Skype offers cross-platform video with Android client

Skype's Android client now offers support for cross-platform video calling, so mobile users can see desktop users.

The new capability is being offered on four models of Android handset, the Desire S, Xperia Neo and Pro and (of course) the Nexus S. With those phones users can make video calls to desktop colleagues and friends over both Wi-Fi and 3G connections.

Though video calls between Android devices have been possible for a while, video calls from a handset to a desktop have been difficult to make on Android. Though for most Android users it would continue to be so Skype says more handsets would be supported "very soon".

Since the new Android client can switch between front and rear video cameras, users can show what they are seeing as well as also their own face. Also it can connect to any Skype client including the iPhone and the various Skype-enabled TVs that are now available.

The client is available at the UK Android Marketplace and can also be downloaded direct onto a phone from Skype.

Unlike Apple's FaceTime, with Skype users will be able to  make calls over both Wi-Fi and 3G so they need not be tied to a hotspot or their homes and can make video calls while on the go. Skype's mobile app on iOS featured the  capability to make video calls; though limited to only iPhone 4 and 4th generation iPod touch (iPad 2 support is supposedly coming later).

Analysts though add a word of caution and urge users to be careful of going over their data plan. Even though users can make calls over 3G, chances are they would want to stick to Wi-Fi networks in order to avoid outrageous fees if they were to go beyond their data limit.