Skype for iPad returns to Apple's App Store

Hours after Skype briefly removed its new iPad video chat application from Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) App Store, the solution returned to the digital storefront Tuesday morning and is once again available for download.

Skype for iPad is available again in Apple's App Store.

Optimized for the tablet form factor, Skype for iPad--which supports both Wi-Fi and 3G--touts two-way video calling that leverages the iPad 2's dual-camera functionality, enabling users to speak face-to-face with the unit's front camera or switch to the rear camera to illustrate what they can see. Users may initiate voice and video calls across platforms including the iPhone and Android as well as Windows, Mac and HDTV. Skype for iPad also includes instant messaging features and texting tools.

Skype yanked the iPad app on Monday. "To ensure your best Skype experience, we've temporarily removed Skype for iPad which went live prematurely today," Skype explained on its official Twitter feed, adding "We know you've been eagerly awaiting Skype for iPad and apologize for the inconvenience."

Skype touts 170 million connected users and served 207 billion minutes of voice and video conversations in 2010. Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) agreed to acquire Skype for $8.5 billion in cash in May, promising increased accessibility of real-time video and voice communications across platforms including Windows Phone, Xbox and Kinect. A month later, the proposed deal earned Federal Trade Commission approval.

For more:
- read this Skype blog entry

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