Skype for Android scores emoji support and bubble-style chat layout, large emoticons coming soon

Just last month, Skype for Android got updated with a few new features that expanded the functionalities of the popular cross-platform messaging service, but frankly said, it was still lacking behind the iOS and desktop versions of Microsoft's popular. Well, the newest update for Skype (v5.3) aims to right that wrong.

Skype has scored support for emojis so that users are not limited to the built-in emoticons. There's also a new bubble chat layout present, which brings it on par with the other versions of the app (the desktop and iOS ones). The app will also score large animated emoticons, but this feature is listed as "coming in the following weeks" so don't expect it just yet.

Apart from the cosmetic and chat-centric novelties, the Android version of the cross-platform messenger has also scored a host of bug fixes and improvements. Here are they:

• Catching up on an active conversation is now easier; chat will no longer auto-scroll to the latest as new messages come in.
• Now you can change and view avatars for all of your group chats; just use the “Participants” option in a group chat to get started.

After signing out, you will now need to re-enter user name and password to sign in again. This will make it easier on those of you who use multiple accounts.

If you have Skype installed on your Android device, the update will probably hit you soon.