Skype Brings Instant Wi-Fi to the iPad and iPhone

The Skype app took a while to launch on the ipad but it isn't holding back as it launches a new Wi-Fi function that enables iphone, ipad and itouch users to connect to over 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world.

Skype Wi-Fi became available in the Apple store on Wednesday allowing Skype customers to use their credit to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots by the minute.

The access rates start at $0.06 per minute but depend on the service provider. Unlike other Wi-Fi hotspot services such as Boingo, Skype does not confine its users to signing up for whole days passes.

In a blog spot, Skype emphasized that the new app is ideal for traveler to wish to roam while abroad but are limited due to high data roaming charges on their phones.

In celebration of the new application Skype Wi-Fi will be free around the globe from Saturday 20th August 00:00 till Sunday 21st August 23:59 BST for a maximum of 60 minutes.

While there are no limits on the amount of data you can upload or download, you will need to have a Skype account with credit and your device will need to be running iOS 4.1 or above as the app requires multi-tasking.

Initially Skype Wi-Fi was only available to users of Windows, where it was known as Skype Access, but its expansion to iOS, Apple's operating system, will give the service to millions more people.