Skype has just rolled-out the latest update for its Android client, bringing videochat support to a quartet of smartphones.
Two-way video-calling is now supported with Skype’s new-app, although it’s currently restricted to just four Android smartphones: the HTC Desire S, Sony Ericsson’s Xperia Neo and Xperia Pro, and Google‘s very-own Nexus S handset. A Skype representative confirmed however, that the company’s “working to make Skype for Android 2.0 available for a wider range of Android handsets soon after launch”, so this should soon be available on your Froyo-touting smartphone.
The best bit is, the re-jigged Skype application works across multiple platforms, which means you’ll be able to have videocall chats with iPod and iPhone users straight from your Android device. This is supported over both 3G and WiFi connections, although according to the folks over at Recombu, it was “most effective over WiFi”. Even so, that’s still a ‘one-up’ on Apple‘s FaceTime.
They also reveal that the updated app – Skype v2.0.0.45 – brings phonebook syncing, enabling you to start calls directly from the contact page. It also delivers support for SMS messaging, and the ability to switch between front and rear-facing cameras.
Skype is available to download for free from the Android Market.
[Source: Recombu]