Skype for iPhone.....Pointless

[t0mat0]

I agree that using Skype to call phone to phone is kinda pointless - saves minutes, I guess. Calling Skype to computer (or vice versa) has its uses, but I think one big point is largely being missed here: if you have a Skype account and SkypeOut credit, you can use Skype on your iPhone to call regular phones anywhere in the world for pennies a minute (depending on the country). Not that most people do a lot of international calling, but when you need it, it works great.

IF you're calling international - useful.
If you're roaming in a foreign country - it becomes extremely useful. Anyone on holiday - anyone not getting a local SIM card etc. That's a big chunk of people.

 

[Spyt3]

IF you're calling international - useful.
If you're roaming in a foreign country - it becomes extremely useful. Anyone on holiday - anyone not getting a local SIM card etc. That's a big chunk of people.

isn't data while roaming WAY more expensive than while domestic?

 

[ruinfx]

isn't data while roaming WAY more expensive than while domestic?

you wont be using data because its wifi only

 

[goosnarrggh]

To me skype is pointless for the iPhone, in order to receive calls I must be signed in and have the app OPEN. So in order to receive a call via skype the caller must either phone me or send an email, which makes skype unnecessary.

Will the new iPhone 3.0 allow background processes for programs such as skype?

No, but it will allow push notification.

Of course, I don't have insider information about Skype Corp's plans, but basically, that could hypothetically mean that the Skype application would register itself with the iPhone's operating system as an app that's capable of receiving push notifications. The iPhone's OS maintains a single connection to a central server at Apple which will act as a surrogate for all incoming push notifications for all apps on the iPhone.

When you sign in to Skype on your iPhone and then exit the app, any incoming calls will trigger an event on Skype's servers, which would in turn trigger an event on Apple's server, which would in turn be pushed to your iPhone. A notification badge would be displayed on the Skype app's icon, and an alert sound might be played. As soon as you open the Skype app, the call is either completed, or you're told that the caller on the other end gave up waiting for you to answer.

 

[kayno]

I read that it does work over 3g as long as you are using 3.0 firmware.

Read that too somewhere!

 

[Saladinos]

I agree that using Skype to call phone to phone is kinda pointless - saves minutes, I guess. Calling Skype to computer (or vice versa) has its uses, but I think one big point is largely being missed here: if you have a Skype account and SkypeOut credit, you can use Skype on your iPhone to call regular phones anywhere in the world for pennies a minute (depending on the country). Not that most people do a lot of international calling, but when you need it, it works great.

My parents live in Germany and I'm in the UK. It's nice to be able to talk to them for free. When we get push notifications, we'll even be able to talk for free without arranging it first. If I'm not in range of WiFi, I can chat with them (in Skype) and tell them to call back when I will be.

 

[Jimmy James]

Not pointless. During one international trip I used skype via a handheld device and a wifi connection. Equivalent phone charges would have been about $300.

 

[longdogs]

I get virtually no O2 reception in my house. Skype will allow me to at least ring out on my iPhone. and get a decent signal. When notifications are sorted using it for incoming calls will be practical too.