According to iPhoneiTalia, Facebook is working on an update to its Messenger app that will deliver Facebook video calls across multiple platforms. Facebook currently offers a video calling service between users on desktop web browsers using its agreement with Skype. According to sources, the update to the Facebook messenger app is already being tested in the wild and should be revealed in the not too distant future.

This update appears to be a natural progression for the Facebook Messenger app. The idea of being able to video chat with another Facebook user on an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch would be extremely appealing to many. The app should be compatible with any iOS device with a front facing camera. We will let you know as soon as we hear any more information!

Source: iPhoneItalia via Cult of Mac

Did you or someone you know just get a brand new iPhone or iPod touch, and are wondering which are the top 10 very best, most must-have apps and games you absolutely need to jump into the App Store and download now, now, now? Well, you’re in luck — whether you want to show off the beautiful Retina display, test the power of the dual-core Apple A5 processor, need to get things done, or just want to have some fun, TiPb’s top 10 have got your back! As part of our ongoing iPhone new users guide, here are our top 10 favorite, most highly recommended iPhone apps to get you started!

Note: App prices are current as of the time of this writing but can and do change frequently over time, including going up, down, and going on sale. Some free apps also sell additional content via in-app-purchase, or require a subscription. Always read app descriptions thoroughly before purchasing or downloading.

Social apps: Facebook for iPhone

Facebook is one of the most popular sites on the web, and not surprisingly, it’s also one of the most popular apps on iPhone. While Facebook for iPhone has a well earned reputation for general bugginess, it’s also been steadily improving as of late. Sure, you can visit Facebook.com on Safari, but the app gives you much, much more functionality, not the least of which is photo uploads. You also get Places, Messages, Chat, and many of your other favorite Facebook features.

• Free – App Store link

Also check out:

• Facebook Messenger is for those who want a fast, focused way to stay in instant touch with friends. Free – App Store link
• LinkedIn for iPhone has a brand new, way more distinctive interface for all your business networking. Free – App Store link
• Tweetbot is a great, highly stylized alternative to the official Twitter client. $2.99 – App Store link
• Find my Friends is Apple’s answer to keeping track of who’s where, either all the time or just for special events. Free – App Store link

Casual games: Angry Birds

Angry Birds is like the Mario or Sonic of iPhone and iPod touch gaming — so synonymous with iOS that even though it’s not made by Apple, even though it’s on other platforms now, it’s still the most famous, and still one of the most fun games ever to grace the App Store. While the idea of slingshotting variously powered birds at the variously fashioned fortifications and popping variously evil green pigs might seem thin at first, excellent gameplay and a constant stream of updates keep it fresh — and continuously at or near the top of the charts. Give it a fling… and prepare to lose many an hour chasing those elusive three star ratings.

• $0.99 – App Store link

Also check out:

• Cut the Rope is just as simple, just as enjoyable, and just as addictive. $0.99 – App Store link
• Plants vs. Zombies is a charming, horrifically funny take on tower defense. $2.99 – App Store link
• Tiny Wings shows that birds don’t have to be angry to be fun; they don’t even need to fly… much. $0.99 – App Store link
• Seigecraft is a beautifully done tower defense style game… with trebuchets! $2.99 – App Store link

Communications/IM apps: Skype

The iPhone is a phone, so it makes voice calls, it has FaceTime so it makes video calls, and it has iMessage, so it can do IM. What place is there, then, for Skype for iPhone? Turns out, a lot. FaceTime and iMessage are Apple-only technologies, so they don’t play nicely with other devices and platforms, and phone calls — especially international phone calls cost a lot of money. Microsoft’s Skype runs on almost every device and operating system, is free to call other Skype users, and cheap to call phones.

• Free – App Store link link

Also check out:

• BeeJiveIM supports AIM/MobileMe, MSN/Windows Live, Yahoo!, GoogleTalk, Facebook, MySpace and Jabber for flexible, full featured chat. $9.99 – iTunes link
• Google Voice for iPhone lets you access your GV calls, texts, and voice mail. Free – iTunes link
• WhatsApp is probably the closest thing to a cross-platform BBM (BlackBerry Messenger)-style instant messenger available. $0.99 – App Store link
• Verbs doesn’t support as many protocols but for GTalk, Facebook, AIM, and Me.com, nothing looks nicer. $0.99 + in-app purchase – App Store link

Productivity apps: Numbers, Pages, and Keynote

Apple’s iWork suite, which consists of Keynote for presentations, Numbers for spreadsheets, and Pages for word processing has recently been updated to work with iCloud, so all your documents get stored and synced between your devices (including, eventually, iWork for Mac when Apple updates it). Keynote was built for Steve Jobs so it’s absolutely best in class, while Numbers and Pages are easy to use and produce great looking docs.

• $9.99 – Keynote in App Store link
• $9.99 – Numbers in App Store link
• $9.99 – Pages in App Store link

Also check out:

• Good Reader is a powerhouse for PDF annotating and file management. [$2.99 - App Store link]
• Evernote stores text, images, and audio for easy reference later. [Free - App Store link]
• Elements is a text editor that syncs with Dropbox and has Markdown support. ‘Nuff said. $4.99 – App Store link
• Todo takes task management to the next level, with sync to Dropbox or iCloud among others. $4.99 – App Store link

Action/arcade games: Infinity Blade II

Epic’s Unreal 3 engine exploded onto iPhone with Infinity Blade, an on-rails sword fighting extravaganza with some of the best visuals we’ve ever seen. Infinity Blade II takes all of that to a whole new level. You literally will not believe a game that looks this good is running on your phone.

Infinity Blade II picks up where the first left off, with you locked in a battle with the Deathless, only this time the stakes are higher, the enemies badder, and the weapons more powerful than ever. It’s still a tad repetitive at times, but it quickly becomes as addictive as it is gorgeous, and ChAIR typically has regular updates so there’s always new gear, new enemies, and new aspects to enjoy.

• $6.99 – App Store link

Also check out:

• Real Racing 2 for amazing cars, online action, and AirPlay. $9.99 – App Store link
• Street Fighter IV Volt puts the classic fighter in the palm of your hands. $0.99 – App Store link
• Extraction: Project Outbreak is a fresh take on the top-down 3D shooter. $0.99 – App Store Link
• Atari’s Greatest Hits brings the oldest of old school to your brand new advice. Free – App Store link

Music apps: Rdio

While Pandora, Slacker, and Spotify get a lot of attention, Rdio’s focus on social networking means it really excels at music discovery — you get to see what the people you’re following are listening to. You can cache music for offline listening, so you can load up on Wi-Fi and save your data, and the available selection of music is great for mainstream and alternative music lovers alike. Give it a try with the free 7-day trial.

