Skype has called the new software, which is available as a free download for all Windows users, “the most distinctive new release in the company’s five-year history”.
It brings full-screen video calling to Skype’s estimated 35 million active daily users, as well as “crystal clear call quality”, and a streamlined interface that’s more intuitive and easier to use.
Skype 4.0 also has a built-in bandwidth manager to ensure the performance of video calls even when using a slow internet connection, in an effort to try and keep judder and lag to a minimum.
“Video calling has emerged as a very popular way for people to communicate online,” said Mike Bartlett, director of product strategy for Skype. “Whether it’s saying hello to your daughter at college or reading a book to your child while you’re away on business, video calling lets you have the conversations that make a difference and it really feels almost as good as being there.”
Users can also switch more easily between calls, and can keep track of multiple conversations, as well as flit between voice and video calls to friends and family, or instant-messaging and text chats.
The changes have been in development for two years, said Skype, and many of the improvements were based on user feedback.
Skype’s service is increasingly being built into other devices, as well as computers. Owners of many of 3’s range of mobile phones have a Skype program pre-installed on their handset, which allows them to make free calls via Skype whenever they are in a Wi-Fi internet hot spot.
It is thought that eBay, which bought Skype for $2.6 billion in 2005, is looking to sell off the service. The online auction company's chief executive, John Donahue, said recently that Skype was “a great stand-alone business”.
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