Skype For iPad Becomes A Live Download On The App Store, But Quickly Goes Offline
August 2, 2011
Update: For anyone who hasn't noticed, it's back in the App Store.
Many have been anticipating a native iPad version of the Skype iOS app for some time, especially since the release of the iPad 2. During the mid to late hours of Monday, Skype for iPad finally made it into the App Store. Unfortunately, you will no longer find it there.
This all began several hours ago with some Skype fans proclaiming the iPad version was able to be downloaded in the New Zealand and Australia App Stores. However, most of us were unable to verify this great news.
After some research and a few reader tips, we have been able to confirm the launch did occur, and iPad owners were able to successfully acquire the app for a brief period of time. So, what happened? About six hours ago, Skype admitted in a tweet the app has been temporarily pulled from the iTunes Store virtual shelves.
To ensure your best Skype experience, we've temporarily removed Skype for iPad which went live prematurely today.Another tweet appeared shortly after, this one forgiving anxious Skype users about the abrupt availability.
We know you've been eagerly awaiting Skype for iPad and apologize for the inconvenience.Regrettably, this provides no insight and only looks to frustrate fans at this point. Did Skype find a critical bug in the iPad version? Are they waiting to launch the app alongside something else? All of this just brings up tons of questions. Not to be a further tease, but we do have some details to share, including screenshots. This first set of captures were those officially posted to the App Store. The app features list sounds extremely similar to that of the iPhone and iPod touch version. The Skype for iPad description looked like this:
Bring your Skype contacts closer with full screen video at your fingertips. Beautiful and simple, this is Skype built especially for the iPad. Call, video call, or instant message anyone on Skype. Plus, if you add a little Skype Credit, call landlines and mobiles at really low rates. Simple to use: • Join Skype on your iPad in a few moments or just sign straight in to your account. • If you already have a Skype account, your Skype contacts will automatically be there on your iPad. • We’ve made adding new Skype contacts really easy. • Once they’re in your Contact list, call, video or instant message them in one touch. • Flick through recent calls and instant messages in your Skype for iPad history. • Skype for iPad works over Wi-Fi or 3G (operator data charges may apply). Call Skype contacts on their iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, PC, Mac and even Skype enabled TVs. Access free Skype features: • Talk face-to-face or show what you’re seeing with front and back-facing cameras. • Use Skype for iPad to call anyone else on Skype – and enjoy near CD quality (SILK) sound. • Instant message and add emoticons to personalize your messages. Then unlock even more features when you pay a little: • Make cheap calls to landlines or mobiles from your iPad. • Get an Online Number from Skype so people can call you on your iPad. If you want to unlock these extra features, you can pay in a way that suits you. • Pay As You Go with Skype Credit - great for when you’re using Skype every now and again. • Pay monthly with a subscription – best if you use Skype a lot. System requirements: • Skype video calling requires iOS 4.0 or above. • Send and receive video using front or back camera on iPhone 4, iPad 2nd Generation, and iPod touch 4th Generation. • Send and receive video using rear camera on iPhone 3GS. • Receive video only on iPad 1st Generation and iPod touch 3rd Generation. • Works with any H264 compatible devices, including TVs.One of our wonderful readers was kind enough to send in working screen captures of a few different features of the app, and it looks good. We've shared them below, so, ogle all you need. If you were one of the few to happen across and download the app during its short-lived premature launch period, please share your experience with us and other readers in the comments. [A big thanks to Mark for the tip and screenshots] [gallery link="file"]
