Skype has grown to be a popular alternative of communicating between friends and family that are separated by long distances, due to the fact that it is both free to use and it wisely utilizes the webcams and microphones that are standard on almost all laptops and netbooks.

Up until yesterday the mobile Skype application had been limited with features and did not included video-calling like its desktop counterpart did. Skype released the latest update for the iPhone and iPod touch, among the improvements is the addition of video-calling for the iPhone 4, it allows a user to make video calls on either WiFi and or 3G network connections. Its ability to make video-calls over 3G is a surprise because Facetime from Apple is still restricted to making video-calls over WiFi.

The update will allow owners of the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and 4^th Gen iPod touch to use the two-way calling feature to other devices or to Skype desktop users. Users on iPad and 3^rd Gen iPod touch will only be able to receive video. To say that this is a welcomed update may be an understatement, and I am certain that everyone will find value in this new development; regardless of the minimal downtime Skype experienced earlier this week.

Improvements:

• Make Skype to Skype video calls on WiFi and 3G*

• Call Skype desktop users (Mac OS X or Windows) and other iPhone users.

• Two-way video calls supported on iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch 4th gen.

• Receive only video supported on iPad and iPod touch 3rd gen, with no camera.

• Make video calls in portrait and landscape.

• Skype video calling requires iOS 4.0 or above.

*Additional Data charges may apply

[Tek Goblin via iTunes]

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Unfortunately for US users, Wi-Fi is the only wireless protocol supported, but 3G is allowed for international users and should come soon in the US. Skype will allow you to use your Skype credit when dialing traditional numbers, and it wont count towards your wireless plans airtime.

Samsung Galaxy S smartphone users are unable to use the Skype app at this time, login issues prevent users from using the software once it has been successfully installed. Also Android phones with resolutions below 480×320 will not be able to run the app. Video calling is not supported either, but you can always IM.

If you’re interested in giving Skype Mobile for Android a shot just head on over to the Marketplace from your Android device and search “Skype” to download. Let us know if it works for you as we’ve had no luck.

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Skype Mobile on Verizon Wireless

Sometimes it can be tough to convince conventional wireless carriers to allow their consumers to use Skype on their phones. This is understandable, I suppose, since it can bite straight into the carrier’s bottom line. That said, less money from a customer is better than no customer at all.

It seems that Verizon is coming to its senses in this respect, because it has announced that Skype Mobile will indeed be offered on several of its handset. The launch is slated for this Thursday, March 25.

Skype Mobile will be made available initially for nine Verizon Wireless 3G smartphones, including BlackBerry and Android. It’s not like the calls are made over Wi-Fi though, per se. Instead, Skype Mobile still uses Verizon’s voice network for the wireless connection of Skype-to-Skype calls. You knew there was a catch, right? So in the end they make money off data fees rather than airtime. With the installation in place, Skype users on the Verizon network can make and receive Skype voice calls, send and receive Skype instant messages, manage Skype contact lists, and call international numbers at Skype’s calling rates.  If you’re still not sure, there’s an annoying video on YouTube you can check out.

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D2 Technologies’ mCUE for Android just got a hefty boost in the features department.  The latest version adds Skype interoperability, video call/chat, seamless call handover, cross-service conferencing and wideband HD voice.

The company is demonstrating their new software version at the 2010 Mobile World Congress, along with “place shifting,” or seamless call handovers between Android-based products.

Seamless call handovers will work between various radio and wireless networks, including cellular circuit voice, 3G cellular data (EDGE, HSPA, EVDO), 4G WiMAX, WiFi and more.  Walk in a building and continue your 3G call inside their elevator covered with WiFi.

Another great feature for business users will be cross-service conferencing – three way voice calls and IM chat bridging across disparate services.

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