Skype for iPhone hits (and so do the bills)

[1]A beta version of Skype for iPhone [1] has become available. The free third-party software--IM+ Skype for iPhone--enables iPhone users to access Skype messaging and VoIP over the Apple handsets. PC World reports that the application works over any network, not just WiFi; Information Week's Stephen Wellman says charges are incurred on Skype calls.

Another developer has released the first native game for the iPhone, called "Lights Off." Justin Berka of ars technica reports that it's similar to Lights Out, a '90s era game that resembles a one-dimensional, electronic Rubik's Cube.

Both applications are emerging just as the first wave of iPhone users begin to receive their bills from AT&T--some of them up to 300 pages long, according to a report on Marketplace. The third-party coders may be just the thing to save the iPhone from AT&T's decidedly uncool billing plan.

For more:
- ars technica's Justin Berka discusses Lights Off here [2]
- The PC World coverage is here [3]
- IM+ Skype for iPhone beta is here [4]
- The Marketplace report from National Public Radio is here [5]

Late Breaking: Skype goes dark

- Andy Abramson reported a Skype outtage Aug. 16 here [6]
- Tom Keating at TMCNet said it started Wednesday evening here [7]