Remember when Skype came to Android? If not, I’ll refresh your memory. It was a rainy Thursday morning on March 25, 2010 and to everyone’s dismay, the app didn’t even support WiFi. It was indeed, a failure. But now, it’s almost two years later and Skype is a much better application, supporting 3G, 4G LTE, and of course, WiFi connections. Today, it has been updated bringing a groundbreaking feature, portrait calling for Android tablets. Hooray.

If you need to go make your dreams of making a call while in portrait come true, go grab the update in Google Play. Enjoy.

Play Link

Skype for Android Updated, Brings Portrait Calling For Tablets is a post from: Droid Life

Skype for Android has received a little update recently, bringing a couple noteworthy features to the masses. If you still use Skype from time to time, then you will notice a newly revamped Ice Cream Sandwich look, plus the app now has a reported faster start-up time. Good to know big developers are beginning to use Google’s theme outlines. Are you still using Skype on your mobile?

Play Link

Cheers Ashot!

Skype for Android Updated, Newly Revamped IM Interface and Video Rotation Support for More Devices is a post from: Droid Life

Users of Skype can head on in to the Android Market and pick up the newest version of the application. You will notice a newer calling interface, better performance throughout the app and other minor bug fixes. Anyone still rocking Skype on their device?

Market Link

Cheers Philly_Cheesesteak!

Skype For Android Updated – Brings Updated Calling Interface and Other Improvements is a post from: Droid Life

Skype users, you may want to head on into the Android Market to pick up the latest release of the app that just went live. You will find things like a more polished UI and better video quality while chatting on Tegra devices, but the real show stopper here is the newly added ability to share things. And when we say “things” we mean files, pictures and even videos with your closest friends from across the globe. The sign in and out process has also been simplified, along with improvements to voicemail.

Market Link

Skype For Android Receives Update – Sharing of Pictures, Files and Videos Added is a post from: Droid Life

Skype on Android received an update tonight that brought in support for 14 additional devices including the DROID Bionic and the Motorola XOOM. Tablet support was something that had been missing up until now, so this is pretty big news.  You can now Skype away with your friends, loved ones and stalkers from just about every single Android device you own.

Full list of new devices:

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (T-Mobile)
HTC SHOOTER (KDDI)
Sony Ericsson Xperia Live with Walkman
Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V
Acer Iconia Tablet (A500)
LG Optimus Black LANDSCAPE ONLY
LG Optimus 3D LANDSCAPE ONLY
LG Optimus 2x LANDSCAPE ONLY
Motorola Photon
Motorola Droid3 LANDSCAPE ONLY
Motorola Bionic LANDSCAPE ONLY
Motorola Xoom
Motorola Atrix

T-Mobile Galaxy Tab 10.1?  Didn’t T-Mo just tweet about that possibly coming some time down the road? I guess we know now that it is just around the corner.

Market Link

Cheers @0mie!

Skype on Android Updated, Now Supports the Bionic and Tablets is a post from: Droid Life

Has Facebook made plans to add in video chatting to their newly released Messenger app on Android and iOS?  That’s certainly the word on the coding street.  According to an astute reader over at 9to5Mac, some of the features have already been built in – or at least the initial pieces are.  And it would make sense seeing as FB and Skype teamed up just a couple of weeks ago to bring video chatting to the masses.

Does anyone find themselves lusting after another video chatting app?  (Yes, that was sarcasm.)

Via:  9to5Mac

Cheers Ben!

Video Chat Embedded Deep Within the New Facebook Messenger? is a post from: Droid Life

Hard to believe, isn’t it?  The HTC Thunderbolt, the device that was supposed to kick off the Skype with Video campaign back in March is just now receiving it almost a month and a half after it was released to the Android Market.  The Skype team didn’t just stop there though and actually added 17 other top devices including the DROID Charge, LG Revolution and Samsung Galaxy S II to the supported list.  It looks like they’ve adopted the same model as Netflix (slowly but surely), but we’ll admit that we are still happy that it’s making its way onto some of our favorite phones.  

Oh, we should probably point out that if your phone is running 2.2, like the Thunderbolt and Charge, you won’t be able to use your front camera with it.  Not sure what exactly Skype is thinking, but that’s what we have.

