Skype slips CES plans for video calls on iPhone

Skype's plans to bring video calling to the iPhone and the iPad were given away today with a help document (may not show the same on all browsers). The page tells users how to set up video calls on the mobile platform and promises that it will work on 3G as well as with Mac and Windows clients. It also won't be limited to the iPhone 4 or fourth-generation iPod touch, Skype said, adding that current iPad owners would only get one-way video calls from recipients.

"To make video calls with your contacts, you will need an iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, 3rd generation iPod touch, 4th generation iPod touch or an iPad," the guide said. "If you have an iPhone or iPod touch with two cameras - front and rear - you will be able to switch between them during a Skype video call. If you have an iPhone 3GS it will always use the rear camera."

Like FaceTime, the video will auto-rotate for both the caller and the recipient when the device is tilted on its side. It won't support group video chats or screen sharing, Skype said.

The help document mentions Verizon, but this is believed to tie into the existing Skype mobile app for Verizon's Android and BlackBerry phones and not serve as a sign of Verizon iPhone plans.

The discovery has come not long before a rare Skype presentation at CES and has likely confirmed that it will at least add support for iOS. Skype already has very limited mobile video calling support for Maemo and thus the Nokia N900, but it could also support Android now that phones such as the Evo 4G and Nexus S have built-in front cameras. [via Engadget]

By Electronista Staff

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iPod, iPhone, industry, Verizon, Google, Nokia, Android, Skype, iPhone apps, mobile phones, Maemo, Apple, iPad, Evo 4G, Nexus S