Also check out:

• GarageBand is Apple’s iLife music making app brought to iPhone. $4.99 – App Store link
• DJay will make you the mixing star of your next party. $0.99 – App Store link
• MadPad lets you remix and make music out of all the sounds around you. $0.99 – App Store link
• Shows lets you know when and where your favorite artists are in concert. $2.99 – App Store link

Photo apps: Instagram

Instagram is the current king of iPhone photography apps, and it took the crown through a brilliant combination of easy-to-apply filters and super simple social sharing. The latest version not only adds even more filters, but all tilt-shift effects. Whether you want to quickly share great looking snap shots to Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, Foursquare, or Posterous, Instagram has you covered. In style.

• Free – App Store link

Also check out:

• Photogene2 is a photography powerhouse, with full featured editing, sharing, and much more. $1.99 – App Store link
• Camera+ is jam packed with features and filters to make your photos shine. $0.99 – App Store link
• Hipstamatic to bring that terrific toy camera look to your shots. [$0.99 – App Store link
• Flickr for iPhone lets you store and share all the shots you take. [Free – App Store link

Video apps: Air Video

Air Video automagically transcodes on the the fly and streams your videos — almost any videos, in almost any format — from your Windows or Mac PC to your iPhone. If you have an Apple TV, you can also beam them straight to your big screen television as well. If you’ve got a ton of content on your computer and you want to watch it on your iPhone, this is the app for you.

• $2.99 – App Store link

Also check out:

• iMovie is Apple’s iLife video editor, gloriously brought to iPhone. $4.99 – App Store link
• Netflix gives you access to tons of streaming catalog titles, right on your iPhone. Free – App Store link
• IMDb includes all the movie and TV details and showtimes in handy app form. Free – App Store link
• Slingplayer Mobile works with your Slingbox to put anything from your TV on your iPhone. $29.99 – App Store link

Internet apps: Dropbox

Dropbox is an amazing cloud sync solution not just for iPhone but for iPad, Mac, Windows, Linux, and basically everything you can imagine (several of us store almost our entire home directories in Dropbox). Not only does it give you access to any and all files in your Dropbox folder — along with easy links for sharing and the ability to store favorites locally — but many, many other apps use Dropbox to handle their sync as well, from password apps to writing apps to note taking apps. You get 2GB for free and can buy more if you need it. It’s different than Apple’s iCloud, but it’s just as awesome.

• Free – App Store link

Also check out:

• 1Password lets you have security and convenience with all your logins, credit cards, and accounts available on your iPhone. $14.99 – App Store link
• Skyfire is a web browser that lets you watch some Flash videos on your iPhone. $2.99 – App Store link
• Screens is a VNC client that lets you remote desktop to your Windows, Mac, and Linux machines. $19.99 – App Store link
• Articles wraps up Wikipedia into a great looking, easy to use app. $2.99 – App Store link

Location/GPS apps: NAVIGON

Get full fledged turn-by-turn driving directions on your iPhone so you can keep your eyes where they belong — on the road. NAVIGON provides on-board maps which means it keeps working in areas where there’s no data coverage. You can buy regional, country, or continents at a time, and there are also options for live traffic updates, parking directions, and enhanced panoramic views of the surroundings.

• Varies – App Store link

Also check out:

• Foursquare lets you “check in” to locations, keep track of your and your friends’ locations, and earn points for being there. Free – App Store link
• Yelp provides restaurant, gas station, bar, and pretty much any type of business location and recommendations. Free – App Store link
• Find my iPhone is Apple’s way for iCloud to help you locate, lock, and even wipe a missing or stolen iPhone. Free – App Store link
• Waze is a free, crowd-sourced, and highly social travel and nav app. Free – App Store link

Your top apps?

So there you have them, our top 10 best iPhone apps to get you started. Be sure to check out our Picks of the Week and iPhone App and Games Forum for more recommendations, and if we missed any of your favorites leave them in the comments below!

Skype for iPhone has received an update, and with it, brings Bluetooth support as well as a new UI, enhanced video, and ads for those who do not have Skype credit.

Call, video call and instant message anyone else on Skype for free with Skype for your iPhone or iPod touch.

• Share moments over free* video calls with front and rear-facing cameras: Enjoy video calls with Skype contacts on, iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, compatible mobiles, PCs, Macs or Skype-enabled TVs.
• Call Skype-to-Skype, wherever you are: Call Skype contacts for free on 3G* or Wi-Fi.
• Save on calls to Contacts or any phone number: Text and call phones anywhere with Skype Credit. It’s especially good value to international numbers.
• Send free* instant messages for an instant response: Message friends, wherever, and whenever the mood strikes.
• Near CD quality sound for Skype-to-Skype calls: Enjoy wideband audio (SILK codec) on iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad and 2nd & 3rd generation iPod touch.

Update includes:

• Bluetooth support for iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch 4th Generation, and iPad 2
• Incoming emoticons; outgoing emoticons displayed when entered in text form
• Enhanced video through image stabilization
• New easy-to-use interface
• Advertising will be shown to users that do not have Skype Credit, a calling subscription or premium subscription
• Bugfix for security vulnerability

Skype is available on the iPhone for free.

[App Store link]

Have an app you’d love to see featured on TiPb? Email us at iosapps@tipb.com, tell us about your app (include an iTunes link), and we’ll take a look.

Skype has stated they are aware of a serious cross-site scripting vulnerability within the chat feature for Skype on the iPhone. The security hole could allow for malicious JavaScript code to access to your address book and is known to affect versions 3.0.1 and below.

Skype reached out to TechCrunch to say they’re hard at work on getting an update pushed to the App Store.

We are working hard to fix this reported issue in our next planned release which we hope to roll out imminently. In the meantime we always recommend people exercise caution in only accepting friend requests from people they know and practice common sense internet security as always.

The funny thing is, Skype has known about the issue for a while now. AppSec Consulting security researcher Phil Purviance helped discover the problem and let Skype know about it almost a month ago. Skype responded saying they would release an update earlier this month, but we’re nearing the end of September and there’s no update to be found.

Here’s hoping Skype gets on this quick and pushes out an update soon, but in the meantime check out the video below detailing how the vulnerability works.

[superevr, TechCrunch]

Skype has released their newest app, Skype WiFi for iPhone. It allows you to connect to 1 million different WiFi hotspots around the world and pay with Skype Credit.

Details and screenshots after the break.

[iTunes link]

Get online at over 1 million WiFi hotspots around the world. Pay per minute with Skype Credit. The must-have app for trips abroad and international travelers.

• Use Skype WiFi to connect to WiFi hotspots at hotels, airports, train stations, bars and restaurants – available at over 1 million hotspots worldwide.
• Just one tap to connect – then browse the internet, check email, use Skype, check Facebook, update Twitter, upload photos, download music or ebooks.
• Only pay for the time you’re connected – there are no limits on the amount of data you can upload or download.