Here is the list of newly supported devices:

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

Market Link

Via:  Skype

Cheers Nathan and thegeek!

Skype with Video on Android Updated: Thunderbolt, DROID Charge, Revolution and Others Now Supported is a post from: Droid Life

Thankfully we released a version of Skype with Video that will work on Thunderbolts, but that doesn’t make the multiple sightings of it on Skype’s website any easier to handle.  Since the device is still not running Android 2.3, even though HTC told is it would be ready some time in Q2 (which ended yesterday), there is no official support for it at this time.

Do we have any idea when we’ll get it 2.3 or Skype on the Tbolt?  Not really.  Skype appears to be ready to pull the trigger, but can’t without it being updated to 2.3 – I guess we’re looking at you HTC.

Cheers to everyone who sent this!

Skype Pours Salt on Our Wounds, Teases Thunderbolt with Video Feature is a post from: Droid Life

Skype with Video was finally announced this morning, but the HTC Thunderbolt was unfortunately missing from its list of supported devices.  Thanks to our buddy 0mie though, Tbolt owners are now semi-supported.  Our devices are all running Android 2.3 (which is a requirement according to Skype) and work flawlessly, but  that doesn’t mean 2.2 phones will work.  So to those of you unrooted, stock and on 2.2, please test the file below and let us know if it works.

Download:  TBolt_GB_Skype.apk [mirror]

And let’s not forget that the 2.2 Skype with Video that we leaked should still work.

*Works on Galaxy S II, Charge, EVO3D, Sensation and Thunderbolt running 2.3.

Cheers 0mie!

Download: New Skype for HTC Thunderbolt with Working Video, Other 2.3 Devices Too is a post from: Droid Life

Maybe that title should say, “for select phones?”  Because Skype with Video has definitely been released on Android as of today, but yeah, only a select few devices can apparently enjoy it.  Phones (not tablets) running Android 2.3 and above can download and start blasting out video calls to all of their friends right now – sorry HTC Thunderbolt owners.

And I hate to bring up a sore subject, but I do want to point out that back in March when the Tbolt was announced, it was supposed to be the first device with this installed.  As we all know now though, after 3 or 4 delays, a leak by us, and an acquisition by Microsoft, that never happened.  Since it doesn’t have Android 2.3, you may not even be able to test it.  Here’s to hoping we get that update soon!

So what do we get with this new Skype?  Two-way video calling support (Nexus S, Desire S, Xperia Neo, and Xperia Pro), SMS, and a revamped UI.   

Market Link

Click here to view the embedded video.

Skype brings Video Calling to Android Phones

LUXEMBOURG–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Skype today announced an updated version of its Skype for Android app – Skype for Android 2.0, bringing Skype Video Calling to the currently fastest growing mobile OS¹.

“With approximately 30 million concurrent users logging into Skype at any given time4 and making up to half a million simultaneous video calls5, Skype for Android with video makes it even easier for users to share moments with their contacts wherever they are.”

With the new version, users will be able to make and receive free² 1-to-1 video calls over Skype between their Android phone and other Skype contacts on the iPhone, Mac, Windows PCs and even TVs³. Skype for Android with video works over Wi-Fi or 3G data connections and can be downloaded for free from the Android Market or Skype.com/m using any phone browser.

“We are committed to bring Skype Video Calling to as many platforms as possible and are delighted to deliver on this with our new updated Skype for Android app,” said Neil Stevens, Skype’s vice president and general manager for product and marketing. “With approximately 30 million concurrent users logging into Skype at any given time⁴ and making up to half a million simultaneous video calls⁵, Skype for Android with video makes it even easier for users to share moments with their contacts wherever they are.”

In addition to video calls, users can also make calls to landlines and mobiles around the world, as well as send SMS’s to friends and family anywhere in the world at great Skype rates. All this comes with a complete redesign of the Skype for Android user interface. There’s a new main menu on the Skype app for Android where users can navigate easily through their contacts, access their Skype profile to change personal details or see the balance of their Skype Credit. Finally a new mood message box at the top of the Skype app menu makes it easier than ever for users to share how they are feeling, what they’ve seen, or what they’re up to.

