Every time I read someplace a Skype update is available, I launch the app and click “Check for Updates” only to be told that I’ve got the latest version — go figure. Nevertheless, there is an update and it has been tweaked for OS X Lion and, if you’ve got a newer Mac with an HD iSight camera, there’s crispy clear video calling, as well.

I just downloaded Skype 5.3.0.1074 (release notes) and the big difference right out of the gate is that recent calls are now shown in thumbnail view. Thanks for that (clicks list view).

What’s new in Skype 5.3.0.1074:

• Updated contact list view
• New contact grid view
• Support for Mac OS X 10.7 Lion
• Minor improvements

However, according to 9 to 5 Mac, Skype 2.8 works just fine under OS X Lion. Although that version doesn’t offer group calling, it doesn’t have version 5.x’s opaque and fugly user interface.

Get your very own copy of Skype 5.3 here.