14 DAY TRIAL // Last month Skype promised that it would enable video calls for additional devices sometime in the near future and it looks like the company kept its promise.
The latest version of Skype is doing just that, as the developer introduced support for the majority of Android smartphones that are now available on the market.
There are 17 new Android smartphones that add to the already compatible device that were announced along with the first version of the application.
In addition, several performance enhancements and bug fixes have been included with the update, which should further improve the user experience of Skype for Android.
Skype 2.1 for Android is now fully functional for most smartphones, including: Samsung Galaxy S II, Samsung Galaxy S, Verizon Samsung Droid Charge, Samsung Galaxy Tab, HTC Desire (2.2), Verizon HTC Thunderbolt, HTC Sensation, HTC EVO 4G, HTC EVO 3D, HTC Incredible S, HTC Desire HD, HTC Flyer, Verizon LG Revolution (2.2), Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY, Sony Ericsson Xperia ray, Sony Ericsson Xperia mini pro and Acer A5.
It is also worth mentioning that, for those who are using Android 2.2 (Froyo) and above, they will need to enable video calling from the Skype settings by going to “Skype settings” after launching the app and selecting “enable video calling.”
However, if they cannot see the video calling settings, it means that their Android smartphone does not meet the minimum requirements needed to make Skype video calls.
Furthermore, Skype also stated that the video call quality may not be as good as on a certified Android device and only the back camera of the device will work on smartphones running on Android 2.2 (Froyo), even if they have a secondary front-facing camera.
The following fixes have also been included:
- Video on the Galaxy Tab from Verizon is disabled by default; - User cannot initiate group video call; - User can participate in incoming group video call, but with audio only; - Microphone does not work on the Sony Ericsson Xperia mini.
Skype 2.1 for Android is now available as a free download from Android Market and is compatible with the select devices listed above.
