Microsoft has bought Skype

The Microsoft company has bought Skype for 8.5 billion dollar. From now Skype has become a new department of Microsoft. For the Skype company it is a serious step to realize their vision of the communications'  future, a new way to make the world better and the communication easier.

In the Skype company they are sure that this deal will enable the broadening of company's achievements and will make conversations in real time via audio and video available for a bigger amount of people than it was before. The combination of Skype and Microsoft make up a real advantage for any Skype user starting a new era in communications.

The purchase of Skype opens a new page in the company's history. From now on the program connecting people from different sides of the globe will be called  Microsoft Skype, and we are sure that these changes are for the best.

Microsoft claims that it will go on investing money into the development and support of Skype on other platforms, like e.g. Mac OS, Linux and iOS. Also Microsoft plans to integrate Skype into Xbox, Kinect and devices on the Windows Phone platform. In addition, in Outlook, Xbox LIVE and Lync there will appear the support of voice services.

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Beta-version of Skype 2.2 for Linux has been released

Beta-version of Skype 2.2 for Linux with the code name “Access Granted” enables Linux users to enjoy Skype Access. This option will allow connections to more that 500.000 Wi-Fi points all over the world, using Skype credits.

Also, the quality and reliability of sound and video have been improved in the new version, the option of multiple call has been added as well. From now you can answer a second call during the first one. You can add a new call into a conference or hold the first call to answer the incoming one.

Beside that the developers of the Skype company have fixed several bugs, found by our users:

— In the new version Ubuntu users will be able to enjoy PulseAudio
— KDE users can now check the graphics in Skype, choosing the standard style - Oxygen

But Skype professionals still have many plans and are working over found problems now. And till then - enjoy the new version!

The new Skype 5.1 for Mac

On March. 24, the Skype company has announced the release of the new Skype 5.1 version of its program for Mac. 

The main new features of Skype 5.1 for Mac are:

— Focusing on the active conference members (avatars of the active contacts lighted up during the conversation)
— Quick redialling numbers you have called not long ago
— Widening up the space in the side part of the programm for contact groups that are shown on the right
— A possibility to send a feedback about the call quality at once after finishing the call

Besides of the mentioned above, there have been several less significant "bugs" of the former releases improved. In addition, Skype developers have corrected some failures, including problems with the recognition of iSight Fireware webcam. Skype experts are grateful to every user who reported about functionality failures of the former version, due to which the new programm works significantly better than the former ones.

We recommend every Mac user to update Skype to the version 5.1. If you notice any failures in the functionality of the new release, you can freely write about it on the forum. Skype developers will be grateful to you for any feedback.

New version Skype 5 for Mac

On January. 27, the Skype company has released a new version of its software for the operating system Mac OS X, so from now the label "beta" will no more be present near the program name. In the new version there are video conferences in the "Premium pack" and several further improvements as well in its functioning, as in its interface. Download the new programm version now or first read about its possibilities below.

Skype developers would like to thank all users who sent their opinions about the functionality of the beta-version of Skype, especially for their positive feedback about videoconferencing. Now this function is a part of the premium pack that includes also the user support in live chat format. One can enjoy videoconferencing for 7 days for free, and then one can purchase a subscription with a daily pack for $4.99 (€3.49/£2.99) or a monthly pack for $8.99 (€5.99/£4.99). Each new user gets a free 7 day trial version automatically.

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Skype 5.1 for Windows: updated videoconferencing and stability in working

Skype developers have prepared something for the holidays -  the updated version of their program with improved videoconferencing and higher working stability.

From now on videoconferencing is no more a beta add-on, but an official addition to the impressive functions range of the company's software Skype for Windows.

