Skype launches iPhone video calling software

A 'Skype iPhone video calling guide' was posted online Wednesday, and on a separate page on the Internet calling company's website, a series of teaser videos that were shot on a mobile device - possibly a smart phone - were also posted, The Los Angeles Times reported.

Officials at Skype were unavailable Wednesday evening to comment on the iPhone video calling guide, or its authenticity, or whether the teaser videos were shot using an Apple iPhone or any other smart phone.

The iPhone video calling guide was posted to Skype's mobile download website under a title of text reading "How do I make video calls with Skype for iPhone?" with a Verizon and a Skype logo above it.

Verizon officials weren't available Wednesday to comment on why its logo appeared on the iPhone calling directions, but the appearance - authentic or not - will certainly add more fuel to the ever-growing rumors that the wireless provider will soon offer the iPhone on its network.

Currently, the iPhone is only available through AT&T.

Engadget was among the first websites to report the posting of the Skype iPhone calling "help document."

To make video calls with their contacts, users will need an iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, 3rd generation iPod touch, 4th generation iPod touch or an iPad. The contacts will only be able to see you if the given user device has a camera.

The iPhone video calling will also enable subscribers to make Skype video calls by using a WiFi or 3G connection. The quality of the video will depend upon the available network conditions.

Skype is set to make some announcements at the Consumer Electronics Show next week in Las Vegas - which we'll be covering on the LA Times Technology blog - but so far the company hasn't said whether its announcements could include calls on an iPhone, Android phone, or any other phone.

Another possibility is that the company is working on a simpler, not-shot-in-real-time video sharing feature of some sort.