Skype for iPhone

Farhad Manjoo, one of my favorite technology columnists, recently reviewed Skype for iPhone in his Killer Apps segment on SlateV:

If you have an iPhone but haven't tried Skype on it yet, you can download it here. You can also check out Manjoo's columns on Slate here.

There's been a torrent of news about the new Skype for iPhone client -- it's been a long time coming and now it's finally here.

In case you missed Peter's post on the main blog (with a nice walk-through video), you can now download it here for your iPhone or second generation iPod touch with headset.

My first impressions are pretty similar to what other bloggers are saying -- it's a great way to use Skype on the go. Here's what you need to know:

• You can make and receive Skype calls at any WiFi hotspot (calls don't work over 3G/EDGE, but you can have text chats and set your Skype status and mood message over 3G/EDGE),
• There's great iPhone integration with your contacts (to make SkypeOut calls easily) and camera (to set your photo).
• Sound quality is excellent, and chats work well with individuals and groups.

My favorite thing about the application is how simple it is -- the only icons across the bottom are Contacts, Chats, Call, History, and My Info. There isn't a settings button -- it's not necessary.

One drawback compared to other versions of Skype on mobile phones is that Skype can't run in the background on the iPhone--the application has to be running and active to make and receive calls. Skype Lite for Android, Skype for Windows Mobile as well as the 3 Skypephone and INQ1 phone can all receive calls when Skype is running but not in the foreground. If you receive messages or calls when Skype isn't running on your iPhone, you'll be notified next time you run the app.

Have you tried out the app yet? Share your thoughts in the comments or in the iPhone area of the Skype Community.