Skype update for Windows Phone 8 brings HD calling, People hub integration

Microsoft has released an update for Skype for Windows Phone 8 preview, version 2.4, that brings HD calling in addition to integration with the Windows Phone People Hub.

According to a blog post by Skype, detailing the changes made to the app, Skype for Windows Phone 8 will use the hardware acceleration capability of Windows Phone 8, to enable face-to-face video calls in HD.

Users will be able to make VGA quality video calls on lower end handsets and 720P HD video calls on higher-end devices including the Nokia Lumia 920, HTC 8X and Samsung Ativ S. Skype says that the app intelligently determines the best quality available based on the speed of the user's connection.

Additionally, Skype has also added landscape mode for calls, and the ability to switch between front and back cameras. The update also adds the ability to switch between accounts, by simply tapping on the profile picture and choosing "switch accounts" from the menu.

Skype has also mentioned that the update would make background notifications and staying available when the app is closed more reliable. This was one problem area.

With integration with the Windows Phone people hub, all of the users' Skype contacts will be listed in the People Hub, for users with the latest update to Windows Phone 8, allowing them to start conversations on Skype even when they're not running the app.

What's New in Skype for Windows Phone 8 version 2.4

*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

Issues fixed

*Incoming IM and call notifications, and staying Available, were not reliable when the app was closed
*Skype contacts not listed in the People Hub
*Incoming IM notifications were not shown if message was sent from a Messenger contact sign into Skype for Windows 8
*Some Messenger contacts were not showing online