Skype 2.0 Beta Adds Video

[Jeff]

Skype has released a beta version of Skype 2.0 for Windows that includes video conferencing capabilities and other refinements.

Here is an overview of what's new:

"Skype Video. Skype Video is fully integrated into Skype calling, and can be adjusted to provide full-screen video with just one click."

"Self-expression. Broadcast your mood along with your online presence. Let your contacts know whether you’re happy, sad, listening to your favorite music, available to talk or do not want to be disturbed."

"See your contacts’ time zones. Before you wake up your friends, family or colleagues take a quick glance to see what time it is in their location."

"Group your contacts. Organize your contacts by grouping your friends, co-workers or family members. Start conference calls, chats or file sharing with the whole group with just one click."

"Real-time contact search. Look up contacts in real-time by typing a name into the dialing field"

The addition of video conferencing doesn't bode well for video-chat add-on Festoon, which fortunately expanded their support to include Google Talk in addition to Skype.

I've downloaded the new beta and will post my thoughts in the coming days.

Via Skype Journal
Download Skype 2.0 Beta for Windows