Skype

Skype has launched version 2.1 of its application for Android devices, bringing video-chatting support to a host of new handsets.

According to the company, the update allows 17 more handsets to work with its video-calling feature. The HTC Evo 3D, HTC Evo 4G, Samsung Galaxy S II, and several other phones now support the feature. In addition, Skype said today that if users have smartphones not included in the list, but have a device running Android 2.2 (Froyo) or above, they should be able to enable video calling by turning it on in the app's settings.

"Skype video calling may be enabled by the user on almost all other Android handsets running Android OS 2.2 (Froyo) and above, that have a camera and a processor that supports the Neon technology," the company said in an e-mailed statement to CNET. "If the option to enable video calling is not available in the Skype settings, then unfortunately your phone does not meet the technical requirements to enable video calling."

Devices that aren't "certified," but still support video calling might not deliver the same experience, Skype says. According to the company, Froyo users with handsets featuring both front- and rear-facing cameras will only find support for the back camera. The company said that the front-facing camera will be supported on devices running Android 2.3 or above.

In late June, Skype unveiled video calling for Android devices. The service allows users to place or receive video calls from their handsets over both Wi-Fi and 3G. Calls work between Android devices, as well as iPhones, Macs, Windows PCs, and televisions.

At launch, Skype only offered video-calling on a few smartphones, but promised greater support in the future. With this update, the company says that video calling is now available on "the majority of Android handsets."

As Skype continues to update its products, the company is inching closer to its buyout. Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that it plans to acquire Skype for $8.5 billion. The deal is expected to gain regulatory approval by the end of 2011.