Skype rolls out video-calling for Android phones

Skype has enabled video-calling for users of its Android smartphone client.

In a statement on Thursday, the company — in the process of being bought by Microsoft — said the newly-released Skype for Android 2.0 included free Skype video calling that will allow communication with Skype users on iPhones, Macs, PCs and TVs. The service works over Wi-Fi or 3G.

"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," Skype product chief Neil Stevens said in the statement. "With approximately 30 million concurrent users logging into Skype at any given time and making up to half a million simultaneous video calls, Skype for Android with video makes it even easier for users to share moments with their contacts wherever they are."

The service will be launched in phases, Skype said. The first phase includes support for the Nexus S, HTC desire S, Sony Ericsson Xperia neo and Sony Ericsson Xperia pro.

The announcement of Skype video-calling for Android came just one day after Google unveiled its Google+ social network, a feature of which is group video-calling for users on Android smartphones.