Skype is coming to the iPad

After a leaked video accidentally spoiled the surprise, Skype has confirmed that it is preparing an iPad app for release. No firm date is yet known for when it will arrive, but according to TUAW, which spoke to Skype VP of consumer and product design Rick Osterloh, it is expected to be approved soon by Apple for the App Store.

The video of Skype that leaked (embedded below) shows what looks to be a fairly impressive finished product. It takes full advantage of the iPads larger screen size, allowing users to make audio and video calls, and use text-based chat, as well as allowing users to chat via text while on a video call. The iPad 2s camera is the primary driving force behind the companys decision to release an iPad-specific version of its iOS app, Osterloh said.

Skype for iPad can make use of both of the iPad 2s cameras, and also appears to support calling out to landlines and mobile phones, just like other mobile and desktop clients. File sharing isnt included in the iPad version, but thats because of the iPads lack of a user-accessible file system, and its not yet clear whether group video chat will be included in this iPad release.

The Skype apps contact browser appears to work similar to the iPads music player app, with big square contact photos appearing in a grid configuration. Judging by the video, Im tempted to say it actually looks like it could be a joy to use, unlike the most recent Skype release for Mac.

Having a native iPad client will be great for both video and voice communications on the iPad. FaceTime is nice, but it obviously has a much more limited reach because it only works with Apple hardware. Skype has the advantage of being multi-platform, and its VoIP capabilities are nothing to sneeze at, either. Look for it in the App Stor! e in the near future.

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