Skype's new Android app update fixes a recently discovered security flaw in the software. Image courtesy Skype

Skype released a new version of its Android app Wednesday morning, fixing the app’s recently discovered security vulnerabilities.

The new version secures a loophole in which third-party software was able to gain access to data stored on the user’s phone.

“We have had no reported examples of any third-party malicious application misusing information from the Skype directory on Android devices,” Skype’s chief information-security officer Adrian Asher said in a blog post. The company encouraged users to download its software from the official Android Market or the Skype web site, rather than an unofficial outside venue.

Skype’s popular voice-over-internet service took heat last week after a blogger discovered the security flaw in the Android version of the app, which allowed access to sensitive user details including your full name, address and date of birth. The security exploit has existed on Skype’s Android app since its wide release in October.

Skype also included a new feature for Android users in the update: Calls can now be made using 3G networks.

U.S. Skype users could previously use only Wi-Fi connections to make VOIP calls over Skype’s servers, except for those who had certain Verizon-carried phones. Outside the United States, however, Skype users could make calls on both Wi-Fi and 3G.

While this wide availability of 3G calls using Skype is new to Android users, Skype released its 3G calling feature for iOS devices almost a full year ago.

Calls (both voice-only and video chat) as well as IMs between Skype users remain free, while calls made from Skype to non-Skype cell numbers or land lines can be paid by a subscription plan or purchasing Skype credits.

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