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!
| Tweet |
|
|
Leave a Reply
Note: Comments must be civil, respectful, and on-topic. If a comment does not add to the conversation, if it contains spam advertising, or inappropriate language or content, it will be removed. Insulting the topic, author, staff, site, network, or other commenters will result in the comment being marked as spam and potential prevent future comments from appearing on the site. Do not post as a business or your comment will likely be confused with spam. Comments containing links may be held for moderation. Relax, enjoy, and share in the discussion.
I use Skype all the time. Waiting for skype app that allows video
I use Skype for videoconferences, im waiting to be available in the iphone4 soon (to buy iphone 4). If it will not possible, then i will not buy the iphone4. with my iphone 3gs OS 4 i can do the same things like iphone4...
i use skype to video call my family overseas. i use iphone4 and waiting for skype to enable the video call on iphone4.
Skype is the defacto standard. Hopefully Apple will cooperate.
i would love this option. my husband is deployed for a year and webcam is my only opportunity to talk to him and see him. it would be so wonderful to be able to use my phone so i wont miss his call.
oh and one other thing. ideally the video should work with most webcam options--- google talk, msn, etc etc since skype is not always an option due to broadband...
Yes definelty, Skype is the natural choice for video chat. They pretty much invented the stuff,(ok not really) but became the most popular. All of us oversea with parents back home would love this feature of the Iphone4. I'm afraid that it might head into yet an other endless battle with Apple.
I would love this application. I actually thought it was available already and found this article in search for how to enable it. I communicate with my family and many friends overseas via Skype. I hope Apple won't see this as a threat and will go along with it. Looking forward to it.
I just recently purchased the iPhone 4 and I'm thrilled with all of the features it does have. However I just moved across the world with my family, and have no way of contacting my friends unless I sit down at a desk top. Skype on an iPhone is a dream come true for users. I, like many people was under the impression that this feature was already offered. I predict that the more people that find out about this unfortunate delay, the less people that will buy the iPhone 4's. Customers are looking for convience these days and what a better way then mobile video calls all over the world Apple? FaceTime was a great invention for those of us fortunate enough to have iPhone 4s. Just think of all the publicity that will come from Apple and Skype coming together to work as one though.
I use skype about 4 to 5 hours a day in company. We have meetings all the time and connect on projects. Video would just be a dream. I would love to "go mobile" throughout my company. Please Skype, really look into this.
Definitely a good idea!!!
I have the new iPhone 4 and downloaded Skype because the description online lead me to believe that I could use the video camera from the iPhone to video conference with my family who are all around the world but who do not own iPhone 4's. They use the skype video calling from their computers. I am very disapointed. Shouldn't there be some genius out there who can tell us how to work around the limits of these two pieces of software?
Mmmmmmmm...... sounds like a lot of you guys need to watch the iphone4 keynote again and listen very clearly, as re-stated in the article, Apple does state that the "Face Time" tech stuff is completely open, meaning that any body VoIP can use the tech, and they just added Face Time for iphone4 to iphone4 as a start-up, if you don't believe me, Fring did it and they made Skype video calling work, but Skype had them pull the plug as they were embarrassed that a 3rd party company could make their tech do what they could not! not Apple so we know it works and Apple allowed it, so the door is open, it is just up to the App makers, so stop blaming Apple (coz for once they are playing ball) if we all directed our out-rage at Skype we might find an update looming.
This is a no-brainer and I'm really disappointed Apple and Skype haven't jumped on his obvious opportunity yet. Come on App developers out there--I'd pay for an App to get this fixed! And Apple: please don't tell me I have to wait for iPhone 5 for this...
That would be awesome. I just learned how to use skype and I really hope we can do that because I only know one other person that has a iPhone 4 and its my dad. Please an thanks
Waiting anxiously for iphone 4 skype video app!!
Yes DEFINITELY...I use skype to video call my family overseas. I am waiting for skype to enable the video call on iphone4. Skype app....
I would absolutely love it if I could get skype video calling on my iPhone 4
I use Skype audio on my iPod Touch 3G. If Apple allows it, and Skype develops it, I will upgrade to the new iPod Touch 4G when Skype video is available. Until then I will not upgrade to the latest iPod Touch.
