Nov 9, 2010 10:27 GMT  ·  By

Launched at the beginning of October, Skype for Android has just been updated to version 1.0.1, bringing lots of improvements to the popular VoIP calling and messaging client application.

Taking into consideration the feedback received following the initial release of the Skype for Android software, the developer focused on areas such as support for additional lower screen resolutions, reduced power consumption and improved stability and behavior.

The new iteration of the application introduces lower screen resolution support for more Android smartphones such as the HTC Wildfire.

Skype 1.0.1 also introduces support for hardware back key, thus when sending the app to background with hardware back key, the Skype user interface process ends, but the library process continues to run in the background.

Users will continue to receive incoming calls and Instant messages, but battery consumption will be reduced while Skype runs in the background.

Another added feature enables users to exit the application by simply signing out from their Skype account.

Highlights of the new Skype 1.0.1 for Android are detailed below:

- 320x240 and 240x400 screen resolutions are now supported. - Hardware back key is now supported. - Reduced power consumption in idle mode. - Signing out from Skype now exits Skype. - Improved login stability and behavior. - Improved performance with large contact lists. - Reduced application size. - General bug fixes.

Skype does not recommend installing 1.0.1 version on Samsung Galaxy S smartphones running on Android 2.1 or older platforms. The new version requires an upgrade to Android 2.2 (Froyo), so users can benefit from all the features introduced.

A comprehensive list of currently known issues, as well as the devices affected by these issues, can be found on the developer's website.

Some of the “incriminated” devices include, but are not limited to, Samsung Galaxy Spica I5700, HTC Legend, Motorola Milestone, LG Aloha and HTC Wildfire.