Skype version 4.0 has finally emerged from its lengthy beta test and is now available for PC users to download and enjoy high res full screen video calls, as well as a bunch more new features.
Skype told TechRadar last year that the focus for version 4.0 of its popular Voice Over Internet Protocol video and voice call services was on improving video and audio quality.
The company has certainly done that, with the full-screen video calling in the latest version being crystal clear (providing you have a decent, new-ish webcam, of course!).
Better sound and video
What else is new? You can kick off video calls directly, without having to make a voice call and then switch the call over to your webcams. A small point, perhaps, but one which is going to encourage more of Skype's users to use the 'full phat' version of the service, as opposed to using it mainly for instant messaging (and the odd intercontinental voice call).
Skype 4 features a new, improved audio codec that gives better quality sound while "using 50 per cent less bandwidth."
It also packs in a bandwidth manager which automatically also alters the video quality to ensure you get the best quality video calling to match your connection speed. Nifty!
Most of you out there will likely be using the minimum spec required for a decent 30fps video call – as Skype tells us that you only require a dual-core processor and 400Kbit/sec broadband connection to get the full monty videocalling experience.
We'll be sure to put the shiny new Skype 4.0 to test on a number of computers both new and old in the coming weeks to let you know how it stacks up.
Less cluttered
Finally, the latest version of Skype boasts a much-improved, far less cluttered single screen interface. If, like us, you've been using Skype for years, this may take you by surprise at first. Humans do, after all, fear change. However, we are glad to say that after around ten minutes of using it, we found that we had totally forgotten what the old interface used to look like.
Skype claims to have 405 million users worldwide. Although how many of those are active users and how many are 'sexy Russian Nina wanna chats?' we are not quite sure.
Which raises a thorny issue – little has been said on what has been done to improve security and anti-spamming features in the new version of Skype. TechRadar has fired off an email to the company's UK office to find out a little more on this, so stay tuned for further updates.
In the meantime, we're off to badger all our mates on Skype to upgrade to version 4.0
Your comments (5) Click to add a new comment
suomynona
February 7th 2009
5. Here a simple (and free) software to enable/force/configure Skype 4.0 to send high quality video (HQ/HD), even if you didn't bought an expensive webcam and a dual-core CPU.
You may also send higher resolution than Skype's HQ : the unofficial Skype HD !!!
Here is the link:
http://www.nodewave.com/software/ForceSkypeHQVideo
Note:
excuse me for the two following messages, it's the first time I post on Techradar and I thought you could either use html/bb-code or edit your posts. Too bad...
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suomynona
February 7th 2009
4. Here a simple (and free) software to [b][url=http://www.nodewave.com/software/ForceSkypeHQVideo]enable/force/configure Skype 4.0 to send high quality video (HQ/HD)[/url][/b], even if you didn't bought an expensive webcam and a dual-core CPU.
You may also send higher resolution than Skype's HQ : the unofficial Skype HD !!!
Here is the link:
[b][url=http://www.nodewave.com/software/ForceSkypeHQVideo]http://www.nodewave.com/software/ForceSkypeHQVideo[/url][/b]
[img]http://www.nodewave.com/cms/images/stories/software/ForceSkypeHqVideo/screenshot-main.png[/img][img]http://www.nodewave.com/cms/images/stories/software/ForceSkypeHqVideo/screenshot-config.png[/img]
:-)
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suomynona
February 7th 2009
3. Here a simple (and free) software to <b><a href="http://www.nodewave.com/software/ForceSkypeHQVideo">enable/force/configure Skype 4.0 to send high quality video (HQ/HD)</a></b>, even if you didn't bought an expensive webcam and a dual-core CPU.
You may also send higher resolution than Skype's HQ : the unofficial Skype HD !!!
Here is the link:
<b><a href="http://www.nodewave.com/software/ForceSkypeHQVideo">http://www.nodewave.com/software/ForceSkypeHQVideo</a></b>
<img src="http://www.nodewave.com/cms/images/stories/software/ForceSkypeHqVideo/screenshot-main.png"/><img src="http://www.nodewave.com/cms/images/stories/software/ForceSkypeHqVideo/screenshot-config.png"/>
:-)
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glenncarey
February 4th 2009
2. tk421 - Skype works fine with an iMac. It's had the option of full screen video for a while. The latest (Beta) version also lets you share your screen. Download and other details here: http://share.skype.com/sites/mac/
Skype's very good for cross-platform video chats. Glad the PC version is catching up with full screen and one-click video calls.
Another cross-platform alternative, which lets you do 3-way video chats: www.oovoo.com
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tk421
February 3rd 2009
1. In regards to Apple Computer users - how does SKYPE work with an iMac? I feel that more support should be provided in this department as we all know the Apple is a better machine and does not have the virus problems inherited with PCs.
Any news for us to follow?
TK.
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