After a false start this morning, Skype today released its official iPad app.

Skype for iPad is now available for download in the Apple App Store. The free app is compatible with Apple tablets running iOS 4.0 or higher.

"Skype for iPad is beautifully designed and optimized for the iPad. It offers the best of both worlds for users who want a larger Skype experience, on-the-go," Skype said in a blog post. "The large iPad screen is perfect for bringing Skype video calls to life, in either landscape or portrait view, and because it is on the iPad, Skype video calls can be made at the beach, in a car or even lying on a couch."

Skype promised several iPad-optimized features, including two-way video calling for those with an iPad 2. Connect with other Skype users on PCs, Macs, or iPhones and Android phones with front-facing cameras.

Users can also instant message during a video call on the iPad and view contacts in a grid that displays large avatar photos so it's easier to track down contacts and conversations, Skype said. The company also promised one-touch access to recent Skype conversations and history. Users can also send text messages by opening a contact and selecting "SEND SMS" or by opening the dial pad and typing in a number and message.

"The new Skype for iPad app also takes full advantage of the iPad 2's dual cameras, allowing users to talk face-to-face with the iPad's front camera or switch to the rear camera to show what they can see," Skype said.

The iPad app also allows calls to landlines and mobile phones for those with Skype Credit. It works on 3G and Wi-Fi.

Skype released the iPad app early this morning, but quickly pulled it, offering up a Twitter apology. It has been in the works for some time, with a Skype exec promising in June that it would be released "soon."

This article, written by Chloe Albanesius, originally appeared on PCMag.com and is republished on Gear Live with the permission of Ziff Davis, Inc.