A few days ago bbc technology blog talked about the new skype app for iPod touch and iPhone. The content was a rather mixed one and I have to agree.

It is great to finally to see an skype app in the app store after some others showed already in the itune store. The big question was, what are the app functions?

So download the skype app from the itune store on to my iPhone. First impression, nice. It was without any problem to get it on the iphone. Once the app is started it is requesting a skype name and password to connect. After that and a connection was made, all your skype contacts are showing up.

The voice quality? Good, surprisingly. I made a call and it was established in minutes, the voice was clear on both sides. You also can make the test call as you know it from the desktop version.

Is the skype app good? Well, there are some functions missing. First of all you need to have a WiFi connection to use skype app. Nothing new for iPod touch users, but for iPhone users it puts a serious limitation. Currently it is not possible to use 3G to connect or use skype. It is because of the carrier restrictions. As for Japan you can not use the 3G network to place skype calls, but you can use WiFi.

Besides this app has an other downside. As any other app currently on the iPhone, it is not possible to run skype in the background. A great disadvantage, especially when you have WiFi around and want to be reached on your iPhone or iPod touch.

Of course video is not possible, and some other functions as well. It would be nice to launch skype from your address book entry, or to switch between different skype user ids or to be able to do conference calls.

But lets not be to hard on the first version of skype app. Some things are not possible due to the restrictions of the iPhone OS. Still you can not do to much with the app itself, but if you are on the run a lot and have access to WiFi, it might be useful to stay in touch with all your skype contacts using your iPod touch or iPhone.

For iPod touch user with good WiFi connection skype app is a nice addition. Especially when having an skype account and also the other skype services like skype out. It might just be what you need to keep the iPod touch and not bother to get an iPhone.

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