I have no use for an Apple to Apple video conference because most of my friends have Verizon phones. I want to do iPod Touch to PC Skype video calls.
C'mon Apple get over it already. Silly me made the presumption that front camera on iPhone meant ability for video Skype. Talk about a let down!
It would be great to video skype on iPhone 4!!!!!!!
I would definately use Skype on the iPhone 4. Especially when I am in tour overseas. It would help alot rather than having those outrageous international fees.
I am one of the millions of people that use skype on a daily bases to talk to my loved ones far away. I would love to have skype video chating on my phone wene im out with my daughter and her aunts and uncle want to see or speak to her. It would really make me happy it would be a gift from apple and skype to me. Please make this happen
Looking at the website from Skype and the animation of the Iphone showing live images it is a bit disappointing that the cam does work using Skype on your Iphone. http://www.tipb.com/2010/06/09/skype-bringing-video-chat-iphone-4/
Alex Cooper must have friends at Skype....
I planned on buying the new iPod touch just for this reason thinking it would be automatic, but now am waiting, and will only buy it if skype video is enabled!
Allowing skype video calls on the Iphone 4 should be a given. I only know of a few people with an Iphone 4, but alot of people with skype. So I will not be purchasing an Iphone 4 until apple allows you to make skype video calls. Until then there is no point to upgrade from my 3GS
An skype app that allowed video chatting on my iPhone would be amazing and very convient when boyfriend leaves for college
Hmmm, skype on iphone video chat, seems like a no brainer. But then again, Jobs tends to be a bit territorial about his products. Never the mind, I am certain somebody will create an app for it whether Apple agrees or not.
I believe there has been serious false advertising in the selling of the iphone4 and the skype options! A big draw to getting the 4 over 3 was skype! Now to find out after being told it did work that video calls dont work is something that should absolutely have been clarified! The capability is obviously there, get with it to make this more appealing and stick to what is advertised to not ultimately loose valuable customers!
I'm absolutely appalled that video chat does not work with skype for the Iphone 4's Facetime. Please make an agreement asap! Make the world excel into the future with this new and beneficial way of communication. You would only make staying in touch with loved ones easier than ever before. Please consider Apple and Skype. We love you both :3
The first thing I did after checking face time was downloading skype in my iPhone 4 "hoping" there would ve video chat in it!!! The only thing I could say is that it was a huge bummer :/
Being so far from my family it would be a great use to have video chat for iPhone for because all of my family have skype but almost none of my family have iPhone 4. So with video skype available I would be able to "see" how they are all doing and keeping in touch with family and friends.
I think everyone would be more likely to buy iPhone and use Skype if the two teamed up to create this new experience. While most iPhone buyers will have a few friends who have iPhones or iPods, enabling Skype video calling on iPhone and iPod would open up a whole new universe of possibilities. People would then be able to chat on the iPhone with friends who are on desktops or laptops from anywhere in the world (with coverage of course). This completely years down Skype's initial limitations as s primarily desktop based means of communication. FaceTime is also extremely limited with it's iPhone to iPhone communication, and everyone would benefit from Skype and Apple's collaboration.
Hey I just bought the iphone 4 and it came with a free case!!!!! YAYY!!! FREE CASE!!! YAYYYYYYYYYYyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.
have you seen my baseball? :B
The lack of skype videochat prevented me to purchase the iPod touch 4g. If I understand correct, facetime only works between 4g to 4g.
frings has it already and it had been used a lot so its interesting hoping for skype video calls on the skype app
one of the main reasons i want an iphone 4 is so i can talk to my boyfriend in another state from my phone to his computer!
) i hope they make it possible, or someone finds a way to get around it
Just tried to test Skype between my newly purchased I Phone 4 and home PC prior to a trip overseas on business. Couldn't get it working so I ended up on this page. I am appalled at the fact Apple blatently advertise video chat hence gullible me forking out a small fortune for one - only to find the adverts are a con and Skype video doesn't work. We should all be suing them under trade descriptions.
FaceTime is actually not that practical I can only talk with other iPhone 4 users and only on wifi what a waist of a great idea. Enabling skype video call is a must at this point. We have the technology and a great demand what else do they need to make it happen.
