Skype releases Apple iPad VoIP client after stuttering start

Skype has released a VoIP client designed specifically for the iPad, but changed its mind and withdrew the application from Apple's App Store for 10 hours. The software is now available again.

Skype for iPad was released last night but was pulled shortly afterwards. The company apologised on its Twitter feed, saying that the build had been released prematurely.

"To ensure your best Skype experience, we've temporarily removed Skype for iPad which went live prematurely today," Skype said.

The company has been promising an iPad version of its client since June and the latest free software gives full-motion 15 frames per second video calls using the tablet's front and back cameras.

Skype already has a similar iPhone application, but the new client is optimised for the iPad's display and resolution.

"Skype for iPad gives Skype users the best of both worlds for video calling: the large screen and display of a personal computer, but the portability of a mobile phone," said Neil Stevens, Skype's vice president and general manager for products and marketing.

"We've taken advantage of the iPad's large screen and optimised the user experience along with making it easier than ever to navigate through the new intuitive interface."

The application works with the 3G and Wi-Fi versions of the iPad, and allows calls between Skype users as well as to landlines and mobiles, the latter for a charge.

There had been speculation that Apple might try to hold up the clearance of the Skype application, since it competes with Apple's own FaceTime video chat application, but this appears to be groundless.

So far the Skype client looks to have more features than FaceTime, with the bonus of being platform-independent.