Skype 4.0 offers better video calling

I KNOW many people are big fans of Skype as it lets them speak to friends and family in France and around the world for free or just pennies.

Well Skype has launched a major upgrade of the software, version 4.0, that is says offers improved video calling, crystal clear voice calls and a cleaner interface.

The upgrade has a built-in bandwidth manager that aims to provide a better video calling experience even on a low-bandwidth connection, with Skype recommending a connection speed of 400 Kb/s or higher, on a dual-core processor PC.

"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."

Are you a fan of Skype and what tips have you got to pass on to people who might be trying it for the first time? Please feel free to leave a comment below.

Related article: Online tools to stay in touch

Comments

[Simon]

I downloaded Skype 4 at the weekend, but have found the new version less intuitive to use. The Interface certainly didn't appear "cleaner" to me, and there is no acessibility version.

I received an email from Skype saying that they recommend that anybody with sight problems stay with version 3.8.

I actually find video calling pointless (more of a novelty than a means of communication) and only use it a couple of times a year, so I can't comment on the improved video.

If you have downloaded the new version and can't get on with it (why do software companies change interfaces without changing basic funtionality?) you can download an old version and overwrite the new one.

[Craig McGinty]

Hi Simon,

A click on View >> Compact View returns it back to very close to what the earlier version was like.

Although must admit that VoIP are so dependent upon other factors like PC power and internet connection, it can sometimes sound as though you are talking from the bottom of the sea.

All the best,
Craig

[Simon]

craig

I did that - It's the way they have introduced an extra stage into calling someone and a totally useless "conversations" tab that you can't get rid of but actually appears not to DO anything. I like the old one, click a name, hit the big green button, the call is made - rather than having to start a chat and THEN dialling someone.

Plus, of course, it is laden down with all sorts of extras on tabs at the bottom.

It amazes me that companies still deliberately release software that doesn't conform to any accessibity code, either.

[Bob Toovey]

I am a Linux user, Ubuntu. I guess I will eventually get the update! I am starting to find that Skype is essential to keeping up with contacts, friends and family. As I am not using my phone I am saving a fortune!

[Craig McGinty]

Hi Bob, hopefully the Linux version will soon arrive, and hopefully others will see the money saving potential of Skype.
All the best, Craig

[Simon]

Bob
believe me, you don't want it - no discernable improvement in quality, It's just a huge piece of bloatware.

I tried Skype 4 for a couple of days, but the interface was just plain unusable. I upgraded to Skype 3.8 from http://www.oldapps.com/skype.php?old_skype=76