While Google is fighting everybody in the tech industry–at least it seems that way–over Android patents, the mobile device operating system received some additional usability, thanks to the Skype 2.1 application update. Actually, Skype’s video chat service was already supported for certain Android phones.

The 2.1 update just extends the level of functionality to additional Android-capable devices, bringing video chat to 17 additional Android phones, of which, the Skype blog lists:

Acer A5

HTC Desire (2.2)

HTC Desire HD

HTC Evo 3D

HTC Evo 4G

HTC Flyer

HTC Incredible S

HTC Sensation

HTC Thunderbolt – Verizon (2.2) (US only)

LG Revolution – Verizon (2.2) (US only)

Samsung Droid Charge – Verizon (2.2) (US only)

Samsung Galaxy S

Samsung Galaxy S II

Samsung Galaxy Tab

Sony Ericsson Xperia mini pro

Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY

Sony Ericsson Xperia ray

The post also addresses owners who may not see their device listed, saying the capability should be available, provided the version of Android is current enough:

For those of you using Android 2.2 (Froyo) and above, you should still be able to enable video calling in your Skype settings. Just go to “Skype settings” after launching the app and select “enable video calling”.

However, some devices may not meet the minimum requirements to use Skype’s video calling service. Time to upgrade if it’s that important.

Here’s a video of the service in action, showing just how easy it works:

With the ease video calling has risen to, not to mention, the relative ease on bandwidth use, such capabilities are to be expected with these newer devices. For Android, the news couldn’t have come at a better time, especially while Google is dealing with their patent mess. Any good news can only be welcomed with open arms.

Of course, with the news concerning the popularity of the Android OS, Google should feel good about its mobile device venture, well, until the iPhone 5 comes out, at least. That being said, the proliferation of Android devices should help stem the iPhone 5 wave. Somewhat, anyway.