Apple - iPhone, 3G and Skype.
March 18th, 2008 9
It was exciting news when apple released details of the SDK for developing iPhone applications last week. Watching the roadmap video I was very impressed with the direction that Apple have taken for rolling out the development of apps to third parties and distributing said apps in a brand new apps store.
Of particular interest (aside from the accelerometer controlled games) was the AOL messenger. It got me thinking about the messenger system we use to remote-connect at work - Skype.
With rumours rife around the whole subject of a G3 iPhone - and now the ability for third party developers to bring their apps to the worlds best mobile platform, it isn’t a great stretch to suppose that they’ll be skype for iPhone.
Obviously, the 2.5G EDGE network that the UK iPhone currently uses wouldn’t be enough to support VOIP calls - but with 3G support it’s not unthinkable that iPhone users will be calling each other for free - Using their O2 unlimited data.
I wait with bated breath to see what O2 (and by arbitration Apple) will do about this threat to their revenue. If Apple’s recent actions are anything to go by, there must surly be some kind of reaction to this.


9 Comments (+0 in the moderation queue).
#1 On March 18th, 2008 at 9:39 pm Sebhelyesfarku said...
Don’t hold your breath, 3rd party apps are not allowed to run in background, and VOIP is allowed only on WiFi on the iPhone.
#2 On March 18th, 2008 at 11:28 pm Jon Roobottom said...
Well, looks like you’ve cleared it up Sebhelyesfarku - The two little clever ways that Apple will continue to get as much money as they can out of people.
#3 On March 19th, 2008 at 5:46 pm Kris said...
Would it not be the network rather than Apple that would lose money if free calls could be made over VOIP?
#4 On March 22nd, 2008 at 1:13 pm Jon Roobottom said...
Hmm… that’s another bone of contention. Apparently Apple get a cut of whatever O2 make.
#5 On March 24th, 2008 at 6:23 pm Lizzie said...
I’ve recently bought myself a Skype mobile, on the 3 network. It allows you to make free skype calls as well as using msn, facebook and others. Pretty cool! I’m sure it’s not beyond the realms of Apple products!
#6 On March 28th, 2008 at 3:48 pm darthlawb said...
10 Million 3G handsets, they’ve just ordered?
Think I might consider one in June. That if I have enough money left over from buying my first Mac.
#7 On April 18th, 2008 at 1:51 pm simon said...
they’ll get for sure a big slice ok market
#8 On April 19th, 2008 at 12:29 pm Anggie said...
Hmm… VOIP on iPhone only works on WiFi Connection, not on GPRS Connection
#9 On April 30th, 2008 at 1:26 pm Colane Recker said...
I would like to know if there is a “IF” poem for women as well as for men. Thanks.