Skype Coming to iPad
Skype for PC, Mac, and iPhone is one of the most popular video-conferencing programs available.
Until now, Skype has been unavailable on the iPad, but that’s soon to change. Skype will be releasing an official version for the iPad, and while a release date hasn’t been announced, a video of the app was leaked on Youtube.
Rick Osterloh, Skype VP of Consumer and Product Design, gave some information to the folks over at TUAW about the new iPad version of Skype.
The iPad version will feature essentially the same functionality as the iPhone version: chatting, audio and video calling. Skype for iPad will make use of both of the iPad 2′s cameras, and will support calling to landlines and mobile phones, like other mobile and desktop clients. The app has been in testing for a few months, and is set to release very soon.
Some features of the PC and Mac version of Skype did not make it into the iPad version, most notably file sharing, which wouldn’t work with the way that the iPad deals with files.
Given the popularity of the iPhone version of Skype, Skype on the iPad will likely be extremely successful. It’s certainly a long-awaited and gladly welcomed update. I’ve been expecting Skype for the iPad ever since the iPad 2 was released with a camera. Skype for the iPad certainly looks impressive, taking advantage of the larger real estate of the screen and delivering video with crystal clarity. Are you a Skype user? Will this impact your FaceTime usage? Which app are you more likely to use now?
Look for Skype in the App Store very soon.
