Skype's video calling on iPhone (photos)

Skype's long-awaited video chat feature has familiar controls for two-way chatting. We look at it here for iPhone.

Jessica Dolcourt

Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).

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Jessica Dolcourt

Dec. 29, 2010 11:00 p.m. PT

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Online presence

A long-awaited update to Skype's iPhone app now brings two-way video-chats to the well-known software, just in time for New Year's wishes.

Here, the contact card is one portal into your contact's online presence. Their status and photo are available, plus the (now) four ways to reach out--instant messaging, SMS, a voice call, or a video call.

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Answering

Just because Skype can broadcast footage from your front-facing camera doesn't wrest away your control. You can also say yes to audio only or decline the entire call.

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Pause

Skype's iPhone update lets you pause a call to put it on hold without hanging up.

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Options

Familiar calling options include controls to mute the audio or amplify it on speaker, put a call on hold, and turn off video broadcasting--all while engaged in an active call.