Skype Updates Android App to Support Many More Devices

A new version of the Skype app is now available for Android devices, supporting more handsets with video-chatting capabilities. This includes some of the newest models from Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile.

The update to 2.1 brings Skype’s video-calling feature to 15 other smartphones, according to the company. Some of the most notable names on the list include, the Samsung Droid Charge, HTC ThunderBolt, HTC Sensation, HTC Evo 4G, HTC Evo 3D, LG Revolution and the Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY. 

In addition to handsets not on the list, Skype said that a device running Android 2.2 Froyo or above should be able to enable video calling by turning on the feature in the app’s settings.  However, those devices that aren't certified but still support video calling may deliver a lesser-quality experience, as Froyo users with smartphones featuring both front-and rear-facing cameras will only be able to use the back camera. Only handsets powered by Android 2.3 or above will be able to utilize the front-facing camera. 

Skype first unveiled video calling for Android devices last year, though at launch the company offered the feature on a limited number of smartphones. This update comes during an interesting time for Skype, as the company grows closer to becoming an acquired asset of Microsoft. In May, the Windows-giant announced its plan to buy Skype for $8.5 billion, and though the deal is currently pending regulatory approval it is said to be approved by the end of this year. 

The latest version of this app is available now on the Android Market.  It is free to download and use for Skype-to-Skype calls. There's a fee for calling regular phones.