Aug 9, 2011 09:01 GMT  ·  By

Skype 5.3 has been released in the wild with support for the latest version of Apple’s Mac OS, as well as with support for HD cam hardware, such as the built-in FaceTime camera on the more recent Macintosh computers.

According to the Product Manager for Skype for Mac, Krishna Panicker, “Skype 5.3 for Mac OS X is built to work with Apple's newest desktop operating system, Lion, in addition to being compatible with past versions of OS X going all the way back to Leopard.”

The decision to add support for OS X Lion in a software update that comes under a month since the last major revision to Skype for Mac comes as a reassuring sign that things are starting to pick up on the Mac front at the Belgian company.

Until recently, Skype Limited has been reluctant to keep both the Mac and the Windows PC versions of their apps in ‘sync’, as far as features were concerned.

On the Skype blog, Panicker continues with the description of their latest Mac-focused update, mentioning the newly-added support for HD cameras.

“With Skype 5.3 for Mac OS X, you'll also be able to send and receive HD quality video when talking to your friends and family,” Panicker writes.

“You'll need to use the Mac's built-in HD webcam or choose from a variety of webcams from our Skype Shop, such as the Logitech C910, to make video calls in crystal clear HD quality,” adds Panicker.

The Skype Product Manager points out that HD video calls will only work best on an Internet connection capable of upload/download speeds of 1.5Mbps.

“As with all updates, we ask that you download the most recent Skype update to take advantage of these recent features,” Panicker concludes. “We hope you enjoy the new updates in Skype 5.3 for Mac OS X.”

As usual, customers are welcome to post their impressions or whatever questions they may have in the comments, as well as on the new Skype Support Network.

Download Skype for Mac (Free)