bought the iPhone 4 was to have skype capabilities including video chat. My family is in England and it would w Be wonderful to share moments with them without being tied to a computer it's a great phone but now I find I cannot do video over skype I'm somewhat disappointed. My father has cancer too so time is of the essence for me. I hope it can happen soon.
That the reason I bought a Iphone 4 so I can use skype video chat. After bought I found that I cannot use iphone 4 for skype video. I was very disappointed and mad. If I new before, I never and ever bought iphone 4.
Guys, I downloaded an app on my i4, it's great it's compitable with the front cam. Called fring. Called my parents overseas using fring video wasn't PERFECT but I mean comn it worked you know just like skype try it out guys.
This is possible right now. Stop messing around Apple!! Get it done. If the concern is not selling "second phones", think about all those who would instantly by this device if the Skype video feature was allowed. Thereby extending the potential FaceTime user pool anyways.
None of my friends have the iPhone but they have skype and I really want to be able to video skype with them on my phone
Could I make video calls with Fring (on IPhone 4), when my friends in Europe have Skype on the computer?
Yes Skype Video Calling On iPhone 4 will Be used more than FaceTime. If there is Skype video calling on Skype iPhone 4 version, you should be aloud to skype with a person that is on a laptop using skype
I purchased iphone4 to hopefully video skype also. I have no interest in face to face feature since not a lot of my friends and family hAve the phone.
I have too agree with alot of iPhone 4 users. I was also disapponted that the cool feature of Face Time could only be used with someone that has and iPhone 4 too. I always figured since i saw the feature on tv Skyping someone on my phone to their computer at home would be awesome! I'm actually surprised Skype isn't already on board at this point the iPhone 4 has been anticipated for quite some time to all the gadget lovers out there and we all know theirs alot of us! Hurry Up Skype GEEEZZ!!
Look, FaceTime is a really cool feature.....Please put it over 3G! As with Skype. It would also be another great feature for the iPhone 4. Both I would use for the the fact I have some family with iPhones and family who use Skype. It's a win win, especially being away from a computer. IT ONLY MAKES SENSE. Apple, Skype work together and make it happen.
FaceTime for iPhone severely limits the flexibility and usefulness of iPhone 4. Skype video chat would allow business and pleasure travelers to stay connected without having to drag a laptop with them. I highly support the development of this product and would use it quite often.
I am astounded and disappointed that I can't use Video with Skype on my iPhone 4. All my family and friends use Skype (all 5 sisters and my brother and my parents) to keep in touch in our various lacoations around the world. They do not have iPhone 4s, and why should they when there are so many choices out there.
Get real Apple!!!!!!
FaceTime would be great ONLY if it had a PC/Mac client like skype does. I've had my iPhone 4 since day 1 and I would love to use FaceTime... but with who? I have many friends and family in Skype but I can't use skype with my iPhone for video because they don't support it. So basically, as bad as I would love to make use of my forward facing camera to make video calls, I can't. So far it's been useless. I pay to have a skype number. I love skype, but they need to get on the ball with this one. Hurry!!! As for Apple, this ain't no Apple-world just yet. Make FaceTime practical... and everyone knows what i mean.
Skype allowing video calls on the iPhone 4: this would fantastic! Skype is by far the best chat/call/video system out there. The iPhone 4 is an incredible piece of equipment... If Fring is able to offer video-calling to its user so should Skype. Come on Guys... Move it! We are waiting!