YES PLEASEEEEEEEEEE!!!
yes, please skype & Apple work together to get video calls for skype....I NEED THIS
Please Skype & apple make this work because it would be a dream come true!!!!
Please bring video skype to iPhone 4 as soon as possible. Thanks
Why has it not happened yet hurry up you big corprate red tap money hungry @&$)(;:..........
I'm just upset
I need to buy a smartphone asap, and I was deciding between the iPhone and Android phones. Iphone has a lot of appealing features, but what I just learned - that skype video chat is not available - has ruled iphone altogether. So sad. But now my task is easier: to select between android phones only.
OK, we've all been had. I just un-boxed my Itouch4 and I am in shock that the Skype app does not support video. It is absolutely inferred that Skype works on the 4th gen touch, but alas it ain't so. This is the ONLY reason that I upgraded to 4th gen. Apple & Skype- you need to come to an agreement... and fast. If this does not happen, we need to alert everyone that these units DO NOT support Skype. Get with the program guys!
Feel somewhat ripped off as I was under the impression that I would be able to video skype. As many people have said before me, it was the only reason I went for it. Living in oz with family in the uk, this is important to the family. Waiting impatiently for the skype video app now!!!
I was waiting for the iPod Touch to get a camera so I could use Skype with it. I can now use the new iPod Touch that I just bought for Skype calling, but not Skype video. This is a serious drawback. It makes no sense whatsoever that Apple and Skype do not have video over the iPhone and iPod Touch working with the literally millions of Skype video users out there. I guess it makes too much sense...
I was actually disappointed when I bought the iPhone 4, I assumed that it would already be working with skype and I was really looking forward to that. I think they need to get video chat up and running asap
Hey, don't worry guys, if Skype can't do it I'm someone else will, I heard the new ICQ for iPhone will be able to, it's just a matter of time. Skype, hurry up! Or me and my iPhone 4 buddies will forget all about you, we're the kind of users that has no effection to nostalgia.
unbelievable they don't have it yet...... i will still prefer skype do it and start to bridge this gap soon. I am a skype guy so will keep the wait on ..!
Videocalling was one of the things that tipped the balance for me to get an iPhone so I was pretty annoyed when I discovered that FaceTime only works with iPhone and in wifi zones. My service provider told me I could dl skype for video, so was again disappointed. Having an iphone4 and not being able to videocall is like having a Ferrari and only ever driving down to the local convenience store!
Yeah.... What they said. First iPhone and the video calling over Skype was a big reason for this purchase....a bit bummed...
For those who own a iphone4 and prefer to make video calls, just simple download a new app called Tango from Apple App Store. This new app allow you to video talk over 3G or WiFi. Have fun!
As traveling parents, we love Facetime on our new iPhones and will use it often between us. We would love to be able to Skype our friends and family who don't have "fancy phones" as my dad calls it, so I hope it's coming soon!!!
Lets Face it, Apple won't be happy if Skype have videocalls, simply because Skype will increase sales.... Apple will force Skype to hold the viceocalls release simple because they want to increase their sales announcing FACE TIME....
The skype app for iPhone is a bit misleading because it looks to me like a kid Is video chatting with someone using skype from his iPhone,so I downloaded it and can't video chat with anyone , I do have FaceTime but that is limited , needless to say I am bummed!!
I was going to buy an iphone4 just to video talk to the grandkids going to the US for 2 years-apple assured us we could Skype. Next time they said "not just yet but soon when Skype sort the software"-nobody mentioned Tango app-thanks Alan Apple did say if it did not do what we wanted they would give us our money back-MAYBE !!!!
You know I buy the iPod touch 4 for skype video chat but they don't have it, all my firend don't have iPhones or IPod touch but they have a webcam on there computer and they want to chat with me but, I have no webcam I not going to buy a webcam there like $40. Will wish they update soon.
Yeah...everyone I speak to is as frustrated about this...either get with video calling, Skype or get out of the apps store. I hope apple isn't impeding them in any way. It really stinks waiting
I guess Steve Jobs must have some Skype friends too and wants to use his iPhone 5 to video call them. He probably feels frustrated too...
Hopefully after a while we will see Skype at least on other platforms like Android. Maybe we just need to wait for other phone manufacturers to make front-facing camera a standard feature.
