Run Skype on your iPhone

[Jeff]

One of the biggest capability gaps with Apple's iPhone was the lack of instant messaging in general, and Skype support in particular. Skype's popular voice chat service lets you make free voice over IP (VoIP) calls to other Skype users, and cheap calls to everyone else -- including most international call areas.

Shape Services has now introduced a beta version of IM+ for Skype that let's iPhone users run Skype to place and receive high-quality Skype calls. IM+ for Skype works over the EDGE network by pointing the iPhone's Safari browser to IM+ for Skype software



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IM+ for Skype is currently offered for free, but this will likely change. Shape Service's IM+ All-In-One Mobile Messenger product lists for about $40 USD. Expect this service to come with strings attached in the near future.

[David]

And how is it accessing the mic? Or does it do a callback?

The EDGE on the iPhone won't allow data/voice at the same time... so I'm really just not sure how this works, nobody seems to have tried it either.

[winner]

The program makes a callback to a real number (it could be iPhone's number, another mobile or landline). Usually setting a landline number as callback number is more economical as SkypeOut rates to landlines in most countries are lower than to mobiles.

[Jeff]

IM+ for Skype is now a paid service, with a 10-day free trial. What sucks is that you don't get 10 days of actual use. I activated the trial while travelling in Europe two weeks ago, and only tried it on the first day. Unfortunately, now my trial has expired, so I can't really comment on how well it works (or not).

They have two options: you can subscribe to the service for US$4.95/month, or pay US$25 for a "life-long" license. Frankly, the life-long license option is obviously a good deal, if the service works ok and if the company stays in business for more than five more months. "Life-long" seems like a tough promise to keep!

Has anyone actually tried the service? Impressions?

Oh yeah, if you're viewing this on an iPhone, click here to launch IM+ for Skype or visit IM+ for Skype, iPhone/iPod Touch version.

[jencan]

"One of the biggest capability gaps with Apple's iphone was the lack of instant messaging in general, and skype support in particular. Skype's popular voice chat service lets you make free voice over IP (VoIP) calls to other Skype users, and cheap calls to everyone else -- including most international call areas"

Im still having trouble using my Skype on my iPhone. It wont connect to my account is there a better voip service for the iphone? I have found a couple options but they doesnt really carter to the iPhone. Any help is greatly apprciated.