Skype for Android is up to version three, promising better sound and tablet-friendly menus along with Microsoft account sign-in as Redmond continues to merge user accounts.

The claim to improved sound is credible. The variability of Skype's audio makes it hard to pin down, but apparently there's a better audo codec called SILK which copes with varying speeds and improves the capture of deep, bassy, tones of Morgan Freeman types.

Certainly at first hearing the audio sounds better, and while the interface still feels a bit stretched out on a decent-sized tablet it goes a long way to coping with the diversity of Android form factors now available.

Skype, which is owned by Microsoft these days, is integrated into Windows Phone devices but needs to get itself installed onto other devices if it doesn't want to lose lose traction as a number of new VoIP (and video) platforms emerge. Many of these new VoIP players have the backing of network operators, which appear to be conceding - at last - that voice calls aren't going to pay the bills any more. ®

Related stories

• Windows Phone 8 reboot woe causes outpouring of forum misery (19 November 2012)
• Skype fixes flaw that let anyone with your email address hijack you (14 November 2012)
• RIM adds VoIP digivoice calls to BBM youngster-messaging ware (14 November 2012)