iPhone Skype Now has Full Video - No WiFi Needed

[Brett_Tabke]

Skype's official iOS client has finally sprouted the ability to make video calls, allowing iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and fourth-generation iPod touch users to share real-time video amongst each other and users of Skype's Windows, Mac, and Linux clients along with the ASUS Videophone. Additionally, you'll be able to receive video from others if you're using an iPad or a third-generation iPod touch. The service is free and works over bothWiFi and 3G -- and considering Skype's existing PC footprint, we'd argue this stands a very real chance of putting the hurt on FaceTime usage. [engadget.com...]

[cloudtap]

Wow -- Skype video built in = a TON of users for Skype, I'd definitely use this feature if I were an iPhone 4G user, I'm only an iPhone 3Gs customer.

[Brett_Tabke]

you can still use it. Just carry a mirror.

[weeks]

Just carry a mirror.

Ok, impressive technology. Wow. Amazing.

Now, why or when would I or anyone want to use this? I noticed that Apple's ads for Facetime had a hard time coming up with scenarios where there was any real everyday obvious benefits.

I know there are a lot of people with babies. OooooK, good. Now, a conversation about a haircut (which was one ad)? Hmmm. I don't know how these chat have gone in your life, but for me..., the ten times were learning experiences.*

Otherwise? I can think of many, many times it will be trouble.

---
*
Her: What do you think?
Me: About what?

Her: What do you think?
Me: Nice?
Her: You don't like it, do you?

Her: What do you think?
Me: Nice?
Her: You like it? She ruined my hair!

Her: What do you think?
Me: What do you think?
Her: I think I like it.
Me: I LOVE it. You look great.
Her: It will be easier to handle this summer.

[Strapworks]

@weeks - Do you converse with the outside world other than with a keyboard?
I love skype, I don't pay a darn thing and I get to talk and *see* my family and friends no matter where they are.
I just don't understand these days why people are so afraid of face to face conversation, put down the phone and put away the computer, and actually have a real conversation with someone.

[Tonearm]

"I can think of many, many times it will be trouble."

Just like Caller ID....

[Brett_Tabke]

We just tried this out from iPhone to skype desktop and it rocked! A very good picture. This will go a long ways to making road trips a little less removed.

[maximillianos]

FaceTime has never worked for me. My wife and I have tried to use it a few times. Always get error messages. Yes we were both on wifi. I'm not even sure it ever was developed. We have never seen it in action.

[imbckagn]

FaceTime works fine for me and everyone I use it with, IP4.

[ergophobe]

>>Now, why or when would I or anyone want to use this?

In my case, I video call exclusively with my mother with Alzheimer's. You can't really have a voice-only conversation with her at this point.

I expect there are all sorts of scenarios and as technology improves, quality video will be a more and more important part of a call - you can see someone's facial expression which gets rid of lots and lots of miscommunication.

[weeks]

In my case, I video call exclusively with my mother with Alzheimer's.

Yes, that is a very good use. We do the online marketing for an assisted living firm and they report it has done wonders.

Do you converse with the outside world other than with a keyboard?

You have a point. I don't have a lot of tolerance with chit-chat.

Still, all of that said, it sounds like voice works fine for most people.

[PaulPA]

Yes, the video call as a replacement for the audio-only call is now in sight. Ten years from now when the video call is the norm, we will be wondering why this took so long.

[Lexur]

I use Skype in my desktop to contact partners and contractors.
I always am the only with microphone and camera. Some of them just type and chat, some of them use the voice feature but none wants to have video conference.
And, best of all, the multiconference saves a lot of money and time in the online business; I just need to schedule the hour, open the notebook anywhere I am and the meeting is running.
I barely understand the resistence to these features.