Earlier this week, Skype (News - Alert) released a new app for Android (News - Alert) devices. This update not only gives users the ability to sign in and merge with a Microsoft account, but also boasts better audio and a new design for tablets.

A popular choice for video chatting and messaging across the Internet for free, this 3.0 version of Skype requires Android 2.1 and up. CNET's Jaymar Cabebe states that while the design and audio quality on the new app is a definite upgrade, the quality of video is still not up to mark.

The update comes shortly after Skype launched a preview of its Windows 8 app.

Featuring a new design for tablets, the new version of the Skype app has a login capability, which enables users to use the application using their Microsoft (News - Alert) Corporation account. The upgrade provides users with a better experience for consumers who use their tablets to make video and voice calls using Skype.

The upgrade, according to Derek Snyder, head of mobile product marketing of Skype, will work on many different Android tablets, including Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, the Google Nexus 7, Acer Iconia, Asus Transformer Prime, Motorola (News - Alert) Xoom and Sony S.

Image via Shutterstock

The redesigned look and feel of the application looks great on a small or big screen size.

He added that, designed to capture human speech with clarity, the app supports SILK – a wideband audio Codec. To ensure a good audio quality, the audio codec matches the speeds of Internet connection. Skype is capable of delivering the best possible audio on every tablet.

In any country worldwide, Skype enables users to make video calls, send and receive instant messages, share files, pictures and videos, and call a mobile phone or landline.

Skype 3.0 for Android can be downloaded from Google (News - Alert) Play. 

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