Skype design VP Rick Osterloh has confirmed the development of a Skype app for the iPad. The long-awaited app is expected to get nearly all of the features of the desktop version and even some trace similarities to Skype 5 on the desktop. iPad 2 owners should get full video chat support, while everyone with Apple’s tablet will get voice and text.
Only the file sharing was being excluded due to Apple’s lack of an exposed file system.
Osterloh hasn’t narrowed down the release date for the iPad app, but it showed in a video (currently private) and has been in testing for a “few months.” Separately, the launch has been anticipated for June 28.
The executive in confirming the details reiterated Skype’s note that it hadn’t faced any obstacles from Apple for offering what amounts to a direct competitor to FaceTime. He highlighted Skype’s appearance at the iOS 4.0 unveiling, where the VoIP app was used by Apple as a primary example of multitasking. The iPad creator is still “super supportive” of its work, Osterloh said.
He wouldn’t be drawn into whether or not Skype might eventually be integrated into iOS, although he admitted Skype is “always interested” in tight connections. A link of the sort might doubtful now that Microsoft has bought Skype and will be more keen on using it as an advantage for Windows Phone.
