14 DAY TRIAL // Skype has just announced the release of a new version of their application designed for handsets running under Google's Android operating system, namely Skype 2.0. The new flavor of the mobile application comes with enhancements like Video calling and support for sending SMS messages, and was already made available for download via the Android Market.
In addition to these major additions to Skype, the new version of the application also comes with a series of other improvements aimed mainly at the experience users receive while using the software on the go.
“We have introduced a video calling support on the new Skype for Android. This enables you to see your beloved ones while on go. You can make video calls over mobile data and Wifi connections,” the company notes in a blog post.
At the moment, the new video calling feature is available only for a number of four handsets, but more devices should enjoy the capability in the near future.
Google Nexus S, HTC Desire S, Sony Ericsson Xperia neo, and Sony Ericsson Xperia pro are the four handsets that support Skype video calling at the moment.
As stated above, the new Skype 2.0 for Android also brings support for sending SMS messages, offering users the possibility to enjoy an alternative way of sending messages while on the go on the company's competitive rates.
“When building the Skype 2.0 for Android we made big efforts to iron out the few quirks we had on the initial version and we made number of changes to the user experience based on you're feedback to the initial version of Skype for Android,” the company also notes.
It should also be noted that the Skype 2.0 for Android application is available for mobile phones that run under the 2.1 or newer versions of Google's mobile OS, and that it requires at least 600 MHz of CPU power and screen resolutions that start at 320x240 pixels.
You can download the new application flavor from the Android Market here.