When Apple first announced iOS 4 a few months back, one of the apps demonstrated was Skype that was seen running in the background on iOS 4. Now that iOS 4 has been released we were left waiting a few weeks without the ability to keep Skype running in the background. That has now changed as Skype launched Skype 2.0.1 in to the app store last night that brings multitasking to the mix.
The new version works on the 3GS and iPhone 4 where multitasking is concerned and lets users receive calls while the using the phone for other things. Previously you had to be running the Skype application and have it active to receive calls.
When a call comes in from Skype a popup box appears asking if you want to accept or decline the call making it a very handy application to have on the iPhone.
What else makes it handy to have is that the previous version that launched also brings VoIP calling over 3G networks rather than being restricted to WiFi only. The only thing we are really waiting for now is the option to do video calling which Skype as of yet has included in the Skype iPhone app.
Other information shows that Skype is also dropping a monthly subscription cost to use Skype over 3G on the iPhone. Prior to the new release, Skype were planning on charging a small fee per month to use the service over 3G networks.
A final change that has been made in this version shows that it now has optimised graphics for the new iPhone 4 retina display which makes the whole experience a little more crisp.
If you already have Skype installed on your iPhone you can load up the App Store and check for updates now to install it. Alternatively you can download/upgrade it via iTunes for when you next sync up your device.