I just installed Skpye on my iPhone 3G. It works fine, the interface is a bit sluggish and it tells me that my data plan prohibits Skype calls on EDGE/3G. I hope that it’ll support calls from wireless networks. Will try it later today.

Update

After some testing – didn’t really test the app but fiddled around a bit – I can say that it really works as expected. Skype for iPhone is the real deal. It has the genuine look and feel, has these distinct sounds and jingles and works perfectly right out of the box App Store.

As I already stated it won’t let me make calls while on EDGE or 3G. The error message states that my provider prohibits making VoIP calls through his network. While connected over WiFi with internet access I can make HQ Skype (out) calls and save money at the same time. Great.

The current iPhone OS 2.2.x doesn’t allow background processes and therefore Skype has to be running if you want to receive IM or calls. Don’t worry, you can still sleep your iPhone with the power button and Skype will stay connected.

The big downside of this app is its power consumption. Sleeping your iPhone while running Skype will render your iPhone pretty useless after a couple of hours even without any activity. Skype will drain your battery in no time. I’d say that non-stop TapDefense sessions are equal to an idle Skype app when it comes to battery life. (TapDefense is much more fun!)

Besides the power issue I really like it and fring is no match for the original Skype app. fring and IM+ always crash when I try to open a chat and so both apps looked pretty useless to me.

The new iPhone OS 3.0 which will be released to the public this summer will provide the ideal platform for Skype or other IM apps. Let’s hope that Skype and Apple can agree on the use of Apple’s new and energy efficient push notifications and background processes.

jERRy’s rating: 4/5 due to high battery drainage

• Skype app on

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