Skype Beta 5.0 for Windows with Group Video Calling
The current stable version of Skype for Windows is version 4.2. The upcoming version will be Skype 5.0 for Windows – but it is still a long way away. What is already here is a Beta version of Skype 5.0 for Windows and the big news is that it provides support for group video calling.
“Today we’re offering you a preview of our brand new version of Skype, which supports group video calling for up to 5 people. With the latest version, you’ll be able to bring the whole family together for a chat, for lunch, or even for a birthday. You’ll be able to spend quality time with your best friends, planning a trip, or even hosting a book club. And you’ll be able to meet with colleagues from across the world without leaving your desk,” announced Skype’s Peter Parkes.
The regular Beta warning apply: the application may work poorly, it may not work at all, it may have bugs, it may drive you up the walls. Do not get Skype Beta 5.0 for Windows unless you understand what it means to Beta test a product. If you do decide to get Skype Beta 5.0 for Windows, Skype would very much welcome your feedback. You can share your thoughts in this Beta release on via a dedicated feedback survey. Or if you are a micro-blogging fan, you can provide feedback on Skype Beta 5.0 for Windows on Twitter. Last but not least, you can provide your feedback on Skype’s blog here.
Please note that if you’re using Skype Beta 5.0 for Windows, the person you’re calling needs to have the Beta version as well. To start a group call, click the “Add” button to invite people to the conversation, then click the “Video Call” button.
If you would like to get Skype Beta 5.0 for Windows with group video calling, you can download the application straight from Skype here.
In related news, Skype has extended the coverage of the subscriptions that allow users to call landline and mobile phones. The subscriptions, which allow any Skype user to make calls for as little as €0.89/£0.69/$1.09 per month, now cover more than 170 countries. Furthermore, Skype users can now subscribe to make calls to more than just one country. To celebrate this, Skype is offering access to WiFi hotspots via Skype Access for only €0.01/£0.01/$0.012 per minute this weekend.
“Today we’re offering you a preview of our brand new version of Skype, which supports group video calling for up to 5 people. With the latest version, you’ll be able to bring the whole family together for a chat, for lunch, or even for a birthday. You’ll be able to spend quality time with your best friends, planning a trip, or even hosting a book club. And you’ll be able to meet with colleagues from across the world without leaving your desk,” announced Skype’s Peter Parkes.
The regular Beta warning apply: the application may work poorly, it may not work at all, it may have bugs, it may drive you up the walls. Do not get Skype Beta 5.0 for Windows unless you understand what it means to Beta test a product. If you do decide to get Skype Beta 5.0 for Windows, Skype would very much welcome your feedback. You can share your thoughts in this Beta release on via a dedicated feedback survey. Or if you are a micro-blogging fan, you can provide feedback on Skype Beta 5.0 for Windows on Twitter. Last but not least, you can provide your feedback on Skype’s blog here.
Please note that if you’re using Skype Beta 5.0 for Windows, the person you’re calling needs to have the Beta version as well. To start a group call, click the “Add” button to invite people to the conversation, then click the “Video Call” button.
If you would like to get Skype Beta 5.0 for Windows with group video calling, you can download the application straight from Skype here.
In related news, Skype has extended the coverage of the subscriptions that allow users to call landline and mobile phones. The subscriptions, which allow any Skype user to make calls for as little as €0.89/£0.69/$1.09 per month, now cover more than 170 countries. Furthermore, Skype users can now subscribe to make calls to more than just one country. To celebrate this, Skype is offering access to WiFi hotspots via Skype Access for only €0.01/£0.01/$0.012 per minute this weekend.
