Overseas Apple iPhone Coming Soon

iPhone fans can now drool and wait for the iPhone outside of the US. A German firm has developed an application that brings Skype functionality to the device. German firm Shape Media has stepped in to address the complaints that users of the hybrid phone and MP3 player had. This relates to the phones instant messaging functionality -- or lack thereof.

The application, dubbed "IM+ for Skype", transforms the iPhone into a Skype handset. The web application, which works through the iPhone's Safari web browser, allows iPhones to use the Skype messaging service along with its Voice over IP (VoIP) network.

Users can access their Skype account by logging on to skypeforiphone.com. This allows them to make free Skype to Skype calls, and use their SkypeOut credits to make calls to landlines and mobile phones around the world. According to Shape Media, the application will work across different networks and does not require Wi-Fi to operate.

Similar software has already been developed for platforms such as Windows Mobile, RIM's Blackberry, Palm and Symbian devices.