Skype 4.1 Beta Available for Windows

[Shen]

A new version of the softphone is available on the Internet. It allows to show the caller what appears on the screen while communicating.

A new version of Skype is in preparation. Skype 4.1 beta is available for download in English and French for Windows. Principal novelty (which was promised in the release of Skype 4.0): the ability to see the display of the caller in conversation classes. Practice for comment to two a slideshow or a working paper.

This option only works in one direction: it is not possible for two people to see the other screen simultaneously. Furthermore, it is limited to a conversation between two impossible to broadcast the image of the screen to several people. Despite these limitations, this feature is welcome as it is increasingly difficult for the Skype software itself from competitors such as the inevitable Windows Live Messenger. The latter includes a function for sending photos, much less sophisticated than what Skype offers today screen sharing.

Skype also on iPhone

The messenger also improves on several points. Contact management, among others. Importing addresses from Gmail (and AOL for the United States) is now possible with the beta.

Skype also renews with several functions, in the version 3 software but who had since disappeared: the birthday reminder, drag and drop contacts from the directory to the chat area. The editor has also eliminated the bugs identified in the previous version, including receiving copies of the text in the chat area. Finally, users will be more annoying to see that Skype has detected a Creative Webcam Live, even when they are not equipped.

The other Skype to mobility. Since March 31 last, a version for iPhone 3G and iPod is available for download on the Apple App Store.

Download: Skype 4.1 Beta for Windows

[Shen]

Skype-to-Skype calls, video calls and instant messaging are free, any time of the day or night, anywhere in the world. Call phones and mobiles and send SMS messages at great value Pay As You Go rates, or call unlimited* to certain countries with a subscription.

New Features

• Screen sharing
• Send contacts
• Birthday reminders
• Improvements to call quality
• Bug fixes

System requirements

• PC running Windows 2000, XP or Vista. (Windows 2000 users require DirectX 9.0 for video calls).
• Internet connection (broadband is best, GPRS is not supported for voice calls, and results may vary on a satellite connection).
• Speakers and microphone – built-in or separate.
• For voice and video calls we recommend a computer with at least a 1GHz processor, 256 MB RAM and of course a webcam.
• For High Quality Video calls you will need a high quality video webcam and software, a dual-core processor computer and a fast broadband connection (384 kbps).