android Skype 2.8 for Android

[+Frank B. Subscriber²]

Skype 2.8 for Android with faster startup experience and improved IM user interface

A new version of Skype for Android has arrived. Grab the updated Skype 2.8 for Android now from Google Play and share your experience with us on the Skype Support Network.

The main improvements over the previous version are:

• Improved start-up time
  
• In-app notifications of Skype app updates
  
• Instant Messaging user interface improved
  
• Widened the support of video rotation to many more devices
  
• Updated the list of devices which are video capable
  

More details on the new improvements in the app:

Improved start-up time

We have improved the start-up experience by optimizing the loading of the application. This should give a notable gain to the start-up experience when using faster devices.

In-app notifications of app updates

You will now receive a reminder within the app when a new version of Skype is available for your device, simplifying the upgrade process.

Instant Messaging user interface improved

We have implemented a more compact view so that you can view more messages on the screen. In addition, there are changes to the color scheme and to some of the notification messages.

Video rotation supported on most devices now

Video rotation is a feature that ensures that the video on your device will display correctly regardless of the orientation in which you hold your device. We have improved our video engine's support for video rotation based on how you hold your device, which now covers most devices in the market.

Updated the list of devices which are video capable

A number of new devices have been video-enabled by default. New supported devices are:

• Samsung Captivate Glide
  
• Samsung Exhilarate
  
• Samsung Galaxy Note (GT-N7000, SGH-I717)
  
• Samsung Galaxy Player
  
• Samsung Galaxy S WiFi
  
• Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket
  
• Samsung Vibrant Plus
  
• Samsung Vital
  
• Sony Tablet S
  

For other devices, you can enable video from the settings panel, but we can't confirm the video calling experience on these devices.

Source and full release notes: Skype Garage Blog

Download: Skype 2.8 for Android (Google Play)

[Shahrad]

And what about the bug that sometimes your mic doesnt pickup or work until you RS the phone?

[Xerxes]

Nice update, but how come the Galaxy Nexus is still not officially supported for video calling? Is ICS to blame or does Skype feel it's not a popular enough phone to officially support? :unsure: