Skype Adds Video Calling to 7-Inch Galaxy Tab, HTC Flyer, and More Androids

Good news for those who own Android handsets and at the same time, Skype users!

When the Skype video calling feature was brought to Android last month, it only supports devices running the Gingerbread version of the OS (Android 2.3), including HTC Desire S, Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo, Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro, and Google Nexus S. Many were disappointed, but Skype promised to roll out an updated version of the VoIP app “very soon”. Surprisingly, it didn’t take any longer and starting today Skype is rolling out video support to additional 17 of the most popular Android devices. That includes two Android tablets – the HTC Flyer and the 7-inch version of Samsung Galaxy Tab.



Skype 2.1 for Android adds video calling support to the Android devices listed below.



Acer A5

HTC Desire (2.2)

HTC Desire HD

HTC Evo 3D

HTC Evo 4G

HTC Flyer

HTC Incredible S

HTC Sensation

HTC Thunderbolt - Verizon (2.2) (US only)

LG Revolution - Verizon (2.2) (US only)

Samsung Droid Charge - Verizon (2.2) (US only)

Samsung Galaxy S

Samsung Galaxy S II

Samsung Galaxy Tab

Sony Ericsson Xperia mini pro

Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY

Sony Ericsson Xperia ray



If your device is not on the list, don’t fret…



Those who are using Android 2.2 (Froyo) and above should still be able to enable video calling in Skype settings. Just go to "Skype settings" after launching the app and select "enable video calling". If you cannot see the video calling settings, it means your Android phone does not meet the minimum requirements needed to make Skype video calls.



The updated Skype 2.1 for Android is now available at the Android Market via this link.

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Download Skype for iPad with Video Calling Support Over Wi-Fi and 3G

Skype just released today an optimized version of its app for iPad devices.

Like the Skype for iPhone app, the new Skype for iPad allows users to call, video call, and IM anyone on Skype, or even call landlines and mobile phones using Skype Credit.

Simple to use:

• Join Skype on your iPad in a few moments or just sign straight in to your account.


• If you already have a Skype account, your Skype contacts will automatically be there on your iPad.


• We’ve made adding new Skype contacts really easy.


• Once they’re in your Contact list, call, video or instant message them in one touch.


• Flick through recent calls and instant messages in your Skype for iPad history.


• Skype for iPad works over Wi-Fi or 3G (operator data charges may apply). Call Skype contacts on their iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, PC, Mac and even Skype enabled TVs.

This new Skype for iPad app was certainly designed to leverage both front and rear cameras of iPad 2 to send and receive video from iPhone 4 and iPod Touch 4G devices. Whilst the iPad 2 send and receive video from the rear camera of iPhone 3GS, it can also receive video from the first-gen iPad and the iPod Touch 3G.



Skype for iPad requires iOS 4.0 or later installed, and you can get it at the App Store via this link.



Update 1:

Seems like it's not yet available here in the Philippines, just in other countries' App Stores like the US. But there's a workaround on how to get; just follow the steps here, but look for Skype for iPad instead of Google+.

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Video Calling in Facebook, Official!

So the early report is true, Skype brings video calling to Facebook.

Announced a moment ago, the biggest social network will offer its users a new way to communicate not just through an improved chat; but also with live conversation powered by Skype.

So a few months ago, we started working with Skype to bring video calling to Facebook. We built it right into chat, so all your conversations start from the same place. To call your friend, just click the video call button at the top of your chat window.

Facebook plans to roll the video calling feature to all users over the next few weeks, but you can actually have it ahead of the schedule. You can get it here now. [via]



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Skype-Powered Video Chat Coming to Facebook

Several reports had surfaced in the web last week when Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg tipped off the press in the US that a new product described as “awesome” is coming to the biggest social networking site on July 6th.

Though not really enigmatic to the extent that both Facebook and Skype didn’t even say anything official on what to unveil this Wednesday, Mashable has reported they were able to confirm from unnamed sources that such “awesome” product is actually the integration of Skype to Facebook. That means we can expect an in-browser video chat on Facebook powered by Skype anytime soon. Facebook video chat is going to be a revolutionary feature mind you, that would go head to head with the Hangouts feature on the recently launched Google+.



There’s a great possibility though that Skype and Facebook will indeed enter into more integration of its services, in fact on the latest Skype 5.5 Beta client, one can instant message Facebook friends through Skype. If Facebook video chat comes into a reality through Skype, it also means the latter can leverage the social network’s user base to substantially ramp up its usage. Of course that's going to be a win-win partnership.



Surely, we’ll find out more on this report so just stay tuned! [via]



Update: Facebook Video Calling through Skype is Official.

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Skype for Android Now With Video Calling Support

Exactly 6 months when the video-calling support for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad was made on hand in Skype, the new feature is also available now for Android handsets.

