Skype for Android Available Now

Today, Skype announced the launch of a new mobile application, namely Skype for Android, a mobile software solution aimed at devices running under Google's Android 2.1 OS or higher, further expanding the service's reach into the mobile space.

The new release is aimed at offering smartphone users the possibility to enjoy Skype while on the go on WiFi or mobile data connections (GPRS, EDGE, 3G).

The new application comes with free Skype-to-Skype calls, regardless the location of the other Skype user, the company announced, adding that the software solution is already available for download via the Andrid Market.

Some of the main features of Skype for Android include:

- Make low rate Skype calls to landline or mobile phones
- Send and receive instant messages to one or a group of friends on Skype
- Synchronize contacts between Skype and the native address book and after synchronization place Skype calls directly from the native address book.
- See when Skype contacts are online and available to call or chat
- Easily import names and numbers to the Skype application from the native address book
- Receive calls on their Skype online number

The new mobile application comes with support for devices powered by Android 2.1 or higher, including HTC Desire, HTC Legend, Google Nexus One, Motorola Milestone XT720, and Motorola Milestone, on which it was already tested.

According to Skype, the application might not be fully compatible with all Android phones out there, not to mention that it sports some issues with the Samsung Galaxy S.

However, the app supports a multitude of languages, including Brazilian Portuguese, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Swedish, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese & Traditional Chinese.

“The Skype experience is ubiquitous today. More and more people are using Skype to do things together when apart,” Mark Douglas, Product Manager of Android, said.

With the addition of Android, we are pleased that Skype is now available on three of the most popular mobile platforms today: Android, iOS and Symbian.”

Those who already use Skype on their desktop computers would benefit from access to the entire contacts list when launching Skype for Android on their mobile phones.

Additional info on the new mobile application, as well as on how it works can be found in the video below, as well as on the company's website.