Initial Impressions: Skype for Windows 2.6 Beta

[Jeff]

Skype quietly released a new beta version for Windows users that includes direct access to live Skypecasts, an optional ability to dial phone numbers on websites and the ability to include clickable URLs in your mood message.

I downloaded the 12MB beta and like what I see so far. The most obvious change is the addition of a new "Live" tab. This tab shows current and upcoming Skypecasts -- user-created, moderated group voice conferences on a wide range of topics.

The clickable URLs in the mood message are a nice touch, although not really worthy of a new release. And the ability to click a phone number on any website to call works within Internet Explorer, adding an new icon that let's you turn this feature on or off.

I tested in on the BigBlueBall privacy statement, where our phone is listed, and when it's on, it converts a regular phone number into a special link that launches a Skype-Out call. Obviously, you'll need to purchase Skype-Out credits for this to work.

Keep in mind that this is a beta version. If you're not comfortable installing and running software that could potentially contain bugs, stick with the latest official release.





Next up, I'll be testing the new Pamela 3.0 recorder for Skype 2.6.

Links: Download Skype for Windows 2.6 beta