Report: Skype for iPhone on tap for Tuesday

At long last, the over-the-Net voice-calling giant is bringing its own, official app to the iPhone, complete with the iPhone look-and-feel—but you'll only be able to make Skype calls over Wi-Fi.

The New York Times reports that Skype for the iPhone will arrive on iTunes sometime tomorrow (Tuesday), the same day that Skype is holding a Las Vegas press conference on the eve of the CTIA Wireless conference.

We can also expect a BlackBerry version of Skype in May, according to the Times. Skype previously released an app for Google's Android platform in January, along with a Java-powered "Skype Lite" version, while Skype for Windows Mobile has been available for many moons now.

CNET got a first-hand look at Skype for iPhone (which, for the uninitiated, lets you make free voice calls to other Skype users over the Interent, or relatively cheap calls to landline phones) and reports that the app—unsurprisingly—only works over Wi-Fi, although you can text chat with Skype buddies over AT&T's EDGE and 3G networks.

The Skype app takes on the iPhone look and feel, according to CNET, and some of the iPhone's standard calling features will be available, including the ability to mute and put callers on hold, or put a call on speakerphone.

That said, it looks like some important features are missing: for example, you won't be able to initiate conference calls or take a second call, nor will you get access to native Skype voicemail. Ugh. CNET notes that those features may come in future versions of the Skype app.

Of course, a few Skype-compatible iPhone apps already exist, such as IM+ for Skype, Skype Fwd, and Fring. However, a Skype rep told CNET that those third-part apps require "workarounds" that degrade call quality.

In any case, we'll all get a chance to check out Skype for iPhone come Tuesday. Meanwhile, what do you think—interested in making Skype calls over the iPhone, limitations and all?

[Image credit: CNET]

Related:
Skype, the Web Phone Giant, Brings Cheap Calls to Cellular [The New York Times]
Skype for iPhone: It's Official [CNET]