Skype is Bringing Free Group Video-Calling to iPhone and iPad

In an attempt to further develop upon its long standing desktop application features, integrating them into its mobile app, Skype announced yesterday that it would soon be bringing free group video calling to iOS powered devices such as Apple’s iPhone, iPad, and even compatible iPod Touch models.

Additionally, the free group video calling feature will be coming to Windows 10 tablets and phones, as well as select Android devices. And while Skype has yet to formally announce a specific date that it plans to release the new feature on mobile platforms, the company had the following statement posted on its website as of yesterday afternoon:

“Yes, it really has been a decade since Skype changed the way people connect with their loved ones. 6 years ago, we innovated again with one-to-one video calling on mobile phones. Today, we are excited to announce the next evolution – group video calling on Android, iPhone, iPad and Windows 10 Mobile.”

If for whatever reason you just can’t wait to get your hands on the new mobile program, it’s currently possible to sign up for a preview of the feature on Skype’s website. Prospective users will be asked to provide a valid email address, their Skype username, current location (Country), and to specify which device they will be using the program on. Skype will then set up a legit sample group video call, and then send you another email when the application is updated and ready to go.

The free sample video call is not mandatory, however; if you do not wish to receive a sample video call from Skype, you’ll just have to stay on the lookout for the update that’s coming within the next few weeks.

What’s the advantage of Skype over Apple’s FaceTime?

Well, for starters, FaceTime is currently only available for iOS device users — whereas Skype is a multi-platform application and can be used, for example, between iOS and Android devices, or Android and Windows 10, with no limitations. Additionally, FaceTime only allows for video calls between two users, whereas the updated Skype app will allow for calls between multiple users to be placed.

This is a welcomed update, indeed, and should be seen as great news for Skype aficionados. However it’s probably bad news for Apple, seeing as how the Silicon Valley tech-giant will likely have to update FaceTime, accordingly, in order to stay competitive.

So what do you think about the impending Skype update?
Are you planning to register for the free sample call and experience what it’ll be like once the official update goes live?

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