Time will tell, I guess.... Im watching Skypes
blog posting for comments too. (The comments on their earlier post detail the
battery problems people have previously reported; search the page for battery.)
Sounds like there are probably
two battery-life problems with past versions ...and Id love to hear both have been fixed in this one!
1. The BIG problem (and it seemed to be true from my testing months ago):
the Skype app seemed to remain runningburning battery, hogging memory, and slowing down other apps Android-style, even when not on a call. Just being logged-in/available was enough to keep the app burning away in the background (which Im surprised Apple would even allow). If so, that is totally the wrong way to do iOS multitasking! The app should go completely dormant (frozen in memory but not running threads) like Meebo or any other IM app. Then, when a Push notification arrives, the app should launch if you take the call. With Apples Push service, theres no need for the app to constantly run just to accept incoming calls. The iPhone is able to have dozens of apps and games all awaiting incoming connections 24/7 without any use of battery or computing resources. The unified Push service is the only thing that needs to be active, and it waits for all apps' incoming notifications. Except Skypes? Id welcome reports of battery life findings while logged-in but not talking! (Ill test myself later.)
2. Reduced battery life when on an audio-only call, because the screen has to stay on even when not needed. Can you now talk with screen off? (Meaning: not just the proximity sensor, but locking the screen while holding the phone in your hand for headset use.) This wouldnt bother me that much, but I know there were complaints.