Apple users gain more Skype functionality

Apple Mac users will be able to enhance their Skype functionality from Wednesday with pay-per-minute Wi-Fi access and screen-sharing capabilities, according to new reports appearing ahead of the annual Macworld conference.

Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac OS X, which is set to launch tomorrow, will provide Apple users with breakthrough Skype functionality Windows users do not even have access to yet.

According to reports the pay-per-minute Wi-Fi access will be provided through hotspot provider Boingo but user fees will be deducted from the credit the user has uploaded to their Skype account, rather than asking the user to pay a monthly Boingo fee.

A screen-sharing feature will also allow users to share portions of their screen with their contacts.

In related news, mobile voice calling service Truphone has this week announced its application will carry new support for Apple Skype users, which will allow them to import their Skype contacts into the Truphone application, used on the iPhone and iPod touch, and chat with them from the Truphone interface.

The Truphone client on both devices will show who is online with its built-in presence functionality. Instant messages sent from Truphone are free of charge when in a Wi-Fi environment.

Also at Macworld, iPhone users will gain access to a new application from Soonr that will bring cloud computing to the iPhone. The application adds extra functionality to the iPhone and for the first time allows users to access documents on the move.

A free version is available starting today from the Apple App Store with expanded versions offered through leading mobile operators.