iPad Video Chat: Fring Arrives Ahead of Skype

"Just last week, we saw an early glimpse of Skype’s upcoming iPad app, but today, Fring appears to be one step ahead of the game. Fring’s free Video Calls + IM app got an update Monday that brings full iPad-optimized group video chat for up to four users, and it works with any platform where Fring has presence, and on both Wi-Fi and 3G connections."

Fring appears to be the first to bring group chat to the iPad, with its client managing four-way chats, while Skype is late to the party, and early information makes no mention of (free, like Fring) four-way chat capabilities. One huge advantage for Skype is that it supports desktop (and laptop) clients, while Fring is only for Smartphones and iOS devices. I haven't tried any video chatting using 3G, but I think that a four-way chat on any 3G network would be an especially frustrating experience.