Skype adds photo sharing to its iPhone, iPad apps

Skype users can now send and receive photos via the latest update to the internet communication service's iOS app.

Available in Apple's App Store as of today, Skype version 4.1 kicks in a few enhancements. But the most notable one is Photo Share.

You can grab an existing photo from your iPhone or iPad gallery — or snap a new one — and then IM that photo to friends and family via Skype. The company said there's no size limit on the photo. So this is one way to bypass the file-attachment limitations that are often imposed by email providers.

To send a photo, just tap on the name of contact with whom you want to share your photo. The contact must be set up for instant messaging. Tap on the Send Photo button and choose whether to use an existing photo or take a new one. Compose your message, and then click the Send button.

If your contact is online, the message and photo are sent on their way; otherwise, the message is kept pending until the person logs in to Skype.

Your Skype IM contacts can send you their photos in return.

The latest update also makes Skype less of a drain on a phone's battery, according to the company, so iOS users can potentially keep Skype turned on all day. The app and the contact list also load a bit faster.

Via CNET.com