Next time you use Skype on your Android phone remember is now Microsoft’s own.  Microsoft yesterday acquires Skype for $8.9 billion in cash. Yes, you read it right…. cash.

This will be Microsoft’s most expensive acquisition in years. The deal is quite interesting, though, given that Skype operations was almost $7 million negative last year and the company also carries a $686 million debt.

Microsoft, however, will be relying on 663 million users, 8.8 million of which are paying.

It is important to note that Skype was purchased from eBay in 2009 for $2.75 billion. Is Skype growth in less than 2 years worth $6 billion or Microsoft decided to make a bold purchase given that most of the latest Skype acquisition talks was speculating Facebook or Google?

A significant update has been pushed to the Skype Android app, recently. Now you can make VoIP calls over 3G in addition to Wi-Fi. This won’t affect Verizon customers, who already had usage of the app over 3G.

Skype has improved the usability for Android phone users of their app. This is good news for owners of HTC Wildfire, Motorola Charm, Huawei IDEOS and LG Optimus T/S. Let us take a look at the improvements made by the company.

• Support for 320 X240 and 240X400 screen resolutions
• Support for Hardware back key
• Reduced power consumption in idle mode.
• Signing out from Skype now exits Skype.
• Improved login stability and behaviour.
• Improved performance with large contact lists.
• Reduced application size.
• General bug fixes

If you find this latest version in the Android market, let us know, Thank You in advance! 

[via Android Police]

After Skype’s partnership with Verizon in February, 2009 to introduce Skype Mobile exclusively for US customers using Android phones, Skype has finally arrived on Android devices, enabling users to make free calls to other Skype users, send and receive IMs, one-to-one or with a group. Skype Android app works over WiFi, 3G, EDGE and GPRS networks. However, it is currently available only in the markets of United States, China and Japan have to still wait.

Today, Skype is available on three most popular mobile platforms – Anroid, iOS and Symbian.

Skype app works on Android 2.1 or above. To download the app on your Smart Phone, visit Android Market or Skype website. 

[via Techcrunch]

Skype for Android

The much awaited Skype is now available for all Android phones running Android 2.1 and above. With Skype for Android, you can make free Skype-to-Skype calls, and send and receive IMs for free, one-to-one or with a group. You can also call phones over WiFi or 3G.

The app has only been tested on HTC and Motorola devices, full compatibility is not guaranteed on other devices. The app is not available in China and Japan. There has all been reports of issues with Samsung Galaxy S. You can download the app by clicking the QR code link in the rating box below.

Verizon customers enjoyed Skype earlier this year and it was a great impression for them. Because of locked up a long term exclusive deal, Skype removed the Skype Lite client from the Android Market and only Verizon customers were allowed to download the full version of their app.

Now, a great rumor floating in the air that Skype Mobile for Android will be coming to all carriers around the globe and it will happen later this year. Android users can currently connect to Skype through apps like Fring and Nimbuzz, but many have longed for the official client.

Fring and Qik  also engaged with Skype with their own video calling service. Over one third of Skype’s calls happen via video so it makes sense for them to implement this feature now that we have Android phones with front-facing cameras.

“We will be bringing a direct to consumer app to the Android marketplace later this year. This application will be available for all consumers globally to download regardless of carriers. We’re betting big on video, and we intend to set the bar on mobile video calling, and it’s something we’re going to do this year.”Brianna ReynaudSkype PR.

Source: Skatter Tech