For this first phase of launch, handsets that support video calling include the HTC Desire S, Sony Ericsson Xperia neo, Sony Ericsson Xperia pro and the Google Nexus S.

About Skype

Skype is a communications software whose purpose is to break down barriers to communication. With an Internet-connected device, families, friends and colleagues can get together for free with messaging, voice and video. At low cost, they can also call landlines or mobiles virtually anywhere in the world. Skype has recently introduced group video, allowing groups of more than two people to do things together whenever they’re apart.

Founded in 2003 and based in Luxembourg. Skype can be downloaded onto computers, mobile phones and other connected devices for free at www.skype.com.

Skype with Video Finally Released on Android is a post from: Droid Life

Update:  Sounds like the majority of folks think these are fake.  What grabbed my attention about this story though, was the June 30 release day that also came with their report – we heard the same exact date, but from a very trusted source.  Pics do indeed appear to be fake or at the very least, poorly put together.  Stay tuned…

This couldn’t have popped up at a better time from our friends over at Android and Me – we received the exact same tip last night, although their visual evidence is a lot prettier.  According to friends of ours at Verizon, the HTC Thunderbolt could start to receive Gingerbread (Android 2.3.4) by June 30 and it will include Skype with Video.  Yep, the same Skype that seems to have disappeared from the world even though there have been working versions floating around behind the scenes for months.

Verizon and HTC may not be stopping there with video chatting applications though – the internal documents that have been leaked mention that Gtalk with Video will be added as well.  As many of you know, the video side of GTalk has only been available (officially) to the Nexus S, so we’re a little surprised to see the Tbolt get it next but won’t be complaining.

The phone could also be upgraded to Sense 2.1, which is not the fancy new version that we are seeing on the Sensation and EVO 3D, but does include some additional features that really round out the skin.

Pretty big news on a Saturday.  I guess we’ll all stop worrying about that MR2 update?  

Via:  Android and Me

Thunderbolt Gingerbread Update Coming June 30, Includes Skype and GTalk with Video? (Updated) is a post from: Droid Life

So much for those rumors last week that Google would be buying up the calling giant, I’d say.  Microsoft announced this morning that their acquisition of Skype for $8.5 billion has become official.  It’s looking like they plan to incorporate Skype’s service into a number of their products, but all we care about is Android, right?  Well, the press release specifically mentions that they “will continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms” so no need to worry yet kiddies.

Full presser below.  

Microsoft to Acquire Skype

Combined companies will benefit consumers, businesses and increase market opportunity.

REDMOND, Wash., and LUXEMBOURG – May 10, 2011 – Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: “MSFT”) and Skype Global S.à r.l today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will acquire Skype, the leading Internet communications company, for $8.5 billion in cash from the investor group led by Silver Lake. The agreement has been approved by the boards of directors of both Microsoft and Skype.

The acquisition will increase the accessibility of real-time video and voice communications, bringing benefits to both consumers and enterprise users and generating significant new business and revenue opportunities. The combination will extend Skype’s world-class brand and the reach of its networked platform, while enhancing Microsoft’s existing portfolio of real-time communications products and services.

With 170 million connected users and over 207 billion minutes of voice and video conversations in 2010, Skype has been a pioneer in creating rich, meaningful connections among friends, families and business colleagues globally. Microsoft has a long-standing focus and investment in real-time communications across its various platforms, including Lync (which saw 30 percent revenue growth in Q3), Outlook, Messenger, Hotmail and Xbox LIVE.

Skype will support Microsoft devices like Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone and a wide array of Windows devices, and Microsoft will connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities. Microsoft will continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.

“Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “Together we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world.”

Skype will become a new business division within Microsoft, and Skype CEO Tony Bates will assume the title of president of the Microsoft Skype Division, reporting directly to Ballmer.

“Microsoft and Skype share the vision of bringing software innovation and products to our customers,” said Tony Bates. “Together, we will be able to accelerate Skype’s plans to extend our global community and introduce new ways for everyone to communicate and collaborate,” Bates said.

