Skype expands Android support

The official Skype for Android app is now compatible with more than a dozen new handsets, making voice and video calling possible for a new slate of Android users.

The new version of the app, version 2.5, adds support for 14 new phones, including the Droid Bionic, Optimus 2x, Nexus One, Droid X, and Atrix 4G.

In addition, support has finally been added for the Galaxy Tab and Xoom tablets. This brings the total number of Android devices that can access the app to 41. Here’s the complete list of new devices in this latest update:

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Acer Iconia Tab

Motorola Xoom

HTC Nexus One

HTC Shooter

Sony Ericsson Xperia Live with Walkman

Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V

LG Optimus Black

LG Optimus 3D

LG Optimus 2x

Motorola Photon

Motorola Droid 3

Motorola Bionic

Motorola Atrix

In addition to adding new device support, the app update also packs in some feature enhancements, including the ability to switch between portrait and landscape modes during video chat. There are also new advertisements that will start showing up on the screen to help monetize the app, and several bugs have been fixed with the update.

The Skype app has been frustrating for many because of its limited support. Constraints placed not only on the hardware but also on the carriers associated with those phones have restricted the VoIP company from rapid expansion.