Skype WiFi is available on the iPhone for free.

Have an app you’d love to see featured on TiPb? Email us at iosapps@tipb.com, tell us about your app (include an iTunes link), and we’ll take a look.

The messaging app imo instant messenger for iPad, by imo.im, has been with support for group chat and more.

With imo instant messenger, it’s easy to stay in touch with friends on your existing IM accounts. imo currently supports Facebook Chat, Google Talk, Skype, MSN, ICQ/AIM, Yahoo, Jabber, Myspace, Hyves, and Vkontakte.

• No need to create a new account with imo
• Option to link accounts or save passwords to log in faster
• Push notifications sent for 72 hours after you close the app
• Searchable chat history on the app and on imo.im
• Links from buddies open directly in app
• Voice IM
• Concurrent sessions on different devices
• Favorite buddies and optional buddy icons

The update includes:

• Support for imo and Skype Group Chat
• Allow sending pictures and videos
• Added a menu to select emoticons
• Allows user to page through chat history from chat window
• Added browsing of chat history with any particular buddy
• Added protocols Hyves and Vkontakte
• Improved look of tabs

imo instant messenger for iPad is available for free. Screenshots after the break.

Have an app you’d love to see featured on TiPb? Email us at iosapps@tipb.com, tell us about your app (include an iTunes link), and we’ll take a look.

Skype for iPad has just hit the App Store!

Bring your Skype contacts closer with full screen video at your fingertips. Beautiful and simple, this is Skype built especially for the iPad. Call, video call, or instant message anyone on Skype. Plus, if you add a little Skype Credit, call landlines and mobiles at really low rates.

• Join Skype on your iPad in a few moments or just sign straight in to your account.
• If you already have a Skype account, your Skype contacts will automatically be there on your iPad.
• We’ve made adding new Skype contacts really easy.
• Once they’re in your Contact list, call, video or instant message them in one touch.
• Flick through recent calls and instant messages in your Skype for iPad history.
• Skype for iPad works over Wi-Fi or 3G (operator data charges may apply). Call Skype contacts on their iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, PC, Mac and even Skype enabled TVs.
• Talk face-to-face or show what you’re seeing with front and back-facing cameras.
• Use Skype for iPad to call anyone else on Skype – and enjoy near CD quality (SILK) sound.
• Instant message and add emoticons to personalize your messages.

Skype for iPad has been long anticipated and is compatible on both the iPad and iPad 2. Now go grab it and let us know if it was worth the wait!

Skype for iPad is available for free. Screenshots after the break.

[iTunes link]

UPDATE 1: Skype has removed their iPad app from the App Store and sent out the following tweets:

To ensure your best Skype experience, we’ve temporarily removed Skype for iPad which went live prematurely today.

We know you’ve been eagerly awaiting Skype for iPad and apologize for the inconvenience.

UPDATE 2: It’s back up! Go get it!

Have an app you’d love to see featured on TiPb? Email us at iosapps@tipb.com, tell us about your app (include an iTunes link), and we’ll take a look.

Skype representative, Rick Osterloh, has confirmed to TUAW that Skype for iPad will be coming soon. A video of the new iPad app, was leaked onto the internet this morning, on Skype’s official YouTube channel but was quickly made private. Luckily, some people managed to successfully record a screen capture of the video before it was taken down.

The app will let users to chat and make calls via wifi and 3G, including video calls on the iPad 2. Osterloh said that, while they were fine with the iPhone app on the original iPad, the new cameras on the iPad 2 are what made a dedicated iPad app “super compelling”.

No release date has been announced yet, but we can speculate that it will be soon.

See the leaked video (sorry, no audio) after the break. What do you think of the Skype for iPad app? Do you need Skype on your iPad?

[TUAW] [Video via of RazorianFly]

Despite rumors that Google and Facebook were sniffing around, The Wall Street Journal is now claiming that Microsoft is about to break open the Redmond money bin and fork over $7 billion $8.5 billion for Skype. It could be announced as soon as tomorrow.

A deal represents Microsoft’s most aggressive move yet to play in the increasingly-converged worlds of communication, information and entertainment. Skype connects more than 663 million users around the world via Internet-based telephony and video, making it a key technology platform for a new generation of Web-savvy consumers. During 2010, those users made 207 billion minutes of voice and voice video calls over Skype.

Obviously, Skype is a hugely popular app not just on desktops but on mobile devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Would Microsoft keep it free and freely available across platform? Would they try to build it into Windows and Windows Phone? Would they simply not be able to support it and just let it wither and die the way so many great technologies do once acquired by a gigantic corporation?

UPDATE: Kara Swisher of Boom Town says the deal is confirmed. [AllThingsD]

UPDATE 2: The deal is confirmed now as well as the amount $8.5 billion in cash. Microsoft PR Skype PR

“Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “Together we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world.”

Skype will become a new business division within Microsoft, and Skype CEO Tony Bates will assume the title of president of the Microsoft Skype Division, reporting directly to Ballmer.

“Microsoft and Skype share the vision of bringing software innovation and products to our customers,” said Tony Bates. “Together, we will be able to accelerate Skype’s plans to extend our global community and introduce new ways for everyone to communicate and collaborate,” Bates said.

“Tony Bates has a great track record as a leader and will strengthen the Microsoft management team. I’m looking forward to Skype’s talented global workforce bringing its insights, ideas and experience to Microsoft,” Ballmer said.

Will we have to stop saying “let’s all jump on Skype” and start saying “let’s all jump on Microsoft P2P VoIP client for Windows Live Communications 7 Home and Student Edition”?

Have you ever been out and about with your iPhone or iPad and wished you knew how to just press a button and get a video view of your home? Sure there are home security solutions that can do this — for a lot of money. But how about on the cheap? Well, if you have an iPhone or iPad 3G and Skype, you can. We’ll show you how after the break!

[Thanks to Mickey Papillon for this ninja-level tip!]

Okay, if you want to set up Skype to be your cheap home security, on-demand video peeping solution, you’ll have to get a few things set up.

This is an advanced level tip so we’re going to assume you know what Skype is, have an account, and are familiar with using it. If not, let us know in the comments and we’ll break out some basic tutorials to get you started.

1. Login to Skype.com and set up a second Skype account
2. Don’t give anyone this second account ID or allow them to contact it unless you don’t mind them peeping into your house either!
3. Setup the second Skype account on your home Mac or Windows PC in the room you want to be able to look into
4. Set Skype on that PC to automatically answer video calls
5. Open up the Skype app on your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad (logged in on your regular/primary Skype account).
6. Use your primary Skype account on your iOS device to call your second Skype account at home, which will now automatically answer.
7. Watch the video and make sure everything is safe at home.

