Skype Intros Bluetooth Support for iPad 2, Advertisements

Skype has just announced the launch of its updated iOS clients for iPhone and iPad with exciting new features, like Bluetooth connectivity, image stabilization, emoticons, and an overall updated UI, as well as less exciting additions, such as ads.

Beom Soo Park, beta program manager for the Skype for Mac client., is proud to make the official introductions on the Skype Garage blog, where he writes:

“Today we have released new versions (3.5.84) of Skype for iPhone and iPad.”

Park reveals that both clients will be sharing the same version number starting now.

“In this release, we have made improvements in many areas to enrich the Skype mobile experience,” Park says. So what are these improvements?

The most important of all is the ability to connect via Bluetooth: “You will now be able to use Bluetooth-enabled headsets to make hands-free Skype calls,” says Park.

Next in rank is the anti-shake video image stabilization which, according to Park, only applies to the iPhone client.

“We are introducing new feature for mobile video calling. When video shaking is detected, Skype automatically stabilizes the video image. It works when using your rear camera,” he blogs.

As a result of the update, incoming emoticons should now be properly displayed in iPhone instant messaging, he adds.

Finally, also on the iPhone, there is some new graphics, and a new chat and call look.

This updated version supports iPad and iPad 2, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, as well as the 2nd and 3rd Generation iPod touch players. The app requires iOS 4.0 or later.

For more information about the Skype iOS clients (such as the known issues that are being prioritized for future updates), visit the company’s Garage blog here.

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