Time goes by and things change pretty quickly. Someday we will all use program better than Skype and phone better than iPhone. It's obvious that the more popular the service or product becomes the more restricted it gets with "more profit" strategy in its roots.
It's about who offers better services usually loose because users will always
the key factor will be when vid calls can be made from iphone to laptops and pc's because so few people have iphone 4 so face time pretty useless i only call 1 person once in a while so come on skype get it together things will get very interesting.
Bottleneck to many technological advances can be put in only 1 word - PROPRIETARY PROPRIETARY PROPRIETARY ... Apple, Google, Skype and many other big boys cannot live without this. Those guys making such decisions cannot think "out of the box", in their little world they are too focused on only one thing PROFIT.
Instead there should be one common protocol for vid calls that Skype, Facetime and Google will use.
People should be given a choice on the program they want to use to communicate, be it Skype, Facetime, gTalk (or whatever google is using) Fring etc and they should be able to communicate to others no matter what program they use. Until then they will be just pulling the blanket.
I've used Yahoo! video chat in my iPhone 4. Why can't the Skype app be updated to work the same way? I might have to talk all my friends into switching to Y!.
I hope apple works with skype as I only bought a iPhone 4 outright to use skype video call bak home it will intrest more people in buying a iphone4 and I hope it happens soon
I was about to buy an ipod 4 because I thought that it would work to make video calls with skype. But yesterday I rewied a lot of pages about this topic and found out that it's not possible. That's why I was very disappointed and finally I didn't buy the ipod. And I think this might be a reason for a lot of people... Who want's to wait and hope?? Just to be disappointed in the end... Naaa, I am going to buy the ipod when it has skype with the functionality to make video-calls and I think a lot of people should do the same!
I felt cheated when I bought iPod Touch latest model when I could not make calls using Skype. Apple can't assume that whole world has iPhone or iPod to use Face time. They should facilitate communication and not restrict it. While selling apple sales executive informed me about possibility of video calls but didnt tell me that this is only possible with Face time and people not having Apple products cant use Face time. I feel cheated.....
Our family bought a new ipod touch with the understanding we could skype with family overseas. Apple sales staff assured us Skype worked on the ipod. They handily failed to mention calls would be voice only - no video. This was our first Apple product and like others on this forum, we feel cheated.
I WOULD KILL FOR SKYPE VIDEO CALLING ON MY iPHONE! I really hope Apple decides to create this.
Like all others comments, iPhone 4 video chat was what got me to made the purchased... however, come to find out that it only work with other iPhone 4 users and only on wifi, I was more than disappointed. Not everyone can fork up $300+at&t outrageous monthly bills.
Then, I come to find out that skype gave me the same disappointment, I almost wanted to go back to my android but what had stopped me, was the fact that I am an Apple user. As sad as it is that Apple can be greedy at times, I am unfortunately an Apple user and will always be.
Beside that note, FaceTime is now available for download on Apple's laptop and if you have iOS 4.1+ on your iPhone 4, you can now FaceTime other Apple's users... I am sure that in the near future, FaceTime will be available for window's users.
Best of luck, Crystal
It would be fantastic if Skype and Apple worked together to bring Video Calls to the iPhone 4. Especially for those who travel and leave their families for a long period of time. Or even a short time for the matter. It's nice to always have that assurance that we can see the people we love wherever they are.
Not everyone can afford an Apple computer or an iPhone.
I am like many potential users. I am in the process of buying a Ipod Touch but will not do so until I can use Skype video on it. It is an Apple loss.
Im 17 & They sold us a dream and we clearly baught it. I thought I could Skype and all of that stuff, because that's what they made it seem, even on tv and now the iphone4 really wasn't nothing more then any other advanced phone. I was in such a hurry to get it for no reason. SHAME!
Well apple users won't loose any money by letting skype do video chatting . But FaceTime cam only be used when someone eles has the same phone and sykpe opens more than just that door
I would be hippy to' use video Skype on iphone4. I home it twill not take too long
It's probably AT&T pressuring Apple to not integrate Skype video calling on the iPhone. I'm in Canada and am purchasing an iPhone that isn't tied to a phone company. It's more expensive, but I can switch out the sim card in different countries. From the Apple website, it appears Americans must use AT&T in order to purchase the iPhone, is this true? (And if so, I hope it's temporary). If so, that explains a few things. Fortunately, there are countries where there is not a monopoly by wireless service providers, and hopefully that will allow Apple to support other communications companies like Skype without violating any exclusivity agreements. Urge Apple to get out of exclusive agreements with cellphone companies!
