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Why aren't more people using Skype for the iPhone?
Skype has been available as a free App Store download for a little while now for both the iPhone and iPod Touch. I don't understand why more people aren't using it as their exclusive method of calling, or at least using it in the same numbers as those using the desktop version of Skype. Usage of Skype on the iPhone as a percentage of iPhone users is much lower than that for the desktop version. I have a theory that I'll get to shortly.
For three bucks a month for the SkypeOut service, you can make Skype calls to any phone. On the iPhone, it would essentially be a method of calling that doesn't use minutes. Granted, the reliability of the service is in question since it relies on a steady data connection, but for non-important personal calls where all you want to do is chat, why not just exclusively use the Skype application?
I own a Verizon Windows Mobile phone as well as an iPod Touch. I have tried using Skype on my Windows Mobile phone and it is disabled for calling (SMS works fine, though). The iPhone on the other hand allows you to place calls from any Wi-Fi Hotspot, so why isn't that getting more use, after all, its the same situation as you have when your physically at your computer (most computers aren't connecting to the web through 3G, but through a physical connection)?
How come cellular services don't switch exclusively to data-based voice communication? Does it have to do with a lack of reliability? Is it the need to drain every penny they possibly can from the customer? Is it a combination of both?
For the record, I would use Skype exclusively if it were available for calls on any cell phone network. As Comcast and others begin to roll out their WiMax networks (as they have this week in one market, and plan to do so in other major cities by years end), maybe we will have the ability to buy an iPhone thats not so connected to just one cell provider, and instead use it to dial through a standard net connection! Then, cell phone companies would have no choice but implement a set monthly fee with none of these "per minute" charges.
Do you use Skype for the iPhone? What is your experience with it?
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I have used it and gotten great results with it. In my experience, the sound quality has been exceptional and I love the service. Unfortunately, until they support push notifications, it will never rank as more than a novelty on my iPhone.
Also, like many I suppose, I never come close to using my monthly minutes for regular calls. The iPhone allows me to communicate in so many ways that actually calling someone is rarely my first option. I have SMS, MMS (soon I hope), Email, and IM on programs like Beejive that DO support push notifications. The list goes on and on.
Even if they do add push notification, simply calling someone will still be the more versatile option.
Skype on my iTouch was nice when I was traveling in Costa Rica, if I got WiFi access I could make unlimited calls. I've used it around my house to reduce cell minutes just as proof of concept and it works well for me.
I happen to have a cordless Skype phone (the first "iPhone" actually) that requires a base station that I use to keep my cell minutes down. If I didn't have this, I think I'd use it more.
If it had When it gets push to alert me when there was a voicemail or incomming call, it'll be great.
I have an iPhone 3gs now, so it's nice to have it with me everywhere and not need to carry a seperate mic. Even overseas I can text, generally incomming text is free and sending (via phone) has been 50 cents (but there are other free sending options like textfree).
Did you know you can set your skype account to show your cell number as what will show up on people's Caller ID?
I think anyone with a cell phone (and no land line) should consider using skype for outgoing calls from home. You could easily drop your plan $20 (or even $40) a month if you used Skype for more outgoing calls. Even with out iPhones, some cordless Skype phones that dock with a desktop for $60-$90 would play for itself very quickly (at $3 a month). If you had kids you'd save even more. Every minute you save at home just rolls over for later, right?
I know a consultant who's only phone is Skype (and she has a 3g card for her laptop). It made me consider just getting a MiFi router and an iPod Touch instead of a phone.
FYI - When I ditched my landline, I called the police station for the number I can dial to reach the 911 call center. So I can call 911 with Skype if I need to.
Gary
http://GarySaid.com/
I must have missed your theory on why more iPhone users don't use Skype. Is your theory the slew of questions you posed?
For me, it simply doesn't work well. I've tried many times talking to other Skype users and the call quality ranged from pretty horrific to unusable. Also, since it can't run in the background, it's only good for outbound calls. Third, I never come close to my monthly limit of cellular minutes, so there's no reason for me to settle for poor call quality when I can get a more reliable, clearly call on demand. And lastly, most of the time, I am not in a WiFi hotspot. Combine them all and Skype is just plain inconvenient and useless for me.