- Can’t use over 3G. This is a complete arse. I get an excellent 3G connection most places I go to, I never use over my minutes and therefore I’m hardly going to abuse it. So, Apple, O2, what the fuck?
- Lack of Push Notification. It would be lovely if Skype would implement this so that when someone contacts me on Skype, it tells me and gives me the option of answering. As an outgoing-only solution, it’s a complete arse.
- Lack of multitasking. Why is this a problem? Two words: Incoming call. When someone calls my mobile number, the frontmost application quits. This is okay if it’s music or a game I’m playing but it’s a complete arse when I’m mid-Skype. Also means you can’t do anything else when in a call.
A workaround for some of this?
- First of all, get a MiFi (a 3G router). I have one from Three (3) and it means we have WiFi everywhere. Three don’t give a damn about you using Skype over their network.
- Consider an iPod touch (or put on Airplane mode and then switch WiFi on). This will remove the annoyance of an incoming call.
- Leave Skype running. Constantly. This may mean getting a second iPhone. Or alternatively just use your bloody computer.
I had a similar observation here (http://iphonecto.com/2009/11/10/enterprise-voip-client-iphone/).
It’s not just multitasking and VoIPo3G. Apple has to allow VoIP as an application that runs within the dialler, and therefore gets the same priority as circuit voice calls.
I couldn’t agree more. I use Beejive as it runs in the background for im but was excited about the prospect of skype on the iPhone – FAIL. As a new user to the iPhone I’m surprised at the lack of functionality in skype compared with other app conversions.
Ho-Hum.
Rick.