Skype announced on Wednesday that its Android application now supports video calling on select devices. The application is particularly attractive because it allows mobile users to connect with other users on Mac, Windows, TV, iOS, or other Android devices. Skype says the app was built with a complete new redesign, too, which includes a new main menu, easier contact navigation, quick access to your profile, and more. There’s even a new “mood” message box that allows you to show what you’re up to or how you’re feeling. Skype for Android requires Android 2.3 and above, as well as a front-facing camera for video chat. It currently supports the HTC Desire S, the Sony Ericsson Xperia neo, the Sony Ericsson Xperia pro, and the Google Nexus S. Skype says it also has plans to roll out support for additional handsets in the near future. Hit the jump for a video demo of the new client in action.

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We love the Sony HDR-CX550V… like, really love it. This HD video camera packs a ton of quality features into a sleek and easy to manage frame: full HD recording (1920 x 1080), 64GB internal hard disk, GPS, HDMI out (for full HD playback), 12 MP still-image capture, gorgeous 3.5″ display, USB 2.0, and a Media Stick slot just to name a few. Getting quality video is effortless with some of the software niceties that Sony has added, including iAuto which, “analyzes your shot and then automatically selects the appropriate settings from ten distinct scene modes,” and Optical SteadyShot, which, “compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver…smooth video.” The camera auto-detects faces and focal points which it then uses to help determine exposure levels — it’s especially great in high-light settings, and reduces the chances of blown out videos. You can record up to 360 minutes of HD video (more if you knock down the quality) and the real-world battery life of around 120 minutes is adequate in our opinion. This sweet piece of equipment is aimed at the prosumer market and is all yours for $1199. If the FlipHD doesn’t provide everything you need, and the BVPE30 is a little out of your price range, the HDR-CX550V is a great buy.

This post is part of our “Live Like A Genius” content series sponsored by Buick and the all-new 2010 LaCrosse.

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After all the buzz brought on yesterday by the announcement that LG will be showcasing a GSM watch phone at CES next week, another company with several similar products already available decided to feed off of the heat. Phenom (don’t worry, we’ve never heard of them either) offers a pretty wide selection of unlocked GSM watch phones and if that’s your thing you’ll also be happy to know they’re very affordable. With current promotions accounted for, Phenoms product range in price from $195 to $295 and include features such as video cameras, micoSD card slots and MP3/MP4 players. If you can work your way past the styling these could actually be pretty cool little toys. There are some questions we have however, and one is brought on by the image of the company’s flagship model, dubbed “Special Ops”, seen above. Despite the fact that an S60 watch phone would be pretty cool, we’re pretty positive that these little guys aren’t packing Symbian. Why then, are the screens of the watch above displaying a theme from popular Symbian themestress Babi? We love her themes as much as anyone else but I think she may find it interesting to learn that they’re watch phone-compatible. Oh, and we hope Phenom got permission to use those images…

[Via Unwired View]

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