Late last night saw the release of the free Skype for iPad app. The app as anticipated gives iPad owners audio chat and, if they have an iPad 2, two-way video chat. Skype exploits the larger canvas to have pop-over text chat in mid-video as well as to produce an overall interface closer to the desktop app.
As with other Skype apps, it can work over 3G or Wi-Fi. Any text, video, or voice chat with other Skype users is free, while SkypeOut calls to real-world phones and a SkypeIn online number cost their usual rates. Heavy users can subscribe.
The app needs iOS 4 or later. First-generation iPad owners can still use the app but, as expected, can only receive video. No sign exists of a version optimized for Android tablets.