“Tony Bates has a great track record as a leader and will strengthen the Microsoft management team. I’m looking forward to Skype’s talented global workforce bringing its insights, ideas and experience to Microsoft,” Ballmer said.

Speaking on behalf of the investor group that sold Skype to Microsoft, Egon Durban, managing director of Silver Lake, said: “We are thrilled with Skype’s transformation during the period of our ownership and grateful for the extraordinary commitment of its management team and employees. We are excited about Skype’s long-term future with Microsoft, as it is poised to become one of the world’s most dynamic and comprehensive communications platforms.”

Founded in 2003, Skype was acquired by eBay in September 2005, and then acquired by an investment group led by Silver Lake in November 2009. Skype has made impressive progress over the past 18 months under Silver Lake’s leadership, increasing monthly calling minutes by 150 percent, developing new revenue streams and strategic partnerships, acquiring the intellectual property powering its peer-to-peer network, and recruiting an outstanding senior management team.

Other members of the selling investor group led by Silver Lake include eBay International AG, CPP Investment Board, Joltid Limited in partnership with Europlay Capital Advisors; and Andreessen Horowitz.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The parties hope to obtain all required regulatory clearances during the course of this calendar year.

About Skype
Skype is communications software whose purpose is to break down barriers to communication. With an Internet-connected device, families, friends and colleagues can get together for free with messaging, voice and video. At low cost, they can also call landlines or mobiles virtually anywhere in the world. Skype has recently introduced group video, allowing groups of more than two people to do things together whenever they’re apart.

Founded in 2003 and based in Luxembourg. Skype can be downloaded onto computers, mobile phones and other connected devices for free.

Via:   Engadget

Skype Acquired by Microsoft for $8.5 Billion is a post from: Droid Life

HTC Thunderbolt owners have been waiting semi-patiently for Skype with Video to be released from Verizon for over a month now and still aren’t sure when it’s coming.  There were rumors of it being delayed and then on-again all during the pre-launch of the phone, but after a version leaked out a couple of weeks ago that appeared to be pretty finalized, it seemed as if we were just waiting for them to tap “Go.”

According to the email you are seeing above from a Skype CSR, that is most definitely the case.  Skype creates and finishes the different versions of their apps and then Big Red gets to decide when they are released.   Since they have a massive partnership that began last February, we shouldn’t be all that surprised by this, but we’re just wondering what the hold up is at this point.

You may remember that Skype issued a vulnerability fix to their non-Verizon app last week, but we’ve been told that the version with video has also already been updated to patch any security holes.  In fact, they have updated the app at least 5 times in the last month, which could mean that they are still tweaking things, but is also a pretty good sign that we should be getting close to a release.

Cheers 0mie!

Skype with Video is Finished, We’re Just Waiting on Verizon to Release it? is a post from: Droid Life

After surviving the firestorm of bad press that accompanied news of Skype’s lack of protection over your personal information, the company has reached out to make sure that all of our readers know that their info is now secure.  An update has been released to the Android Market which fixes the blatantly obvious vulnerability that was discovered last week.  We’re hoping this means they went back to Encryption 101 and received a passing grade.

Skype has not had 1 reported example of a 3rd party application accessing any of their customer’s personal info.  They will continue to monitor the situation for the foreseeable future to make sure that everyone understands their commitment to security.

Oh, they also tossed in nationwide 3G calling (including the U.S.), something that only Verizon customers previously enjoyed.  Well, that was nice of them.

And before anyone asks, we’ll just cut this one off at the pass.  NO, the leaked Skype with video has not been fixed.

Market Link

Skype on Android Updated: Security Vulnerabilities Fixed, 3G Calling Tossed In is a post from: Droid Life

As many of you know by now, Skype was outed as having one of the least secure apps on Android, and has already issued a statement to help ease the minds of its users.  They definitely didn’t deny any of it and are now working hard to make sure that the personal information of their 10million+ users is safe and secure.  They even took a page from our book and are also advising against late night “sexy girl pictures” searches in the Android Market.

Via:  Skype

Skype Acknowledges Security Issues with Android App, Begins Work on a Fix is a post from: Droid Life