New Skype for Linux Beta Version Fresh From the Oven

by Lisa Hoover - Aug. 31, 2009Comments (7)

Skype Unveils Small Business Solution - About Skype

A new beta version of Skype for Linux has been released and includes a slew of new features that Linux users have been waiting for a long time. There are also a few tweaks and UI changes that will make using Skype on Linux a better overall experience for anyone who uses this popular client to make calls via their computer.

Here's a list of all the new features and some of the improvements you'll find in Skype version 2.1.0.47 for Linux:

Features
* High Quality Video support.
* Skype's SILK audio codec.
* Pulse Audio support
* SMS sending support.
* Chat messages editing/removing support.
* Typing notification in chat.
* Chat picture support (add/change/remove) for group conversations.
* Mood messages are visible in contact list and tooltip.
* Video/Mobile icons are visible in contact list.
* Bookmarked Chats are visible in contact list.
* Contact labels/tags.


Improvements:
* Right-clicking on the user name in the chat will open contact menu.
improvement: A day divider is added to the chat. Timestamps are shorter for old messages.
* Clickable links in mood message.
* Enlarged tray icon, also showing number of missed events.
* Flag button is replaced by button showing number of missed events.
* Updated ALSA device detection, nicer to USB headsets.

I don't know about you, but the inclusion of video alone was enough to make me grab this beta version. All the other additions and enhancements are just gravy. Be advised though, since it's beta of course not everything is working up to snuff (nor should it be expected to).

ITWire's Hamish Taylor writes, " I tested out the new client on Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty using a three year old laptop with an inbuilt sound car and front microphone. The Skype Beta client picked up these devices and when I used the "call testing service" it all worked well. However, after I exited and restarted Skype it didn't work at all, nor did it work with a headset. I suspect that you have to have these plugged in on boot up for it to detect and use them. Maybe this will be resolved in the final release."

Are you happy to see that Skype has come back around to developing its Linux client, or have you already given up and moved on to other options? Let me know in the comments.


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7 Comments
 

Skype APIs need to be made available and easy to use like Google Voice APIs (so I have heard).


0 Votes

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Skype has been caught using Free Libre Open Source software illegaly inside its program. That is a very good reason to not pay attention or promote any Skype news in a Web Site that is related to Open Source.


But, the main reason, NOT to do so is simply that Skype is NOT Open Source Software.


Are you going to announce with trumpets any more or less know CLOSED SOURCE software that is ported to Linux?

Until when?

Until Linux is full of CLOSED SOURCE, PROPRIETARY software that makes it so untrustable, unbereable, dangerous, and closed as Ms Windows is ?


What about WengoPhone, Ekiga, and other OPEN SOURCE software that are in the same "niche" as Skype?

Shouldnt these to be the newsinstead of Skype in an Open Source site ???


Angel Arce


0 Votes

Hi Angel,


Thanks for your comments. I did link to Ekiga in the post and I agree that it's a terrific app. Although Skype is proprietary software, I know plenty of Linux users who want or need to use it anyway so I thought it was important to let readers know about the update. I'm always glad to see companies take the time to include Linux in the list of operating systems they support.


Thanks for reading!


Lisa


0 Votes

(Note: Skype is not open, and the Linux client is way behind in development compared to the Win version, all true, but it "just works" and requires almost no configuration. In fact, it's a "quick & dirty" VoIP solution.)


I'm not happy with the new 2.1.0.47 version, audio quality is very bad for me. Downgraded back to 2.0.0.72 and audio is good again. So, if this happens to anyone else, you're not alone.


0 Votes

I tried it and couldn't talk to anyone, the video camera worked fine. Skype has jumped the gun! I would like to see a .rpm for Mandriva 2009.1


0 Votes

@Angel - just because an app is Closed Source doesn't mean it does not add value. Skype has created a ton of value for my company and saved us a boatload by reducing our communications bills and working on pretty much all platforms. I am a Linux user and I WELCOME such applications since it makes my Linux platform more usable. I do not see the need to delve into the source code. I need to have a single-click (or single command) way to set up and get up-and-running.


No need to get paranoid that just because a few applications are closed source that the kernel itself will close up. When was the last time you needed to see the source? Skype has APIs. Those allow it to be extended. Would l like to see Skype open source their app? Sure, only because it will mean more innovative uses of their app. They have chosen not to do so. Their loss.


Let's not be FOSS bigots and let us appreciate good applications that make the entire platform more valuable.


0 Votes

Hi All,


Don't you know where I can download a 2.0.0.74 amd64 version of skype?

I just find no place.


Thanks,


0 Votes
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