By 
Waking up to an update is always good. Waking up to a significant update to Skype is even better. Our friends at Skype are finally delivering on their promise and have released a new version of their Android application to allow video calling. I immediately installed the application, of course, but was disappointed to find that only a few devices were supported:
– Some handsets may not be supported
– You need Android v2.2 to run Skype on a Samsung Galaxy S
– Two way video calling is supported on the following handsets: Google Nexus S, HTC Desire S, Sony Ericsson Xperia neo, Sony Ericsson Xperia pro.
That’s a very small list. Considering Skype’s competitors can roll out support for nearly all devices with front-facing cameras, it seems kind of elementary to allow such a short list of devices to partake in video calling. Hell, even Verizon hasn’t gotten video calling with this update and they promised it to Thunderbolt users when they initially announced the device. In any case, they’ll be offering support for new devices in the near future, according to their Android listing.
Another big change is the new UI that brings it more in line with how their desktop and iOS clients look. Unfortunately, this new user interface is extremely bloated and hard to navigate. Even on my fastest devices, scrolling through my conversation list and conversations themselves is such a pain. It does look very, very good, though. If you even want this update, you can find it in the Android market for free.
they defiantly need to open it up more for other devices, whether it’s 3g and wifi or wifi only
Can’t even update my galaxy tab 10.1 to it, and it wouldn’t be compatible with video chat anyways. Lame. :(
build.prop FTW!! ;-)
Doesn’t skype own qik? Why would they compete with their own product?
This is when it feels great to own a Nexus S. It always seems like most apps support us first.
lol yea xD
Then you realize how most of your friends do not have the Nexus S, and the video calling is then essentially pointless.
Fragmentation.
But at least there’s GTalk with video.
Then you realize not all Android phones with cameras are supported.
Fragmentation.
The cycle continues.
Then i realize that doesn’t matter, the only person i would want to video chat with is my wife. And yes she does have a Nexus S.
Then you realize you can video chat with any pc/mac with Gtalk and you call also reach a lot of users with Skype…
Do you realize that you can modify the build.prop and get the Video calling to work ?
Do you realize the majority of Android users with those kind of devices will never know about that or even understand how to do that?
I like the new interface, but the list of supported phones is dismal! Come on Skype!
considering microsoft has a patent on VOIP tapping…im out on skype.
If anyone wondering how to get the 2 way calling.. just edit the build prop to Desire S and you’re good to go!
In the previous version it was possible to go offline, and the notification icon would clear, and the app would exit completely. Now your choices are either 1) go offline and remain with a notification icon, or 2) sign out and it forgets your password.
Why can’t they just have a damn exit button?
SonyEricsson X10 Mini Pro: “After I updated my mic went dead” – anyone else?