Also available for other iOS 4 devices
Skype has released the latest application for the iPhone 4 to take advantage of its multitasking abilities, whilst also announcing at the same time there will be no surcharge levy for 3G calling.
The iPhone 4 version of Skype will also be available to other devices that now run iOS 4, such as the iPhone 3GS and the more recent iPod Touch devices as the application uses the multitasking environment of the new operating system.
All of which means the communications software can be run in the background, waiting for a call or a message whilst the phone is used for other tasks and even when the phone is locked, the app is still active.
Skype’s multitasking abilities do not stop there, as it’s now possible to switch to another application whilst keeping the conversation alive - according to information supplied by the company.
Previously it appears Skype has charged a fee for making calls over 3G, from when it was first possible back in May, where they announced today this will be waved in order to increase call time as well as the frequency of calls. Skype is aware of the high fee most are paying for data tariffs too, where slapping on an extra fee isn’t entirely fair.
Slider with social frills
Branded on INQ’s web site as “The World’s first social mobile”, this is a little phone setting out a big stall. Exclusive to 3 and available in black and silver, it’s the first UK phone manufactured by Chinese electronics firm Amoi.
As you’d expect from the marketing, facebook, Windows Live Messenger and Skype are built in. Presented via the home screen and accessed through an easy to use widget carousel. All friends and contacts appear in the phone book and messages, pokes and requests drop into the inbox. All good, but no support for twitter is a missed opportunity for the In(q) crowd.
Mini USB allows use as a 3G dongle at 3.6 Mbit/s. Pretty much as fast as anything else you could get. The basic (3 MP) camera is fine for snapping to post online but tiny phone, tiny memory is true again. 50MB memory can be expanded to 4GB.
With all the social updates arriving (and why else would you want it?), you’re not left in standby often so battery life can be a challenge.
A first go for Amoi and winner of GSMA Phone of the Year 2009, the intent is to deliver simple social integration and data to the mass market. For a lightweight slider the INQ1 is an affordable option, but I’d wait for the next one to iron out some annoying glitches.
Budget touchscreen for one-thumb use
Samsung bring us the S5600, marketed as the Preston or Blade in the UK. It’s sparkling with immediate appeal as an upgrade to the popular Tocco lite, or a value alternative to the Jet. More importantly, the S5600 hasn’t had all the best features hacked out to make it cheaper.
Less than 100 grams and manufactured in sturdy plastic, this is a lightweight and dinky touchscreen that sits in the palm and can be controlled with a thumb. The 2.8 inch QVGA capacitive screen is bright, crisp and responsive. It’s powered by the same TouchWiz fingertip interface that premiered on the Armani phone.
Users have 3 screen areas they can scroll and customise with widgets, rather like the G1. Windows Live Messenger and Skype are included on the application bar, and users can download loads more widgets for other big name social applications. Menus are graphical and clear with functional icons that reminded me of Sony Ericsson styling.
Equipped with essential HSDPA, you also get a 3.2 MP LED flash camera plus a basic front-facing one for video calls. The FM radio is complemented by a 3.5mm jack to listen in. 80MB internal memory can be expanded to a very respectable 16GB with microSD cards.
Pop it in a bag or shirt pocket and it does what you need. Watch out for thumb strain if you’re a mad texter.
