Skype's temporary iPhone vanishing act

Updated at 12:30 p.m. PDT with more information.

A week after its initial release in the iTunes App Store, Skype for iPhone has mysteriously disappeared. The vanishing act is temporary, Skype tells us, and began between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Pacific Time.

According to a Skype representative,

"The Skype for iPhone app was down for a couple hours, caused by our own submission of a 'hotfix' to simply address some feedback and minor improvements. The release date for the 'hotfix' was incorrectly applied to the current version of the app."

Skype says the issue is being fixed and that the VoIP app for iPhone is in the process of repopulating the App Store. Skype for iPhone is already available again in Europe, Skype says, and will return to global app stores within a few hours at most.

[john94857]

I swear my Skype sounds better to both my caller and myself comparing to mobile phones, at least from where I live...

[FearNo1]

The skype app really shows how the lack of multitasking hurts the iphone. Currently in order to receive a call via skype, you have to have the skype app running. on the iphone. Hopefully with OS 3.0, skype supports the push feature. With WinMo, if someone calls you with skype, your phone notifies you with a beep.

[libertyforall1776]

Get Voipover3G in Cydia to enable Fring, Skype & Truphone cellular VoIP... There's also Siax or Siphon for SIP over cellular...

[merukun8]

Skype for Iphone is great. At least I think so - yes it does not work out a wifi area, but for a person like me to who spends most of their time on the phone, this is a great savings on my cell phone bill. When I am home I can call everyone I want using skype's unlimited US & canada plan. How is that any different then having a landline? Though I don't know of any landlines that cost only $2.95 a month.

My only gripe is when using skype it's very very touch sensitive. You either have to use your headphone/mic combo or speaker phone. otherwise you end up putting people on hold or disconnecting.

[s70fixer]

What's the point of Skype if you are already locked into an AT&T service contract? Hello!! Are users actually installing a phone app on a phone? you sheep

[Tech Diva XXX]

International calls can be made without paying AT&T, but you have to use wifi.

[someguy205]

Skype may be first around the world but abesent in Canada, Skype claims its an ambigous reason of regulation or technology infringment. Perhaps CNET can get the correct info, if Fring is available Skype shouldn't be delayed.

[MindlessMeandering]

I absolutely agree. I would love some information on why Skype isn't allowed in the Canadian store, whereas Fring and others are. Makes very little sense to me...

[Tech Diva XXX]

Maybe the Canadian carriers dont like it. It's been blocked by T-Mobile Germany(although some say it can never really be blocked) and AT&T won't allow it to work on 3G unless you have 3.0 beta. Carriers will be threatened by allowing essentially a competitor app to run freely.