Will Skype Unveil a Video-Chat Service for iPhone and iPad Next Month?

Did Skype just let it's own secret slip? The Internet-telephone service's website on Friday posted -- and later removed -- information about an iPhone video-chat service that would compete with Apple's (APPL) FaceTime service.

The documents indicated that Skype would unveil the new product, which will connect via 3G and WiFi networks, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month, InformationWeek reported. (FaceTime only uses WiFi).

Additionally, Skype may release a video-chat product specifically for Apple's iPad, InformationWeek reported, citing a separate document that had been posted on Skype's site.

If all this is true, it looks like Skype may be hoping to tap into the popularity of Apple's rapidly selling iPhone and iPad with products for those devices. Founded in 2003, Skype has more than doubled its users over the past three years to 124 million. Silver Lake bought 65% of the company from eBay for $1.9 billion last November after eBay bought Skype for $2.5 billion in 2005.