There are several further improvements in the new Skype:

• Video calls run now with the resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. If before only users of a limited number of web-cameras could enjoy this resolution, now every Skype user has this possibility. From now on the video resolution depends only on the network quality. Happy owners of powerful computers and good web-cameras can enjoy video in HD-quality.
• On powerful computers video runs with the speed of 30 images per second. From the very beginning of the call you can enjoy video with the TV quality. The users, whose PC power does not enable high-quality video, will receive 15 images per second, but the speed will increase, depending on the connection. 
• New functions "Add a contact" and "Create a group" have been added into the new version. Now the communication with friends via calls or instant messages has become even more convenient!

Download the new Skype 5.1 for Windows right away. Besides, the Skype developers ask you to inform about all failures of the new program on forums or on special trackers, to fix all errors and "bugs" in time.

Videoconferencing has officially appeared in Skype!

Only someone lazy hasn't heard yet about videoconferencing in Skype, but it was only on January. 6 that this service has officially become a part of the application's functionality. You can enjoy Skype videoconferencing in the new application of the company, running under Windows.

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New Skype for iPhone: now with video-calls!

The new Skype for iPhone 3.0 supports now videocalls. While you are downloading the new application from the App Store, we will go in detail about its functions.

Skype enables making and receiving free videocalls via iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and works through Wi-Fi or 3G network. Considering the fact that at any time about 25 million people are online in Skype, you will easily get in touch with your friends, colleagues or relatives and share the bright moments wherever you are.

The new application lets you:

— make videocalls from a mobile device to another iPhone or PC with Skype installed
— make free audio calls to all Skype users
— call mobile and landline numbers worldwide at very pleasant prices
— exchange text messages in chat mode
— show online statuses and avatars of users from your contact-list

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Another update for the version 5 of Skype for Windows is released

On December, 14 the Skype company announced the release of the updated Skype 5.0 for Windows. In the new version several significant mistakes have been corrected, that had been noticed in the former releases of the program. The Skype company thanks its users for  telling quickly about all found "bugs" that made it possible to see the problematic spots of the new program version.

In the original version of Skype 5.0 the web-cams FaceVision Touchcam N1 and Freetalk Everyman Webcam have functioned incorrectly in HD-mode. The developers of the Skype company have fixed this problem in the new program version, but for cameras to work properly the users should update their drivers on their own. Thus, for Freetalk please follow  this link, and for FaceVision — this link.

The Skype company recommends all its users to download the updated version of the program and enjoy its perfect functioning. By the way, in the new version some other problems and mistakes have been fixed, so now it is more comfortable and easy to work with Skype. You can download the updated program under under this link.

Skype for Symbian: support for new Smartphone models and improved sound quality

On December. 8,  2010  the Skype company has released a new update for its software product for Symbian that now supports all Smartphones, including Nokia N8, C7 and E5.

Also the new Skype version includes SILK — the high-quality audio-codec that will help you have cristal-clear sound, even while working through a network with low bandwidth.

Skype enables you to:

— make free calls and send instant messages from one Skype user to another  via 3G or Wi-Fi (communication through Wi-Fi is absolutely free of charge; but if you use mobile Internet for connection, your mobile provider will take charges for traffic, thus we recommend you to obtain unlimited Internet tariff for your mobile),
— save money on calls and messages to foreign numbers, and
— share pictures, videos and other files directly from your mobile phone.

Also, in the updated version there are several changes in the program design which makes it easier to use. Now it is much more simple to add contacts, move over the application, add pictures to the profile or set status messages. Ans also, the up-to-date appearance is better suitable for bigger screens.

To download the new version go to skype.com/m from your mobile phone.

Follow this link to find the full list of devices supported by the new Skype version.

The new beta-version of Skype 5 for Mac is available for downloading!

It's not in vain that we have been waiting - the new version of Skype 5.0 for Mac is available now already, though still beta. In the new version the renewed design is presented that has made it possible to simplify the program navigation and made it more alike to other applications for Mac. For instance, now the entire Skype application is situated in one window for a more convenient use, and the address book is densely integrated with the program, so you can call, write a SMS or send instant messages to all the contacts you know, no matter, if they are online or not. 

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