Android users can now enjoy making video calls with the newly updated Skype for Android app available for download from the Android Market. With the new Skype for Android, users can:

• Make and receive free Skype one-to-one video calls to other Skype users on the iPhone, Mac, Windows PCs, other Android phones and even TVs


• Make great value calls to landlines and mobiles around the world


• Send SMS messages to friends and family anywhere in the world from your Android device (rates may apply) 

The new Skype for Android app comes with a revamped user interface, now with new main menu where users can navigate easily through contacts, access Skype profile to change personal details, use the dial pad to make calls, see the balance of your Skype Credit and, of course, make video calls.



Though currently available for devices running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), the new feature is planned to be rolled out for more Android devices very soon. If you own among those Gingerbread handsets like HTC Desire S, Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo, Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro, and Google Nexus S, you may download the new Skype for Android from Android Market.



Watch the featured video after the break. [via]

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Microsoft Buys VoIP Service Provider Skype

Rumors about Skype acquisition either by Facebook or Google have been swirling around since the past couple of days.

It turns out the acquisition is true, but it doesn’t involved the first two companies providing internet-based product and services. It’s actually Microsoft Corp. who will close the deal of acquiring the VoIP service provider Skype Communications.

Microsoft Corp. will acquire Skype Communications for US $8.5 billion in which the VoIP company will become a new business division within Microsoft. Part of the acquisition includes all the company’s technologies, the Skype software, legal responsibilities, and etc.



The acquisition of Skype is expected to boost Microsoft’s current internet-based communications platforms including Lync, Outlook, Messenger, Hotmail, as well in its online multiplayer gaming service Xbox Live. Microsoft will also bring Skype to Kinect, Windows Phone handsets, and other Windows devices, while being committed to continue investing and supporting Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms. [via]

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Skype Video Calling Now on iPhone, Slam Facetime!

It started as rumor with flyer leaks and teaser videos. We thought it would be announced at the CES next week, but nope – Skype released the updated iPhone app in no time.

The new Skype for iPhone app now supports video calling on selected iDevices via Wi-Fi or 3G. The video calling service is free, but charges may apply when using 3G network. Supported devices include iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPod Touch 4G running iOS 4.0 or above, though 3GS users won’t have the convenience of the front-facing camera.



With the new Skype for iPhone, you can:

• Make video calls to people on their computers as well as other iPhones


• Make free audio calls to anyone else on Skype


• Make great value calls to landlines and mobiles around the world

Those who own iPod Touch 3G and iPad can still receive video calls from other users. Calls can be made between devices either using the new Skype for iPhone app and desktops versions including Skype for Windows 4.2 and above, Skype for Mac 2.8 and above, Skype for Linux and as well as the ASUS videophone. Watch the video after the break!







With the new Skype for iPhone app, I guess it just knocked off Facetime given the fact that latter comes with added capabilities. What do you think? [Download Link]



Click to Read Press Release

Skype Brings Video Calling to iPhones



Share the Moments that Matter Most over 3G and WiFi

30 DECEMBER, 2010 – Luxembourg – Skype today announced the new version of its iPhone application that brings video calling to millions of mobile users around the globe over both 3G and WiFi networks. Available to download from the Apple App Store today, the new Skype for iPhone App allows iPhone , iPad and iPod touch owners to make and/or receive free* Skype video calls for the first time. Users can now see their family, friends and colleagues around the world while talking to them. With approximately 25 million concurrent users logged into Skype at any given time**, the new Skype for iPhone makes it easier than ever to share moments wherever you are.



Video calling significantly enhances the user experience of Skype for iPhone, which is one of the top five free iPhone apps in 2010 according to Apple. Now, users can make and receive free Skype-to-Skype calls, call mobiles and landlines around the world at very low rates, and now share more moments together with video on Skype for iPhone.



"With video calling representing approximately 40% of all Skype-to-Skype minutes for the first six months of 2010, our users have been eager to get Skype video calling on their mobile phones," said Neil Stevens, general manager of Skype's consumer business. "By bringing video to mainstream users at their home or work via their desktops, on the go with their mobiles, or into their living room via their TV, Skype has made it possible for millions of people to share video moments wherever they are."



A video call evolves communication beyond transactional experiences to a shared experience where people can share any occasion with others wherever they are. Whether this is a military father watching the birth of his child while deployed abroad, loved ones communicating via sign language or work colleagues collaborating around the globe – the opportunities are endless.



Users can place Skype video calls with their iPhone over both a 3G data connection* or WiFi. The new Skype for iPhone app is compatible with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPod touch 4th generation with i0S 4.0 or above. Video receiving capabilities are available on the iPod touch 3rd generation and iPad. Calls can be made between devices using the new Skype for iPhone app and desktops including Skype for Windows 4.2 and above, Skype for Mac 2.8 and above, Skype for Linux and ASUS Videophone.



The Skype for iPhone application is available for free download from the App Store or at www.skype.com/go/iphon2

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