Skype has released an update to its PC-based telephone interface that enables users to post an image of their choosing alongside their username and profile.

The feature, called My Picture, is included in version 0.98.0.04 of the Skype software, which can be downloaded for free at www.skype.com/download.html.

"The global community of Skype grows continually and people are benefiting from the service in many different ways,” said Skype CEO Niklas Zennström.  "'My Picture' is another example of how Skype telephony enhances the richness of communications."

Skype allows people worldwide to make free, unlimited, superior quality voice calls via its free p2p software, with many using the Skype global directory to find and make new friends around the world.  Skype has been downloaded more than 12.5 million times by users from 170 countries and is the world's fastest growing software.

"Our purpose is to delight the Skype audience, and therefore we listen attentively to user comments," said Zennström.  "Personal images has been one of our most asked for features, so we have provided My Picture to allow people to personalise their Skype profile and their entire Skype call experience."

Once users have downloaded the latest version of Skype, they simply choose the file option in the Skype browser window to access their personal profile. Once there, users click on the browse button next to the mock picture, find their chosen image and upload it to their Skype profile page.

For more information about MyPicture from Skype, and image samples go to http://www.skype.com/download_avatars.html