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Softonic Rating:
Very good:8/10
License:
Free
Added:
November 9, 2006
Updated:
June 18, 2008
Publisher:
Website
File size:
24.2 MB
Downloads:
2,898
Elena Santos

“Get a fresh try out of the next Skype”

by Elena Santos

The VoIP protocol has caused a total revolution in the way people communicate on the Internet, and Skype is undoubtedly one of the most widely used VoIP clients you can find.

With Skype you can not only have voice chats on your computer – just like telephone, only for free – but also make real phone calls at much lower rates, using the so called SkypeOut service and paying with Skype credit. Besides voice chats, Skype also includes the standard IM functionalities (written conversations, emoticons, user avatars and so on) and also lets you have video conferences.

These video calls are precisely the main focus on Skype's latest beta version. The program's interface has been completely redesigned with video conferences on mind. This means it's been made wider (full screen, really) so that video fits in perfectly with your written chat, your contact list and a toolbar to manage conversation. Honestly, I'm not sure this is a big improvement; my guess is that most people still use Skype only for voice calls and will find the new interface too obtrusive.

The sound quality during our testing was perfect: loud and clear. Unfortunately we can't say the same from the video image quality. The fact that it was displayed at quite a big size made it look too pixelated. There was though one nice detail, and that's the ability to see your own video image built-in on your contact's video. Also, though this is still a beta version, I must say I didn't have any problems while testing it.

Other improvements in this beta are, among others, a call quality feedback indicator, the ability to turn alerts off, the possibility to group contacts and a new feature called Video in mood, which lets you embed online videos from Metacafe and Dailymotion in your status message.

Skype 4.0 Beta features a complete interface overhaul that now focuses more on video chats, and also adds some handy improvements to the way you communicate online.

Languages:

English, Spanish, German, French

Notes:

As this is a Beta version, there may be a few hiccups that need correcting.

Recent changes in Skype:

  • Call quality feedback indicator
  • Skype Prime
  • Linking of MySpaceIM with Skype and Skype accounts
  • Ability to turn alerts off
  • Accessibility (keyboard navigation and screen reader functionality)
  • Saving groups
  • History
  • Video in mood
  • View Outlook contacts in my Contact list
  • Call transfer
  • Contact groups
  • Creating new Shared Groups
  • Sending contacts
  • Send Money
  • Skypecasts
  • Alerts (eBay, Paypal, 411)
  • Public IM
  • Auto redial
  • IRC chat style
  • Speed dial

OS requirements for Skype:

  • OS: Win2000/XP/Vista

Minimum requirements:

  • Processor: 400 MHz
  • Memory: 128 MB

Recommended requirements:

  • Processor: 1,0 GHz
  • Memory: 256 MB
Pros
  • Excellent IM tools for written chats
  • Great sound quality in voice calls
  • Support for embedded local video on target video
Cons
  • The new interface is huge
  • Video quality is not that good
Did you like this review?
20 of 27 users liked it (74%)

Skype Softonic Rating: 8Featured program

Softonic gives special recognition to software of exceptionally high quality. More information

From the publisher of Skype

You picked a great time to get Skype. It’s still all about free calls, free video calls and free IM to anyone else on Skype – anywhere in the world. Now we’ve redesigned it so it’s easier to start conversations and keep track of them – plus video calls look better than ever.

We’ve released this beta version a little earlier than usual because we’re really keen for people to try it out. It’s still a work in progress – but we’re so excited about it we can’t keep it to ourselves any longer.

Skype options

Skype Options

Reviews for Skype in other languages

  • Skype (Testbericht auf Deutsch)
  • Skype (Le test en français)

Skype in other platforms

Softonic Rating:Very good
7/10

User Rating

4 ratings
Usability
  • Currently 8/10.
Stability
  • Currently 8/10.
Installation
  • Currently 7/10.
Functionality
  • Currently 7/10.
Appearance
  • Currently 6/10.

Download stats

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