Skype is one of the most popular communication tools used on the planet.  Since it was launched in 2003, it’s already been downloaded over a billion times.  And it is also a very popular tool on iPhones and iPads, as the mobile app has been downloaded nearly 60 million times to date and was downloaded over a million times in the first 36 hours after the app launched in March 2009.  When Skype for iPad launched in August, it was the #1 free iPad app in almost every local iTunes App Store worldwide during the week of its launch.  With Skype’s popularity, it’s only befitting that the app gets a much needed improvement.

According to Skype’s official blog post yesterday,

“Today, we hope to make these popular apps even better with the introduction of a couple of new features. The Skype for iPhone update includes a new feature that reduces the shakiness of an outgoing Skype video chat when using your rear camera. So, if you’re using Skype video to show friends and family what you’re up to or where you are, the image they see will be less shaky.  Additionally, we’re excited to announce the delivery of Bluetooth support, a feature that’s long been requested by our users. You will now be able to use Bluetooth-enabled headsets to make hands-free Skype calls. This will make life easier while you’re on conference calls, on the road, or simply don’t want to hold your iPhone or iPad in-hand.”

The update also comes with an advertising platform.  With the new ad setup, paying Skype subscribers and those with Skype Credits will not see any display ads on their iPhones or iPads.  The iPhone update also includes an important security fix that addresses the bug that makes iPhone and iPod touch address book vulnerable to theft.

The updates can be downloaded from the Apple iTunes App Store.  The Skype for iPad update supports both iPad and iPad 2. The Skype for iPhone update supports the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, 2nd and 3rd Generation iPod Touch, and both the iPad and iPad 2.  They also recently released an update for Mac that also features the new ad platform.

Last week, Skype also launched two new products, a phone that looks like any normal home phone, featuring a prominent Skype button, and the Freetalk Connect-Me phone adapter that sells for $40, to make it easier to place Internet calls from home phones to save on international calls and potentially also domestic ones.  But the products aren’t getting rave reviews since the clunky setup prevents users from making impromptu Skype calls–the phone isn’t designed to work with Skype, as you can’t access your Skype address book directly on the handset, or see who’s online to take your calls. Since home phones don’t have cameras, you won’t be able to do video calls either.  Though the phone greatly enhances the sound heard, it is quite doubtful if it would really save consumers much money if they purchase the said products.