It’s been a while getting here but on you can have Skype for iPad now! Its début is Tuesday, however, it’s been tested over 4G and 3G networks and it uses iPad’s large screen to make good clear video over wireless and VoIP through your desktop. Call all your friends with Skype whether they have an iPad or a desktop computer to chat or video conference.
We noticed the interface isn’t anything to write home about but it very easy to use. Similar to the desktop application, your contacts are left of the text message window. Your contacts with thumbnails are displayed as well as your history of chats and calls made. If you want to call someone through Skype and you have credits, a little tap will bring up the dialer.
With a camera for iPad either front facing or rear facing, you can still video chat with different speeds of connection as well as chat without video. If the 3G you’re on is on the slow side you can easily shut off the video and go to chat. You can chat while videoing but the chat window covers most of the image so it’s not that big of deal to shut down the video if it’s running slow.
Both versions of iPad will work with Skype but you can only send video with iPad 2 with the front facing camera on iPad. Skype for iPhone will work with both 4G and 3G networks; however, the 3G network is slower than Wi-Fi or 4G network. You can still chat on the 3G network just as well as you can with your desktop Skype application.
Testing over iPhone 4 to Skype desktop proved the quality was top notch with video being clear and crisp with no lag. There was only a small delay as with all video chats such as Google voice for iPad, Skype for iPad is no different. No variations were noticed with iPad 2 when changing between front or rear facing cameras such as blurring video or unclear images. Wireless to desktop proved the best quality for both sides.
You can switch to voice only when using iPhone on a 3G network. The testing proved the video and the audio repeatedly lagged and stop transmitting when using it. The 3G network is best when using audio only unless you really need to see the person you’re talking to then it’s best to use audio or chat.
Of course, the signal is the ultimate when it comes to bandwidth connection. If one or both of the connection speeds are on the slow side then there is going to be lag time between the devices. VoIP on iPad is changeable but most providers are working on better protocols for VoIP. Hang in there; the technology will catch up to where you want to be with VoIP on iPad, iPhone, and desktop.
Since Skype is one of the most popular VoIP networks the fact you can now use it through your iPad is a boost in applications and communications for iPad. Google voice for iPad has been around for a while now you can look forward to Skype for iPad. Keep a close watch on Tuesday to see how many people and how much trouble they find Skype to be for their iPad.
Apple’s FaceTime is going to have to work hard to beat the ease of use for Skype for iPad. Knowing you can call anyone, anywhere, whether it’s to their desktop, iPhone, or iPad, Skype gotcha covered.
As everyone who’s ever used it knows, the biggest problem with skye on iOS is the huge battery drain. Can you tell s if the new version fixes this massive power drain?
this site is a waste, now that Shane is gone
What do you mean Shane is gone? Left TCGEEKS?
Yes, he is gone, you clearly see by the writing.
No I didn’t notice the writing. I just glance at what I am interested in but never read the whole article. I see Shane’s picture still up on the home page so I thought he was still active tcgeeks
been trying to find out how to contact him, he really was the heart and soul on this site
@Jeff – Shane was on FB but under TCGEEKS, not his name. Perhaps you can leave a message there. I think new new guy might do a good job also. Just strange that Shane left without notice of any kind. I hope all is well with him.
Patricia, Thank You, I’m not on FB, but if you could leave Shane a message that I’m trying to contact him that would be great.
I left a message on FB for Shane but if he isn’t doing this website any longer I doubt that he will read the FB TCGEEKS message. On a side note I read that the new Skype is due out Tuesday July5th. Wonder if that is accurate?
Good luck to you George.
Poorly written articles and lack of updates, I miss the old TCGeeks crew
Looks like your facts were incorrect. Not released today.
The old crew,the new crew, it is what you make of it. Give George a chance to see what he can do.
I was wondering if anyone knows how to get the iPad2 Skype? I was on skype’s website but all I found was the old version for iphone and ipad. Thanks, Pat
Ummm searching and searching … still do not see “Skype” listed in the app store as an **iPad ** app. ( I have an iPad 2 ).