Skype, a popular voice over IP service, has released an Android App update that enables video calling over WiFi and 3G networks. This is a big feature for Android smartphone owners. At this moment, two-way video calling is available only on select devices. These are HTC Desire S, Sony Ericsson Xperia neo, Sony Ericsson Xperia pro and Google Nexus S.
Skype has started offering video calling recently, but it was initially limited to only desktops, Macs and the iPhone. Now users get to download the updated Skype app to make video calls on iPhones, Macs, Windows, Android phones and TVs. Video calling is free but you have to pay for data charges while calling over 3G.
This means two-way video calling for Android phones will soon be a reality for those smartphones that have a front facing camera. Currently the app supports only four handsets and Skype hasn’t given out a word on when support for more devices will be added.
Two-way video calling is indeed a much anticipated feature on Android smartphones since several iPhone 4, iPod touch fourth generation, Mac and Window users enjoy video calling for free. To compete with Apple’s FaceTime feature, Skype has actively worked to enable the same feature for Android handsets and perhaps future BlackBerry devices with front facing cameras can avail it to.
Apart from that the new Skype for Android app boasts a better user interface. Skype for Android can be downloaded from Android Market or from this link.