That’s it. Again, the steps above require a knowledge of how to setup and use Skype so if you need help, let us know. Otherwise, if you try it out, how does it work for you?

Tips of the day will range from beginner-level 101 to advanced-level ninjary. If you already know this tip, keep the link handy as a quick way to help a friend. If you have a tip of your own you’d like to suggest, add them to the comments or send them in to dailytips@tipb.com. (If it’s especially awesome and previously unknown to us, we’ll even give ya a reward…)

The Skype app for iPhone and iPod touch has received a small update today with support for making video calls to more Skype clients, specifically Skype for TV:

You can now make video calls to a wider selection of Skype clients and devices, such as Skype for TV.

Skype for TV is a service Skype made available earlier last year that lets Skype users make and receive video calls from their TV using hardware from manufacturers like Panasonic and Samsung. Skype recently added video support for WiFi and 3G calls, so with this latest update it appears they’re moving faster than ever with hopes of dominating the mobile VoIP arena.

Any readers out there excited for the new feature? Better yet, has anyone actually heard of Skype for TV? Let us know in the comments!

[Free - iTunes link]

Every week a few of us from team TiPb will bring you our current favorite, most fun and useful App Store apps, WebApps, jailbreak apps, even the occasional accessory, web site, or desktop app if the mood strikes us. As long as they’re iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch related, they’re fair game.

To see what we picked, and to tell us your pick, follow on after the break!

Alli’s and Brian’s pick: Skype

Alli: Skype recently updated its iOS app to include the ability to video chat over 3G. While video over 3G is mediocre, video over WiFi is great. I’ve found that lately I’m using Skype on my iPhone more often than Skype on my desktop.

Skype was even able to come to my rescue recently, when I had no voice or data with AT&T at the Cincinnati airport. Once the plane was at cruising altitude and the captain turned on WiFi, I was able to use Skype to send an sms to my parents to let them know where I was.

Brian: Skype may not be the newest application around but it is for sure my Pick of the Week. With it’s latest update they have finally enabled video calling from your iOS device and it is a much welcomed feature. Most of my friends and family from back home don’t have an iPhone 4 so video chatting for them to talk to my daughter or to see your truly wasn’t possible with my phone. That being the case I hardly ever used my front facing camera. Well now that Skype allows video calls I have found myself using my front camera at least once per day to talk to the folks or other friends and family members. So if you haven’t updated yet or don’t have the Skype app yet it is well worth the download!

[Free - iTunes link]

Ally’s pick: Tapatalk

I love browsing forums, especially interacting with members of the TiPb forums. Sometimes work and other things keep me away from a computer and browsing forums on a mobile device has not always been the best experience.

Tapatalk sets out to solve that. As long as the forum supports the plug-in, you’ll be good to go. I’ve noticed more and more forums adding Tapatalk support every day. It’s extremely fast (even over AT&T Edge for you poor saps like me that live in an area where 3G is severely lacking).

It even supports moderator accounts. I love the fact that if I need to quickly moderate, I can do so from my device just as easily as I can from a computer now. If you’re a heavy forum user, it’s definitely worth checking out!

[$2.99 - iTunes Link]

Chris O’s pick: The Sun

The Sun is a national tabloid Newspaper in the United Kingdom and there is now an official iPad app. The app comes with a 30 day free trial with no need to sign up, so it is well worth taking a free look.

The newspaper does not have the best reputation, but does do a good job covering sporting events. One of the great features however, for many of The Sun readers, is the page 3 girl. Basically a topless model adorns page 3 every day of the week (except Sundays). The app for iPad goes a little further and offers the page 3 girl in a 360 degree view. You can swipe to rotate the picture right round.

The app is free to download and once you fire it up, it downloads the day’s paper when you click on it, shame it is not automatic! Well worth a look, to keep abreast of the latest news and sport.

[Free - iTunes Link]

George’s pick: Paperless

Paperless is an outstanding, unique list making app.

You have the choice whether you want to make a ‘checklist’ or a simple ‘list’. Checklists are great for to-do lists and shopping lists, and the ‘lists’ are great for leaving yourself notes, like quotes or ideas.

What makes Paperless great, is that it includes over 300 custom made icons and 5 themes, that make your lists eye-catching, unlike traditional checklist apps, which just show text, which can be boring.

Selected lists can be shown as a ‘bubble’ on your home screen, so you have a realistic look on all the selected, important, things you have to do, instead of everything at once.

While not supporting ‘cloud’ storage. You can send yourself an email backup of your lists, so if you lose your phone or delete the app, you can always re download the lists.

[$0.99 - iTunes link]

Leanna’s pick: iTouch Gloves

While at Macworld 2010, Rene and I checked out iTouch Gloves – leather gloves that work with the capacitive screen of the iPhone and iPad. I finally got a pair for Christmas this year and love them!

The iTouch Gloves look like normal leather gloves but work wonderfully with my iPhone and iPad. They are much warmer than I was expecting. I had also expected typing on the iPhone’s small keyboard to be difficult, but not so! I do have to type a little slower to prevent mistakes, but I’m still remarkably accurate considering I’m wearing gloves.

If you live in cold weather, these gloves are a must-have!

[iTouch Gloves]

Rene’s pick: mophie juice pack

Whenever I attend a trade show, like CES 2011 this week, my iPhone 4 battery gets hit like a freight train. First I use my iPhone so much because I’m constantly on the go, recording media, keeping up on Twitter, and — oh ya! — checking up on TiPb.com from the road and the show floor. Second, these shows are flooded with iPhones making AT&T’s sometimes tenuous service into a full on disaster– my iPhone radio has to fire so hard, so often, I can literally watch the battery drain from the time I unplug until the time I finish breakfast.

So, as usual, I brought 2 mophie juice packs with me, this time for iPhone 4 and both the juice pack air and the juice pack plus. The air got me back to 75% or so, the plus to full charge. I typically went through both every day and that’s literally the difference between me getting the job done for TiPb or being left high and dry with a dead phone.

Air is $79, plus is $99. Both are well worth it for road warriors or anyone else who just can’t — or won’t — put their iPhone down.

[Mophie]

Your pick?

You’re part of the team as well, so jump into the comments and let us know your pick of the week!

The TiPb forums are naturally a great place to talk, commiserate, celebrate, get help, and offer advice to your fellow iPhone users. In order to create a new thread of your own or reply to any of the existing threads, you must be a registered member. Becoming a member is easy and free so if you haven’t already, head on over and register now!

• Skype recently released an update to support video calls via 3G. Have you used this feature and do you think it spells doom for Apple’s FaceTime?

• There are so many good IM clients for the iOS platform, which one is your favorite?

