Skip to main content

Skype delivers video calling to the iPhone, explains recent outage

Skype has added video calling to its iOS app, thanks to an update released on Thursday. Users who download the Skype 3.0 update will now be able to place free Skype-to-Skype calls for a two-way video interaction, provided that both parties have the proper hardware.

The update is fully compatible with both the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS as well as the fourth generation of the iPod Touch. Folks with iPads and third generation iPod Touches will be able to receive video calls, but won’t be able to send video back, due to the absence of a camera (this will reportedly be addressed in the next generation iPad). Users will need to be running iOS 4.0 or higher to install the update and devices will need to be “unmodified” (i.e. not jailbroken).  Skype 3.0 also supports mobile-to-desktop video calling.

While Skype’s video calling is similar to Apple’s FaceTime feature, there is one key difference: Skype’s video calling will work with either a 3G or Wi-Fi connection. FaceTime is currently restricted to running through Wi-Fi connections only.

The extra flow of data might not sit too well with AT&T, but Skype doesn’t seem to be worried.”We’ve not checked with AT&T,” Neil Stevens, Skype’s vice president, is quoted saying in a Washington Post article . “We don’t think it’s our position to check in with carriers.”

Skype’s venture into mobile video comes shortly after an outage left users unable to access the service for a 24-hour period. In a blog posting, Skype attributed the outage to a server overload caused by a bug. According to Skype, the issue has been addressed and there’s no concern that the system might buckle under increased traffic brought on by video calling. Skype has offered users 30 minutes of free calling as compensation for the downtime.

Editors' Recommendations

Aemon Malone
Former Digital Trends Contributor
How to reset your Apple password on iPhone or web
apple new york iphone doj passcode

There's nothing more annoying than getting locked out of your account, especially when you’re trying to download a new app or get something done. And having our Apple password secure can often seem more important than just about anything else due to the highly connected nature of the Apple ecosystem. From the best iPhones to your laptop computer, if it comes from Apple it is all connected. Here, we'll take you through the steps to fix your overarching Apple password, also known as an Apple ID password, but we also have guides on resetting your Mac password specifically, if that's what you really need.

Read more
Apple is updating one of the oldest apps on your iPhone
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro showing the screens.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro (left) and iPhone 15 Pro Max Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Apple has updated one of its original iPhone apps, the Clock app, in the first iOS 17.4 beta. Specifically, the update includes a small, but significant change to the Stopwatch function.

Read more
A big change is coming to the iPhone — but only for some people
A person holding the Apple iPhone 15 Plus.

Big changes are coming to the iPhone this year. On January 25, Apple announced a slew of changes coming to iOS — including the ability to sideload applications and download apps from alternative/third-party app stores.

These are things you've been able to do on Android for years, but have long been absent from the iPhone. The Play Store is the primary way to download apps on Android, but you can also manually download APK files from any website that has them available. Similarly, you can use alternative app stores like the Samsung Galaxy Store and Amazon App Store. When iOS 17.4 releases later this year, iPhone users will finally be able to do similar things.

Read more