Skype has updated its Android app, with the biggest change being that VoIP calls are now supported over 3G in the US. Previous versions of the app had limited 3G voice calls via Skype to WiFi connections, though only in the US; now, it seems Skype has wrangled access from the carriers for all.

Skype for Android v1.0.0.983 also tweaks some security issues identified recently, but it’s the 3G functionality that makes the biggest difference. Previously only the Verizon-specific version of the app had allowed data use of VoIP.

You can download Skype for Android from the Android Market; at time of writing the updated version isn’t showing in the online Market. It’s a free app.

6 COMMENTS

  1. The Skype app on Verizon did not work over 3G, the ‘Skype for Mobile’ app did. The main difference however was that the talk time using ‘Skype for Mobile’ was charged against your minutes. This was a problem for me when traveling in China because these minutes would still have been charged at the international rate, not the generic pool of plan minutes. This update for the real Skype app will greatly benefit international travelers with 3G data connections.

  2. The Skype app on Verizon did not work over 3G, the ‘Skype for Mobile’ app did. The main difference however was that the talk time using ‘Skype for Mobile’ was charged against your minutes. This was a problem for me when traveling in China because these minutes would still have been charged at the international rate, not the generic pool of plan minutes. This update for the real Skype app will greatly benefit international travelers with 3G data connections.

  3.      Actually (at least within the states) Skype Mobile does NOT charge against your minutes, it uses a 1X voice call but it is unbilled.  However, the problem I’ve had with Skype Mobile is if I turn on wifi, it only successfully keeps the 3G connection open about 20% of the time for me.  Usually if I join a wifi network, the 3G either closes, or it momnetarily closes and reopens; either way Skype Mobile just quits working, I have to log it out and log it back in manually.  Bummer.  Luckily, this updated Skype works 100% in that scenario, with maybe 2 or 3 seconds “offline” when actually doing the 3G->Wifi or Wifi->3G switch.  I assume it’d save battery power to not run wifi and 3G simultaneously too.

  4. I have a Cruz ereader with internet, email no camera. Will this app work for me in Europe for 
    SKYPE calls for a Voice  to Camera contact.

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