Filed under: Internet, Video, VoIP, P2P, Beta
Skype 4.0 beta puts video front and center, takes over your screen
The new version takes advantage of the larger window by spreading out the buttons a bit and adding support for new video features like picture in picture. There's also more room on the screen for text chat or for sharing files while conducting voice or video calls.
Skype 4.0 beta also features improved hardware deection and tools for testing your connection. But honestly, we're not convinced that this whole full-screen design is the way to go. There's no doubt that the updated Skype client looks like it will make video calls far more pleasant. But more than 70% of the calls placed on the Skype network are still audio-only. And we're guessing that a lot of the people placing those calls like to have a bit of space on their desktops to multitask while making phone calls.
Of course, if you're just using Skype for voice communication, you can always minimize the application while you're talking, web browsing, and playing World of WarCraft. Or whatever it is you do when you're on the phone.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tom said 7:40AM on 6-18-2008
God, no! That's huge! I thought the buddy list was a proven thing, why switch?
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aanidaani said 8:35AM on 6-18-2008
Looks to me like taking advantage of that space involves leaving a lot of whitespace and needlessly eating up your desktop. All I can hope is that they give you an option to slim it down.
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Lisa Hoover said 9:55AM on 6-18-2008
I agree about that "taking up the whole screen" nonsense. Apparently, a lot of people don't like it so one of the Skype dudes explained on his blog the reason for it, and how to complain.
http://share.skype.com/sites/en/2008/06/skype_40_beta_1_for_windows.html
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Hyla Weimann said 8:06AM on 8-21-2008
I use Skype daily and think it is the most effective form of communication on the internet.
I have not tried the new Skype 4.0 beta for Windows yet, but I have heard complaints that people have lost their contact list when downloading this version.
Is there any way to prevent this, other than making a back-up of your contact list.
If there is no other way, I feel that there should be a warning posted to do a back-up before you download the new version.
http://www.hylastips.com
http://incomeassurance.com/skype/room/skypetips-sfssupport
http://www.messagemagic.net/?affiliate_id=822
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