Skype on the Apple iPod touch

September 5, 2007
SkypeIn my previous Apple iPod touch post I forgot to mention that since the Apple iPod touch supports the same Safari browser as the iPhone, this enables you to run AJAX applications over its built-in Wi-Fi wireless connection. Thus, you can even run a VoIP application such as Skype on the Apple iPod touch using SoonR, the very first Skype for iPhone solution that I broke the news back in July. It leverages AJAX within the Safari browser. Another recent solution is IM+ for Skype, which should also work on the iPod touch. The beauty of IM+ for Skype is that it doesn't even require Skype to be running on your PC - it leverages the Skype API and servers run by the IM+ for Skype folks (Shape Services).

Of course, the iPod touch doesn't have a microphone so you can't have 2-way voice. (Update: There is a hack to add a microphone now to the iPod touch) In fact, you can't have one-way voice either. The reason is that these two Skype for iPhone solutions require a SkypeOut phone call to an actual phone number, i.e. the iPhone's phone number. Unfortunately, the iPod touch doesn't have an inbound phone number. Until a native AJAX VoIP application comes out, you won't be making VoIP calls from the iPod touch.  That certainly would be a cool app, especially if it supports SIP to terminate to any SIP-based service provider.  

I should mention of course, you CAN view your Skype buddies' presence info and even initiate instant messaging sessions with either SoonR or IM+ for Skype. Hmm, texting IMs from your iPod. Seems so strange, yet so cool. Something to add to your wacky "never-intended-for-this-use-gadget" arsenal.

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Comments to Skype on the Apple iPod touch


  1. Maca :
    September 9, 2007 8:33 AM

    Great stuff! I dont use skype at home, so i dont need skype on my iphone :/

    greetz from germany


  1. Michael :
    September 11, 2007 1:30 AM

    i would like to have ICQ on my iphonesad


  1. Antonio :
    September 11, 2007 11:38 PM

    Ummm... if you use SkypeIn, then you'd have an inbound number, and year's SkypeIn subscription is still far less expensive than an iPhone, or even its monthly plans.
    Then, you could make outbound calls, check voicemail, etc... at least, I would think to folks on your call list, which show up with those on your buddy list.


  1. michaux :
    September 14, 2007 12:59 AM

    The new iPod Touch gives the user the ability to surf the Internet via WiFi access. This brings up an interesting question : is it possible to get Skype on the iPod Touch and call for a lower fee or even for free? If so, do you need an iPhone or a wireless provider, really?

    Shape Services has already developed a Skype client for the iPhone, allowing the low cost Internet calling service to be used when you're connected to a Wi-fi network. The service is accessed by iPhone users through the Safari browser on the phone, by pointing the browser to skypeforiphone.com.

    The question now is, will this service at least theoretically work on an iPod Touch? Of course, you would need a customized headset that would let you talk as well as hear the person you are calling, that issue aside, this is an interesting issue. It should already be possible to get emails and IMs on the iPod Touch.

    When you think about it, would Steve Jobs mind if someone used the new iPod Touch to make calls when they are in an area that is equipped with WiFi? Probably not. After he lowered the price of the iPhone, the margins can't be that different on the two devices and Apple makes its money from selling hardware, not airtime.

    In fact, Steve Jobs only commented on the broader issue of cannibalization between the iPhone and iPod Touch yesterday with the somewhat vague answer:
    "If anybody is going to cannibalize us, I want it to be us. I don't want it to be a competitor."

    While Apple's network partner AT&T might have something to say about this, you ca't stop the future from happening. There are already a number of Skype-enabled cell phones out there and why should not Apple get a piece of this market?


  1. FairyMary :
    October 4, 2007 9:23 AM

    IM+ for Skype enables not only Skype chat and presence on iPod touch, it also allows iPod users to talk with Skype users and call any landline/mobile by setting the callback number of user's mobile or landline phone.


  1. john :
    December 30, 2007 12:15 PM

    they do make some types of mics for ipod touch in wich case there is a possibility in the near future of making calls on ipod touch!
    OF course we'd nead a skype app to download onto it.


  1. Jeremy :
    January 17, 2008 4:19 PM

    Good Afternoon,

    What about Skype for the new ipod touch. It seems to have more web functions. It does mail and stocks. What do you think?

    Sincerely,

    Jeremy


  1. Shop Monster :
    April 25, 2008 9:30 PM

    Great stuff! I dont use skype at home only for business


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