Skype 2.1 for Android is out, video calling now available on most handsets

Skype has released an updated version of its Android app, meaning that video calling capability is now available on most Android handsets.

We reported on Skype’s new video calling functionality on Android a month ago, but this was limited to just four handsets: Google Nexus S; HTC Desire S; Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo and the Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro. With Skype 2.1, that all changes.

An additional 17 of the most popular Android devices will now support video-calling on Skype, including:

• Acer A5
• HTC Desire (2.2)
• HTC Desire HD
• HTC Evo 3D
• HTC Evo 4G
• HTC Flyer
• HTC Incredible S
• HTC Sensation
• HTC Thunderbolt – Verizon (2.2) (US only)
• LG Revolution – Verizon (2.2) (US only)
• Samsung Droid Charge – Verizon (2.2) (US only)
• Samsung Galaxy S
• Samsung Galaxy S II
• Samsung Galaxy Tab
• Sony Ericsson Xperia mini pro 2
• Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY
• Sony Ericsson Xperia ray

Apparently, if your Android device isn’t listed above, there’s no need to panic just yet. If you’re using Android 2.2 (Froyo) or above, it’s likely you can enable video calling through tweaking your Skype settings. Just go to Skype Settings after launching the app and select ‘enable video calling’.

If you can’t see the video calling settings, it probably means your handset doesn’t meet the minimum requirements to make Skype video calls.