Skype 2.1 for Android brings video calls to more phones

By Geoff Duncan August 4, 2011

Skype 2.1 Android — Image used with permission by copyright holder

VoIP leader Skype—in the process of being acquired by tech giant Microsoft—has rolled out version 2.1 of its Skype application for Android phones, substantially expanding the number of handsets that can handle video calls. Initial versions of the video calling feature—just launched in June—supported video calling on just a handful of smartphones. Version 2.1 adds explicit support for 17 new handsets—and Skype notes that even if a users’ handset isn’t specifically listed, they might be able to turn on video calling in the app preferences anyway.

“For those of you using Android 2.2 (Froyo) and above, you should still be able to enable video calling in your Skype settings. Just go to ‘Skype settings’ after launching the app and select ‘enable video calling,'” wrote Mark Douglas in the company’s blog. “Unfortunately, if you cannot see the video calling settings, it means your Android phone does not meet the minimum requirements.”

According to Skype, users of Android 2.2 “Froyo” phones that aren’t certified for use with Skype may only find that the back camera on their device works with the service—front camera support will eventually be rolled out for devices running Android 2.3 or newer.

Skype 2.1 explicitly supports video calling on devices like the Acer A5, a swath of HTC devices (the Sensation, Flyer, Evo 3D and 4G, Desire HD, and original Desire), along with the Samsung Galaxy S series and Galaxy Tab, the LG Revolution, and Sony Xperia mini pro, Play, and ray devices.

Skype’s strong support for Android may soon be another source of Android-derived revenue for Microsoft, which has been pressuring companies to execute patent licenses to protect them from potential infringement litigation against Android. Microsoft is reportedly pressuring Samsung to pay $15 for every Android handset it sells. In the meantime, every penny Skype earns will eventually trickle into Microsoft’s coffers: its $8.5 billion acquisition of Skype is expected to be approved by the end of the year.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Microsoft

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Mobile

AT&T just made it a lot easier to upgrade your phone

Do you want to upgrade your phone more than once a year? What about three times a year? Are you on AT&T? If you answered yes to those questions, then AT&T’s new “Next Up Anytime” early upgrade program is made for you. With this add-on, you’ll be able to upgrade your phone three times a year for just $10 extra every month. It will be available starting July 16.

Currently, AT&T has its “Next Up” add-on, which has been available for the past several years. This program costs $6 extra per month and lets you upgrade by trading in your existing phone after at least half of it is paid off. But the new Next Up Anytime option gives you some more flexibility.

Mobile

Motorola is selling unlocked smartphones for just $150 today

Someone holding the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024).

Have you been looking for phone deals but don’t want to spend a ton of money on flagship devices from Apple and Samsung? Have you ever considered investing in an unlocked Motorola? For a limited time, the company is offering a $100 markdown on the Motorola Moto G 5G. It can be yours for just $150, and your days and nights of phone-shopping will finally be over!

Why you should buy the Motorola Moto G 5G
Powered by the Snapdragon 480+ 5G CPU and 4GB of RAM, the Moto G delivers exceptional performance across the board. From UI navigation to apps, games, and camera functions, you can expect fast load times, next to no buffering, and smooth animations. You’ll also get up to 128GB of internal storage that you’ll be able to use for photos, videos, music, and any other mobile content you can store locally.

Mobile

The Nokia 3210 is the worst phone I’ve used in 2024

A person holding the Nokia 3210, showing the screen.

Where do I even start with the Nokia 3210? Not the original, which was one of the coolest phones to own back in a time when Star Wars: Episode 1 -- The Phantom Menace wasn’t even a thing, but the latest 2024 reissue that has come along to save us all from digital overload, the horror of social media, and the endless distraction that is the modern smartphone.

Except behind this facade of marketing-friendly do-goodery hides a weapon of torture, a device so foul that I’d rather sit through multiple showings of Jar Jar Binks and the gang hopelessly trying to bring back the magic of A New Hope than use it.
The Nokia 3210 really is that bad