KEY POINTS:
Here's a perfect solution for all those local Apple iPhone owners who have hacked the device to allow it to access the internet via wi-fi and the iPod music playing function to be used - without having to sign up for an AT&T monthly account.
Shape Services has developed a Skype client for the iPhone, allowing the free internet calling service to be used when you're connected to a Wi-fi network.
The service is accessed by iPhone users through the Safari browser on the phone, by pointing the browser to skypeforiphone.com.
The pictures of the Skype user interface displayed on the iPhone's touch screen (see right) look pretty good.
Of course, there's also the messaging component of Skype included so you can use the iPhone's virtual keyboard to tap out short messages to your Skype contacts that are online.
I think this functionality could be really big if the browser-based software works properly.
The iPhone is increasingly looking attractive as a Wi-fi centric device, and it worked a treat on Wi-fi when I recently tried it.
Skype for iPhone is in beta testing and inviting feedback on the user experience, so if you've got a hacked iPhone, give it a whirl.
