Skype on the iPod Touch

Probably a month ago I downloaded the (free) Skype app for the iPod Touch. Firstly I thought it would be a good idea just for the messaging than I remembered a conversation I had with one of the guys at the Apple store. The Touch has built in hardware to allow a microphone. Obviously the microphone is not actually built in into the iPod, like it is in the iPhone, but the 3.5mm jack connector has an extra pin in there to allow for a headset with a built in mic.

So I bought myself the Apple’s own for £19.95 (comes with volume control) and have been able to make perfectly clear phone calls using my touch.

It is a great app but I have encountered bugs:

1. A few calls had a very garbled noise but a reboot has always solved the problem.
2. Because the Skype screen remains bright, the power will get drained rather quickly. A 30 minutes phone call will reduce it from fully charged to about third left.
3. The app will not run in the background, this is a shame as if someone tries to contact you and you are not actually using Skype then you’ve missed it…
4. If you are on a call, you will not get notification of someone else trying to get through.

This app is still new and I would expect an update will eventually come down to solve these few annoyances.

Apart from the above points, I think Skype on the iPod is still great and am surprised it was released on the iTunes app store.
I agree Skype generally is probably not the perfect solution for everyone but if, like me, you have family abroad or travel a lot, then there would be great benefits in using this app (on an iPod, desktop pc or laptop).

I recommend it!

~ by dav1dfv on 19 May, 2009.