A few weeks ago Skype introduced a pre-release of its group video chat feature for mobile, and now Microsoft has cemented that feature with a widespread roll-out. We thought at first that group calling would permit 10 people to join the same mobile video call, but Skype has exceeded expectations and group video chats will actually allow up to 25 participants.

In a blog post the Skype team said, “Today, we’ve started rolling out group video calling on iPhone, iPad and Android phones and tablets in Western Europe and North America and we expect to have completed our roll-out to these markets over the next week or so.” Global availability, Skype said, will happen sometime in March this year.

Skype added that calls will be in “glorious” HD quality, optimized for the devices being used. At the same time the audio has been improved due to Skype’s SILK Super Wide Band audio codec in its cloud conferencing stack – something Microsoft achieved working with its partner Intel.

Another perk is Skype’s flexible interface that will optimize the viewing experience on mobile and tablet giving you the feeling, Skype said, that you are in the same room. You can also pin a person to be in view if you so choose, just as Google Hangouts allows.

Participants don’t have to be your Skype contact list, or for that matter even have a Skype account. All you need is the group link, which can be sent via any means. Just click on the link and join the chat using Skype for Web. You’ll need the latest version of Skype to start one of these meetings.

Photo credit: Skype