Facetime = appleegotrip Selfservice vs customerservice, apple
Shame on the apple share holders, their board of directors and the corporate citizen called apple, for being so subservient to the need for excess profit, the long term big picture is not being seen. More people than you know are upset with the inability too video call someone on a pc
I am also one of your faithful customers that has been buying and supporting apple products for a long time (the first being an apple 11+).I purchased a new Iphone looking forward to video calling friends and family that do not own apple products. Well, finding myself in a very disapointing moment after downloading skype app, I still need to use my laptop to make video calls. AND you expect a communication company like skype to change their platform to accommodate face time. Customer service will always be silently seen by your customers.
This is a disappointing story that is very familiar with many other corporate citizens, Please show me that your customer service is a greater concern to you than excess profit.
they better hurry up and work something out or they are going to be left behind. They need to get face time and skype video calling to work so that the "Android" is not the first to make it happen. There are alot of us that use skype and IPhone 4 and want to be able to use them together. I have a lot of friends that will not by the new iphone until things like this get worked out, what a waste for apple and att!
Yes we are also not happy about this news of no video calling for our I-phone 4. Steve Jobs if you are listening and care about all of us diehard apple customers please fix this problem.
I hate to see the competition continue to steal away marketshare.
Apple show us you really do care.
It's really stupid that Skype hasn't added video to their app yet. Another company made Fring video calls made incomming Skype video available on iPhone 3Gs which Skype later blocked. as soon as iPhone4 came out, it supported 2way video. Skype is just very slow closed proprietary company that doesn't want to keep up to date. Their Mac support has always been slow and lagged behind. They block 3rd party apps... it's stupid. If a popular open sourced solution comes available, i'd delete Skype in a second ;p
It makes no sense to me why Apple would put resources toward a proprietary video chat service when Skype is already successfully doing it. Why would Apple have a 2-camera phone/iPod without letting users leverage the hardware? Makes no sense to me!
I Just got the iphone 4 shure that it was able to videocall using skype..... But NOT !!!! is the iphone smart on simply a phone ????
So disappointed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Helloooooo mac guys fashism is dead !!!!!! wake up before it's too late !!!!!!
Im ticked that you can't video chat on the iphone 4 to non-iphone users. I mean apple is supposed to be the best. Really, you guys can do better than that.
I just wanted to let you know that you can use FiCall, its just like skype except you can make video calls from your iPhone 4 to any other device (phone, pc, laptop ect...) whether on wifi or 3G it does not matter it works perfectly, I am using it now and it works wherever I am as long as i have signal on my phone. Hope this helps.
I am currently having IPhone 3GS. I will surely be buying IPhone 4 if skype video calling feature is available. That is my first requirement
I honestly thought Skype video calling was supported on the i4. Absolutely disappointed it doesn't. Apple will lose quite a bit of customers if they don't get it together.
I can't wait till this is available and can't believe it wasn't already done before.
factime is good but if ipod 4 can make only calls to other iphones not skype its my addvise to apple launch new verson of skype which suppourts video call
You can try video chat using yahoo messenger on your iPhone!
so Apple and Skype are working on being able to use video chat from an Iphone 4 to a someone else's desktop?? if so that would be so helpful
Glad to announce that this has now been released and works flawlessly over wi-fi and 3G.
Thank you skype!
Skype always crashes my phone
sorry, to be exact, my iphone 3gs..
I travel a lot for work and can't afford an iPhone for both my wife and me. I would love to have the option of video conferencing with her and my kids from my iPhone4 to her desktop. Can't believe it is not yet available!
It would be nice if apple allows us to use skype
I Will love if apple let's us use skype that will definitely make people want to buy the new iPod
Can Iphone 4s use skype or not?
hello
Woah this blog is great i like studying your posts. Stay up the good paintings! You understand, lots of individuals are looking round for this info, you could aid them greatly.