The Skype app for Windows Phone 8 has received an updating bringing HD video support as well as the ability to switch between the front and rear-facing camera.
The preview version of the Skype app for Windows Phone 8 now supports HD video calling. Smartphones with an HD front-facing camera will be able to take advantage of this feature. Skype for Windows Phone 8 Preview version 2.4 is live for users to download.
Depending on the bandwidth available to the users, the app changes the quality of the video. Users also have the ability to switch between landscape and portrait mode while making the calls.
The official Skype blog reads, “Using the hardware acceleration capability of Windows Phone 8, this is our first smartphone app to enable free face-to-face video calls in crisp, clear and beautifully lifelike HD. We have significantly improved video calling quality for all users, offering VGA video on lower end handsets and 720p HD on higher-end devices including the Nokia Lumia 920, HTC 8X and Samsung Ativ S. And the app even intelligently determines the best quality available based on the speed of your connection. Additionally, we’ve added landscape mode for calls, and the ability to switch between front and back cameras for you to chat in the most comfortable way possible.”
In addition to getting the above features, the app also lists all the Skype contacts in the People hub. This will give users easier access to all their contacts that are available for Skype.
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The Skype 2.4 Preview for Windows Phone 8 brings with it the following features:
- Higher quality video calling, and up to 720P on supported devices and depending on network conditions
- Video calling in landscape mode
- Camera switching
- Enabled People Hub integration
- Switch accounts
Those interested in trying out Skype for their Windows Phone 8 smartphone can download the app here.
Skype also has an integration with the desktop version of Facebook letting users make video calls from the social networking website.
HD video calling and the ability to switch orientation along with changing between the front and rear-facing camera isn’t something new to the video chatting genre. We have seen FaceTime, which is an iOS exclusive app, offer the same. The app lets you call on cellular or Wi-Fi between any Apple device such as the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, iMac, MacBook Air or the MacBook Pro. All you need is the app and a front facing camera.
Source: Skype Blog