• Apple’s App Store is filled with some truly amazing games compatible with Game Center, what are some of your current must-have games?

• How many of you take advantage of the security features in iOS? Do you prefer to use a PIN or password?

See you in the forums!

It took a while but Skype for iPhone has finally hit version 3.0 and now includes video calling, not only over Wi-Fi like Apple’s FaceTime but over 3G as well! Here’s the complete update list:

• Make Skype to Skype video calls on WiFi and 3G (Additional Data charges may apply)
• Call Skype desktop users (Mac OS X or Windows) and other iPhone users.
• Two-way video calls supported on iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch 4th gen.
• Receive only video supported on iPad and iPod touch 3rd gen, with no camera.
• Make video calls in portrait and landscape.
• Skype video calling requires iOS 4.0 or above.

We’re testing it out now and will update asap with results. How’s it working for you?

UPDATE: First impressions after the break!

[Free - iTunes link, thanks @laniceto for the head's up!]

Skype for iPhone 3.0 with video calling it works well. Over Wi-Fi it doesn’t look as good as Apple’s FaceTime but it looks good enough and the ability to connect to Skype users (whose numbers eclipse FaceTime users) makes it killer. Over 3G is looks about the same as Wi-Fi, which is great because FaceTime forced onto 3G via Jailbreak hacks like My3G doesn’t look as good.

I tested it out with Brian Tufo and it was solid on both ends, Wi-Fi and 3G. When in Wi-Fi I could still hit the Home Button and put the call into background mode but the video froze on the other end. My iPhone was pretty slow and by the time I made it to Settings and flipped Wi-Fi off, then went back to Skype we’d lost the call but Brian was able to call me back over 3G easily enough.

UPDATE 2: For those asking, Skype over 3G used an average of 2.1MB of data up and 1.3MB of data down per minute, so if you’re on a restricted data plan you’ll want to exercise extreme caution.

Overall Skype for iPhone 3.0 with video calling is solid.

Skype is saying they have some video-related announcements heading our way for CES 2011 in a just over a week and you know what that means — iPhone 4 and iPod touch 4 video calling, right?

Skype is participating in an event titled “Video Calling Gets Ready for Primetime” and they have also recently put up a question and answer from one of their users. The user asked how they could make a video call from their iPhone using Skype. Well Skype went ahead and decided to answer that question:

To make video calls with your contacts, you will need an iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, 3rd generation iPod touch, 4th generation iPod touch or an iPad. Your contacts will only be able to see you if your device has a camera. Make sure your device is running iOS 4.0 or above and that you are using Skype for iPhone 3.0 or above.

The contacts you are calling must be using one of the following Skype clients:

• Skype for Windows version 4.2 and above
• Skype for Mac OS X version 2.8 and above
• Skype for iPhone 3.0 and above

You can make Skype video calls by using a WiFi or 3G connection. The quality of the video will depend upon the available network conditions.

[...]

Yes, you will be able to receive screen shares from people using Skype for Windows or Mac OSX. You cannot share what is on the screen of your iPhone with other people and you cannot receive a screen share from another iPhone user.

With FaceTime already on the market for 6 months and competitors like Fring way out ahead, is Skype too little too late, or are they still the biggest name in the game and it doesn’t matter how slowly they move?

[ Engadget ]

Skype, the most popular VoIP (Voice over IP) service on the planet, has been down for many users for almost a day now. Users either can’t log into Skype or if they can, when they try to place a Skype call they’re told they’re offline. It’s the same if you’re on the desktop or using the iPhone app. You just can’t connect.

We typically use Skype to record our iPhone Live! and iPad Live! podcasts, so last night we had to scramble to find an alternative (we ended up using iChat voice) but for businesses that have come to rely on Skype for critical communications, it was a cold reminder that no service is immune to outages.

Do you use Skype? How has the service worked for you over the last 24 hours? What alternatives have you come up with in the meanwhile?

Skype for iPhone has just hit version 2.1 and brings with it the ability to run iOS 4 background VoIP multitasking. Yes, you finally have the ability to leave Skype running and answer calls as an almost equal citizen to the built in, old-school Phone app.

Hurrah.

If you try it out, let us know how it works for you.

[iTunes via BGR]

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!

Chad just Skyped me over 3G to tell me Skype has finally (finally!) released Skype 2.0 for iPhone with support for VoIP calling over 3G cell phone networks.

We’ll spare you the long drawn out AT&T, Apple, Skype drama and the out-loud wondering about why it took so long. We’ll also skip the reminder about how, with iPhone OS 4, you’ll be able to leave it running in the background. We figure you’ve already tapped through and are busily installing the app.

When you’re done and have tried it out, come back and let us know what you think about the experience and call quality.

UPDATE 1: Sigh. Skype-to-Skype over 3G won’t be free like traditional Skype-to-Skype over Wi-Fi calls:

Call using your 3G connection. Skype-to-Skype calls on 3G are free until at least end of August 2010, after which there will be a small monthly fee (operator charges for data will still apply).

UPDATE 2: Launching Skype 2.0 on iPhone OS 4 will result in a warning that it only works on “unmodified iPhone OS 3.0.x, 3.1.x, 3.2.x”. Sorry developers on iPhone OS 4, no Skype 2.0 for you!

UPDATE 3: Scratch update 2, looks like that warning has been around for a while.

[iTunes link]

The iPad Camera Kit has started showing up in the wild and while its name indicates it’s intended use as a way to import digital camera pictures and video into the iPad, it looks like there’s some surprise support for USB keyboards and audio headsets along for the ride.

For those unfamiliar with the Camera Kit, it’s two small dongles, one of which is an SD/SDHC card reader and the other is a straight-up USB port. It’s the latter of the two that’s creating the stir.

It sounds like not all UBS keyboards are supported, mind you, just the low-power ones which makes a certain amount of sense given the realities of a portable device. (Apple’s own USB keyboard with mini mouse-hub of its own, for example, apparently need not apply).

While there’s nothing in the settings to control it, USB headsets seem to be working for Skype calls as well. Frankly, we weren’t expecting that but we certainly do welcome it.

Nothing else is working at this point, however. No game controls, external hard drivers, etc.

Now we just need it to work with the iPhone…

[TUAW, TidBITS via Engadget]

There was a minor Skype update last night to version 1.3.1 to add support for iPhone 3.2/iPad but the most noticeable thing was what remained missing: Skype VoIP over 3G.

We’re happy to get bug-fixes, we’re glad about compatibility updates, but when AT&T gave the green light for VoIP over 3G back on Oct. 6, 2009 (and Skype applauding them for it), Apple allowing it in the iPhone 3.2 SDK agreement, apps like Fring, iCall, and Truphone updating almost immediately to VoIP over 3G at the end of January, and Skype promising we’d see it soon on Feb. 4, we have to wonder (and ask on Twitter) — what’s going on?

