The all new Skype 4

Posted on: July 17, 2008 at 4:15 am | Posted under: Technology
Tags: , , ,

skype_logo Being a Windows user, I have the advantage of testing out the new Skype 4 (it is in beta right now).  After a few weeks of using the new software, I must say that I am really enjoying it.  There are some big changes with this new version, the biggest being that Skype uses a lot more space in the new UI.  Many people do not seem to like this, but I do, since there are not a lot of separate windows open when I am on a call or just chatting.

The new UI of Skype 4 also provides a better video call experience.  The video displays are shown within the application window and can be sized to according what you are doing.  The smaller video works well for when you need the IM running, the larger video is great for when you still need access to other applications, and the fullscreen works for when you are just video chatting.  The one drawback with the video is that I have not seen the ability to enable it when on a conference call.  I am not sure if this will come about in a final release.

I would suggest to those of you that want a crystal clear video, to go and buy a nice webcam to do this.  In the screenshots above, Albert was using an iSight with his PowerBook (he was also encountering bandwidth issues).  Those users with better systems will experience a better video experience.

Overall, the new version of Skype is very nice and the updated UI keeps everything bundled without needing to have a number of individual windows open.  I look forward to the final release, but in the meantime, I am sticking with this beta (the older version is just hard to go back to after this).

Are you running the new Skype 4 beta?  Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Cheers!

4 Comments »
  • http://arik.baratz.org Arik

    The new UI has done two things for me:

    1. Prevented me from seeing when new messages are sent in chat (the only thing that happens is the red flag, which might be on for other reasons)

    2. Lets me see very few contacts in each screen-full

    While I agree that it’s very nice during a call, the rest of the time the UI just fills a lot of screen asset with useless details and magnified icons.

    – Arik

  • http://arik.baratz.org Arik

    The new UI has done two things for me:

    1. Prevented me from seeing when new messages are sent in chat (the only thing that happens is the red flag, which might be on for other reasons)

    2. Lets me see very few contacts in each screen-full

    While I agree that it’s very nice during a call, the rest of the time the UI just fills a lot of screen asset with useless details and magnified icons.

    – Arik

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