An updated version of the Skype preview for Windows Phone 8 is now available from the Windows Phone Store. The version 2.4 update adds support for higher quality video calling (up to 720p on select devices), adds support for landscape mode in video calls, enables camera switching (front / rear camera), re-introduces People Hub integration, and enables users to switch Skype accounts within the app.

Skype says the new version, as well as adding new features, improves performance and stability. The return of the integration with Windows Phone's People People Hub is an example of that. The functionality had previously been removed due to stability issues, but is now available for devices running version 8.0.10211.204 (WP8 GDR 1 / Portico) or later.

The Skype team also note that they have been listening to user feedback and that's one of the key reasons for the switch account functionality. By tapping on your profile picture in the app, and choosing "switch accounts", you can swap between different Skype accounts (e.g. a personal one and a business one).

The most welcome feature is the improved video calling experience. Support for landscape mode and the ability to switch between cameras on the device (rear facing and front facing) are useful extras, but the improved video quality in calls is the stand out feature of the latest preview release.

Video quality is improved for all users, with select devices (higher specification - 1.5GHz processors + 1GB RAM) getting support for 720p HD video, provided the necessary bandwidth is available. The app will automatically determine the best available video quality based on device hardware and the speed of the available connection.

As Skype explain the Windows Phone 8 app is the first Skype smartphone app to enable face-face video calls in "crisp, clear and beautifully life like HD":

Using the hardware acceleration capability of Windows Phone 8, this is our first smartphone app to enable free face-to-face video calls in crisp, clear and beautifully lifelike HD. We have significantly improved video calling quality for all users, offering VGA video on lower end handsets and 720P HD on higher-end devices including the Nokia Lumia 920, HTC 8X and Samsung Ativ S.

Here's the full change log from Skype:

• Higher quality video calling, and up to 720P on supported devices and depending on network conditions
• Video calling in landscape mode
• Camera switching
• Enabled People Hub integration
• Switch accounts

The updated version can be downloaded through the Windows Store.