The popular voice over Internet Protocol service Skype has recently announced a new software update which makes it possible for the iPhone and iPad users to share photos via the service.

According to a blog post on the Skype website, the latest Skype software update supports all the iPad versions; the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and 4S; and also the second- and third-generation iPod Touch models.

Since the new Skype software update will pave the way for the photo-sharing features on the iPhone and iPad, the users will be able to directly share the pictures taken with their device's camera and send them to contacts via the Skype app.

With photo-sharing capabilities having come aboard the Skype app for the iPhone and iPad, the users of these devices will not only be able to avoid the pricey multimedia messaging service (MMS), but will also witness performance enhancements in terms of photo-sharing. In addition, the new update will also help the users to keep their data overage bills in check, and will lead to a lesser drain of their device's battery.

Noting that the updated Skype software will allow iPhone and iPad users "to keep Skype open" and "respond to or send IMs [instant messages] to friends and colleagues all day long," Jonathan Watson - Skype product marketing manager - revealed in a post that Skype has attempted to "make the app start and contact list load even faster, so you can do all the things you love to do with Skype more quickly."