Skype for iPhone Launches; Download Now For Free

by Shawn Oliver — Tuesday, March 31, 2009, 10:24 AM EDT

The rumors were true! Skype for iPhone lives, and it could hardly be better. iPhone and iPhone 3G users have long struggled to get Skype capabilities on their cellphone, and while a few third-party alternatives are out there, none of them true excelled at connecting individuals via VoIP. Today, Skype has proudly announced that Skype for iPhone is available to all in the App Store, and to make things entirely better, it's 100% free.

The application not only allows free Skype-to-Skype calls from any WiFi zone on your iPhone, but it also adds Skype calling and instant messaging to any second generation iPod touch with a compatible headset and microphone. According to Scott Durchslag, Skype's Chief Operating Officer: "Skype software for the iPhone has been the number one request among our users. We are delighted to deliver on this request and put Skype into the pockets of millions of people around the world who are carrying iPhone and iPod touch devices."

The application delivers core Skype capabilities including:

Free Skype-to-Skype calls from any Wi-Fi zone to other Skype users worldwide
Call landline or mobile phones at Skype's great low rates from any Wi-Fi zone
Send/receive instant messages to/from individuals or groups via 3G, Wi-Fi, GPRS or EDGE (whichever is available)
Receive calls to a personal online number on Skype
See when Skype contacts are online/available to IM or talk