Some believe their recent dealings with Verizon have put Skype over 3G for iPhone on the back-burner, or have derailed it completely. If that’s the case, however, given Skype’s previous statements an update telling us so is certainly in order. If not, those millions of Skype for iPhone app downloaders would still like an update, thank you very much.

The stage is all yours Skype, can we get another update on that VoIP over 3G update?

Is the recently announced Skype/Verizon deal delaying the release of Skype over 3G for the iPhone? Previously AT&T announced they would change their policy and allow VoIP over 3G, Apple announced they would change their SDK agreement to allow it, and Skype announced they would provide it to their iPhone users. AT&T has come through, Apple has come through, other VoIP clients have begun offering 3G. And Skype…? They said they were waiting to make sure Apple was okay with it. They made sure. They said they were waiting to improve 3G call quality. And…? Still nothing.

They did, however, announce a deal for Skype over 3G with Verizon at Mobile World Congress a couple weeks ago. Since then, WMExperts tell us the Windows Mobile Skype app is no longer available for download. According to Venture Beat (via BGR) their Symbian Skype App has now been pulled from the Ovi Store. When asked why Skype was removed from the Ovi Store, Venture Beat was told:

Skype has made a decision in the United States to not promote the Skype for Symbian app through the Ovi Store. We did this so that we could drive more attention to the recently announced Skype and Verizon Wireless agreement. This was a marketing decision — plain and simple

The iPhone Skype app [Free - iTunes link] is still in the App Store (after a short hiccup) but it’s still Wi-Fi only. When asked for comment after the Verizon agreement, a Skype rep would only tell TiPb that there was no further updates since last time.

So, is it just taking longer than we expected to get that really great 3G voice quality out for Skype? Or has the Verizon deal sucked all the attention out of the room? 9to5Mac thought so a couple weeks ago, do the Windows Mobile and Symbian actions now lend credence to that theory? And are you still waiting for Skype over 3G for iPhone, or have you started using alternatives? Let us know!

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Rene, Mickey (The Cell Phone Junkie), and Phil (Android Central, WMExperts) for the great sex-apps rejection, Steve Jobs and Tim Cook speak, iPhone SDK 3.2 Beta 3 for iPad, iPhone+AT&T first, Droid+Verizon last, and all the week’s news. Listen in!

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For those of you holding your breath for Skype to work over AT&T’s 3G network, you will soon be able to relax as Skype has told TiPb it’s only a matter of time. From their blog:

You may have seen other apps offering calls over 3G, but we’re holding ours back for a little bit longer. Why? So that we can give you the very best audio quality we can. When our 3G-capable Skype for iPhone app is released, it’ll let you make calls in wideband audio, giving you greater clarity and fidelity – because that’s what you expect from Skype.

We’ve been waiting since way back in November, when AT&T decided to allow VoIP over their 3G network, and Apple’s iPhone 3.2 SDK for iPad has now removed the last hurdle.

It’s no surprise we heard earlier that AT&T has been working with Apple to improve their network before the release of the highly anticipated Apple iPad. Perfect timing don’t you think?

More from Skype via video, after the break!

Sorry, Skype 1.3 [Free - iTunes link], we know you’re trying, at least we think you are, but it’s 2010 now and we have to agree with 9to5mac where’s the push notification and VoIP over 3G?

Maybe Apple hasn’t given you the tools or SDK agreement for VoIP yet, we don’t know, but push notification are good to go, you know?

We appreciate the landscape mode of IM, the hints and tips, the general performance improvements, the call quality indicator, and the call drop after hold fix, really we do, but you’re one of the premiere apps in your class — we know you can knock this app out of the park.

UPDATE: Skype got back to us all official PR like:

We’ve identified the fault which has made Skype for iPhone unavailable to some people. A fix is underway, and we expect that the app will be fully available in the next few hours.

ORIGINAL: If you click on an iTunes link to get the Skype for iPhone App, as of this writing, iTunes pops up a notification saying Skype for iPhone is not currently available in the US App Store, or other international App Stores. If you search for Skype, the Skype app doesn’t show up. Skype’s official iPhone app page, still tells you to “Get it now”, but it’s currently not get-able.

Temporary glitch? Sign that maybe, finally it’s being replaced with the 3G version AT&T, Apple and Skype said back in October ’09 would be coming our way? Or just gone as in another App Store brouhaha may be brewing?

An international, hours-long lasting glitch sounds odd. Removing an old version and leaving nothing available for a time before replacing it with a new one isn’t typically how the App Store works — it’s usually fairly unnoticeable to the end user (known bugs not withstanding). Unless CES is going to mean an announcement from Skype? And, well, we can’t imagine something this high-profile would just be gone, right?

We’ll update If Skype for iPhone comes back up, same as before or new and 3G, or if we get any solid info.

[Thanks to @mugunthkumar for the tip!]

Every week a few of us from team TiPb — bloggers, forum crew, and occasional friends alike — bring you our current favorite, funnest, most useful App Store apps, WebApps, jailbreak apps, even the occasional accessory, web site, or desktop app if the mood strikes us. As long as they’re iPhone (or iPod touch) related, they’re fair game. Well, as 2009 winds to a close, we figured it’s time for the staff to bring you not just picks of the week but — PICKS OF THE YEAR!

So who’s on deck for the very best iPhone apps of 2009? What are our picks? Find out after the break!

Chad’s Pick: N.O.V.A. — Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance

This game demonstrates what is possible on the iPhone from a 3D shooter. This game has set the bar. [$6.99 - iTunes link]

Chris’ Pick: Navigon MobileNavigator

Pick of the year, pick of the year…how do I choose a single app as my pick of the year? A game with which I have had lots of fun? A utility that I simply use all the time? A twitter app? After much debate and flip-flopping, I decided to go with Navigon as my pick of the year. Navigon (with the recent updates and improvements) is as close as I have seen to a turn by turn app done right. It has a plethora of features, has clear voice guided turn by turn directions, and really is one of the two or three utility apps that I use on a regular basis and gives the iPhone a feature that almost everyone was clamoring for from the beginning. [$59.99 until Jan. 11 - iTunes link]

Derrick’s Pick: Simplytweet

Simplytweet is not only my Favorite app but its my app of the year also,. It’s a great twitter app that has many features, including Multiple Accounts, Push Notifications, Photo Search, My favorite features are Landscape, retweet or quote tweets (via @theiphoneblog instead of RT @theiphoneblog), and Themes. [$4.99 - iTunes link]

Dieter, SPE Editor-in-Chief’s Pick:

