In case you missed the news, Skype for iPad is now available — or to be more specific, Skype for iPad 2, as cameras are required for video chatting, of course.
As with the various versions of Skype for computers, smartphones and televisions, Skype for iPad lets you video call other Skype users, anywhere in the world.
Why download and use Skype for iPad when the iPad 2 comes preloaded with the similar FaceTime video calling app? While the video quality is comparable in our testing, FaceTime is limited to Apple devices (some iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Mac models) and only works over Wi-Fi. Skype, on the other hand, works with multiple platforms and can be used over Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity.
There are a few other advantages: you can simultaneously instant message with the person your talking with, plus if you’ve used Skype for years you’ve likely accumulated a sizable contacts list, which is automatically imported when you log in to your account on the touch-screen tablet. While Skype-to-Skype calls are free (data charges notwithstanding), you can also “Skype Out” to call a land line or mobile phone for a few cents a minute. you also have an option to pay for an incoming number if you’d like to turn your tablet into a mobile phone, of sorts (complete with voice mail and call forwarding).
Similar to FaceTime, you see the person you’re chatting with full screen, while you’re in a smaller window (with FaceTime, you can move this picture-in-picture around the screen, but it appears to be locked for Skype). by default, you’re using the front-facing camera but can tap to bring up some options at the bottom of the screen, where you can select to use the outer camera. this is handy if you want the person you’re chatting with to see what you’re looking at. but this is one extra step you don’t have to go through with FaceTime, as the “swap camera” icon is on your main screen with Apple’s software.
While video and audio quality was more or less indistinguishable between Skype and FaceTime, motion seemed a bit smoother on FaceTime. this is understandably the case when Skype calls were made over 3G, but it was the case over Wi-Fi as well.
Overall, Skype for iPad provides fun and free video-chatting for iPad 2 owners that bests FaceTime in most areas yet falls a bit short in others.
Category:Social NetworkingDeveloper:SkypeRated:3.5 out of 4