Since the iPhone has become my secondary device, I’m finding that my go-to apps on it have changed a bit. The one I use the most: the Kindle app. I love that I have my books with me all the time now and that I can read it in bed without a light. Amazon really nailed the ‘just works’ aspect with the way they have sync set up – just a few seconds of data access is enough to get myself synced up to the last page I was reading on my actual Kindle. [Free - iTunes link]

Georgia’s Pick: Skype

Skype gives you the ability to call anyone else who uses Skype, anywhere in the world, for free. You can also call landline or cell phones for a small fee, and send out IMs. Anything that combines “call anyone” and “free” definitely gets my vote for app of the year. (And if the 4th generation iPhone gets a front-facing camera, maybe we will even be able to have two-way video calls next year). [Free - iTunes link]

Jeremy’s Pick: Twitbit

Twitbit has been my Twitter app of choice for some time now. Is it perfect? No, but then again the perfect app does not exist. What really makes Twitbit stand out as my favorite app of 2009 is the hard work that goes into it and the frequent updates to the app (and the updates are free unlike some other over rated Twitter app who’s name I won’t mention because it would hurt Rene’s feelings). The developer, High Order Bit, constantly is striving to improve this app and it has evolved very well. I highly recommend you check it out. [$2.99 - iTunes link]

Leanna’s Pick: 1Password Pro

iPhone + Mac + 1Password for iPhone and Mac = best combination ever. Before my discovery of 1Password, I used the same 3 boring passwords for everything. Now I have a different randomly generated password for each login and 1Password makes this simple and hassle-free. When I first started using 1Password for iPhone, I was nervous that it was going to be a pain to have to launch 1Password to copy a password each time I needed it but the process is actually rather quick and worth it knowing that I have secure passwords. This combination is a serious must-have for iPhone and Mac users. [$7.99 - iTunes link]

Matt’s Pick: Appigo Todo

Deciding which app I feel is my Pick of the Year was immensely hard. I immediately thought to myself “well it’s my most used application…”but then I realized, that wouldn’t be it. It had to be something that filled in the gap where the iPhone OS left out, revolutionize the way I worked on the iPhone. Was it easy to use? Could I customize it to fit my work? Finally I came upon the conclusion of – Appigo’s Todo application. One of main things I missed coming from the Palm to the iPhone was a todo application. Appigo’s Todo, goes above & beyond what the normal todo application should go. With several options to sync & push notification reminders, this is a killer app & an app worthy as a pick of the year [$9.99 - iTunes link]

Mickey, the Cell Phone Junkie’s Pick: All-in-One WiFiRemote

WiFi Remote is one of the coolest apps I have. For $5, it allows me to control my Windows 7 media center that I have connected to my living room TV over my WiFi network without having to deal with a keyboard and mouse. It is like having a pocket control for the computer with me all the time. I can sit on the couch and either surf, or simply control the media I want to watch. The best part is that both my wife and I have it installed on our iPhones, so either of us can control it. [$4.99 - iTunes link]

Rene’s Pick: Boxcar

And here’s why — iPhone 3.0 introduced a couple innovations to the iPhone app space, namely (and finally!) push-notifications and in-app purchases. Sure, augmented reality like Gunman is coming on strong, we’re all looking forward to Unreal Engine 3 powered games, and one day we may see the fruits of app accessory access, but for today, for 2009, Boxcar is delivering. Not only is it an innovative example of push-notifcation and in-app purchase, it uses both fill gaps both in other apps (like the PNS-challenged Tweetie, Twitterrific, and yeah, Facebook), for Apple and Google who still haven’t delivered push Gmail without taking up the lone ActiveSync slot on the iPhone (which GoogleSync requires), and in the latest version, for Growl and RSS notifications as well. Bottom line, Boxcar has leveraged iPhone 3.0 to make great apps and services better, and that makes it my pick of the year. [Free + in-app purchase - iTunes link]

Your Pick?

You’re part of team TiPb too, so what’s your pick of the year? In 2009, what was your most used, most eye-popping, most “this changes everything” iPhone app?

What does AT&T’s announcement today, regarding a change of policy to allow VoIP applications like Skype to operate over the 3G network mean for Google Voice in the App Store and SlingPlayer over 3G?

Nothing.

Not to rain on our many commenters and emailers parades, but AT&T’s VoIP policy has nothing to do with either of those apps because:

1. Google Voice was rejected/is still under review by Apple, not by AT&T. All parties have clearly stated AT&T has played and is playing absolutely no role in keeping Google Voice out of the App Store. That ball is still firmly in Apple’s court, and it will take movement from them, and them alone, to bring it to the App Store when — and if — they decide to pull the trigger.

2. SlingPlayer sends your home TV video over 3G, and clearly has nothing to do with VoIP. AT&T has a distinct and separate policy forbidding the use of apps like SlingPlayer on their 3G network. Unless and until AT&T changes that second, specific policy as well, no SlingPlayer over 3G for you. (And seriously, given AT&T is dropping 30% of calls in NYC as well, does anyone think their network could survive even more traffic at this point?)

So there you go. You’re getting VoIP from AT&T and Apple, no more, no less. Scratch that off the list, and if they’ve given an inch, and you hunger for a mile, keep the armor on and re-focus your battle on the next two (or more) targets.

Following up on a rumor earlier today that AT&T would be announcing a new, friendlier policy towards Skype and Google Voice, Skype President Josh Silverman posted on the official Skype blog, saying “Good move, AT&T”:

All of us at Skype applaud today’s announcement by AT&T (in an FCC filing to be published shortly) that it’ll open up its 3G network to Internet calling applications such as Skype. It’s the right step for AT&T, Apple, millions of mobile Skype users and the Internet itself.

Silverman reveals that 10% of all iPhone and iPod touch devices have downloaded the Skype app (which makes roughly 5 million installs, if our math is right), and while they give AT&T the requisite kudos, Silverman states that it’s the government and industry regulation that should ensure open networks — in line with the FCC’s recent move to establish “net neutrality“.

Of course, AT&T announcements and Skype enthusiasm are one thing, let’s see how long it takes to get Skype 3G into the App Store.

(And, of course, that still leaves Google Voice)

The Washington Post is rumormongering that AT&T might just officially announce support for Skype and Google Voice on their 3G network at this week’s CTIA show, and that they will run on Apple’s iPhone.

Normally Apple and Apple alone tends to speak about what’s coming to the iPhone, so we’d dismiss this outright except for the fact that Google Voice has been an increasing thorn in Apple’s otherwise incredibly successful iPhone side as of late, especially among industry watchers, tech pundits, and… the FCC. So, getting AT&T to slide it into a CTIA announcement might just let Apple get everyone off their lawn, without having to publicly eat any crow.

AT&T has declined comment, but Smartphone Experts has editor-in-chief Dieter Bohn and fearless CrackBerry.com leader Kevin Michaluk live at CTIA this week, and TiPb has asked them to keep their ears peeled, and fingers at the ready, should anything come of this.

Skype [free - iTunes link], which debuted for the rest of the world back in March, is finally available for iPhone and iPod touch users in Canada. What took so long?

A “territorial restriction” over the licensing of a single, solitary audio codec used to play sound from Skype on the iPhone. No, we [insert secret Canadian curse word] you not. That’s it, and it’s been resolved, so go get it!

[CBC iPhoneinCanada]

UPDATE: As pointed out in comments, Android honcho Andy Rubin responds on the Google blog:

Here are the facts, clear and simple: While the first generation of our Android software did not support full-featured VoIP applications due to technology limitations, we have worked through those limitations in subsequent versions of Android, and developers are now able to build and upload VoIP services.

Rubin claims USA Today was made aware of this, but also says “individual operators can request that certain applications be filtered if they violate their terms of service”, which basically means AT&T’s no SlingPlayer, or conceivably any networks no-VoIP policy, would still affect Android, so — okay. Let’s get to it Skype and we’ll see what T-Mo really thinks.

However, Rubin does dream, like all of us (likely even Apple, in public, if asked) of the day when “dumb pipes” are a reality.

ORIGINAL: Google Android cripples Skype by keeping it off the data network at the request of carriers? Shocked, shocked are we!

Rewind. The FCC has asked Apple, AT&T, and Google to answer some important questions about the iPhone App Store approval process, what role AT&T plays in rejecting apps, and specifically what happened to cause Google Voice to get rejected and 3rd party Google Voice apps removed. So what’s new now? Well, apparently Google isn’t only being questioned as a “victim”. Turns out, they have some explaining to do in their own right. Says Apple Insider:

Skype told USA Today that Android does not support a full-featured version of Skype. And Google admitted it blocks VOIP connections at the request of “individual operators,” without naming T-Mobile, the only U.S. carrier for Android at the moment. However, a T-Mobile representative denied that the company has requested Google to block Skype. Like Apple, Google must describe its process for reviewing and approving applications for the FCC. Those filings are expected Friday.

What makes this amusing to TiPb is that some individuals have vocally “switched” from the iPhone to Android due to Google being more “open”. While a few have regretted that and switched back — or just loudly lamented their new usability conditions — this goes to show what TiPb (and all of Smartphone Experts) have been saying for a long time — it’s the carriers that need to become dumb pipes, supplying data and getting their noses completely out of how users use that data.

We’d encourage the well-intentioned but (in our humble opinion) ultimately misguided iPhone boycotters to use whatever device provides the best fit for their needs, and to direct their time, energy, and social power at the carriers instead. Then, at the very least, we’ll see what Apple, Google, and others are truly responsible for on their own…

(And lest you think your device has real Skype, or SlingPlayer, or whatever, carrier terms of service apply to everyone and just because you’re under the radar now, doesn’t mean they won’t shoot you down next).

Open internet access group, Free Press, is petitioning the US Federal Communications Commission on the issue of Apple, at AT&T’s mandate, restricting Skype and other App Store VoIP applications from running over the 3G network.

Currently, apps like the million downloaded Skype can only run on WiFi, which limits their usefulness as on-the-go communication tools (not everywhere has available WiFi connections, and they don’t switch gracefully as you move from point to point).

While I personally long for the days when telcos and ISP’s become like power utilities — dumb pipes pumping unrestricted bits that we can do what we want with, no matter where we are within their territory — WSJ presents the “counter argument”:

Wireless providers, such as Clearwire Corp., have successfully argued they should be able to prevent customers from using some bandwidth-hogging Internet services, like file-sharing, because their wireless networks have capacity issues.

Sure, networks need to protect their cash flow enough that they can maintain their current infrastructure, develop and deploy future generations of technology, and earn a fair profit doing both. But surely that can be balanced by opening up traffic on those networks to any legitimate use, within purchased limits, at fair prices for consumers?

Or don’t we think SlingPlayer should be allowed to stream, or Skype should be allowed to run over 3G?

[via Apple Insider]

Keeping it short but sweet, Skype’s blog shows once again how crazy-powerful Apple’s iPhone software platform really is:

In less than two days, Skype for iPhone has been downloaded more than one million times – around six downloads every second.

While copypetitors are still announcing or coming online (almost daily, with RIM’s App World! launch on April 1st — we fool you not! — and Microsoft’s Marketplace) this showcases the high ground Apple has already seized with their “on every iPhone” ecosystem, and the uphill battle rival platforms might face.

[Via Daring Fireball]

UPDATE: Skype seems to be live now in the US App Store [iTunes Link]. If you find it in any other App Store’s please let us know in the comments. [Thanks daveizzle for the tip!]

UPDATE 2: According to CBC News, Skype will NOT be available in Canada (though it will be everywhere else). The reason, a patent-license restrictions on Skype’s end that they won’t discuss. Apparently that means no iPhone Skype App for Canada and crippled Skype-to-Skype and IM only for the BlackBerry come may. Sort that out, will you Skype. Now? [via arcterex]

UPDATE 3: Important note for JAILBREAK users: if you’re experiencing constant crashes, be sure to update MobileSubstrate via Cydia.

ORIGINAL post after the jump!

Skype for the iPhone (and second generation iPod touch), rumored last week by Om Malik, is now confirmed by the WSJ as coming to the iTunes App Store tomorrow.

Skype, the popular VoIP (voice over IP) service that sends telephone calls via the internet, will be WiFi only for calls, of course (carriers will protect their income by keeping it off 3G), but you can IM chat anywhere. How does it stack up to existing apps like Fring that already offer VoIP support? CNet, which has an early review up, quotes Skype a saying:

what the other apps use is a workaround that requires them to channel calls through a server and transcode audio, resulting in poorer-quality calls than Skype can do in its own app.

GigaOm seems pleased:

SkypeIn and SkypeOut, along with Skype Chat, are the key features of this new version of the Skype application. This is a native P2P application for the iPhone and the iPod touch. It allows group chats and conference calls and is tightly integrated with Apple’s Address Book.

Gizmodo, by contrast, thinks:

Third party apps like Fring picked up Skype’s slack a long time ago, and lump in multiprotocol IMing, something which gives them a distinct advantage over this official client on the one-app-at-a-time-please iPhone.

[Thanks to John and Icebike for sending this in! And no, we'd have mentioned Om again anyway, even though it would be great if he'd yell at us over Twitter...]

Our own editor-in-chief, Dieter Bohn will be live at CTIA 2009, where the official announcement is expected, so if anything else breaks, he’ll let us know. Meanwhile, anyone setting their alarm-clocks to download?