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Skype For Linux Adds 'Experimental' Video Calls, Disables Some Alpha Versions (skype.com)
An anonymous Slashdot reader writes:
This morning Skype released version 1.10 of Skype for Linux which includes an "experimental version" of video calls. "We are not quite there. The 1-on-1 video calls work only between Skype for Linux Alpha clients for now," warns an announcement on the Skype forum. "Despite the early phase, we'd like to ask you, the Linux community, to help us with testing. Please let us know how the video works for you."
They're also disabling some older versions of the Skype for Linux Alpha (versions 1.1 through 1.6), saying "Those users will be asked to update to [the] latest version." But after a 20-month lull between releases for the old app, it's refreshing to see a much faster pace for development for this new WebRTC version. It's been less than a month since the release of version 1.8, and two weeks since version 1.9 came out, offering support for system HTTPS proxy.
They're also disabling some older versions of the Skype for Linux Alpha (versions 1.1 through 1.6), saying "Those users will be asked to update to [the] latest version." But after a 20-month lull between releases for the old app, it's refreshing to see a much faster pace for development for this new WebRTC version. It's been less than a month since the release of version 1.8, and two weeks since version 1.9 came out, offering support for system HTTPS proxy.
meet.jitsi.org Google Hangouts Many SIP clients
I'll never understand why someone thinks other people want to see them on a phone call (or for that matter, for the caller to want other people to see *them*).
Its a bit late seeing as Skype is falling out of use due to being total crap in everything it does.
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I had a couple of video calls to do, so I just punted Skype and used google+ hangouts instead. It just worked.
I don't have the time to waste in my business while Microsoft tries to figure out how to release working software.
If you have modern browsers at both sides of the connection (supporting webrtc: http://caniuse.com/#feat=rtcpe...), there are many online sites that require no account setup or anything else, and where a connection can be done by clicking a link. No plugins required.
It needs a separate channel e.g. chat to set it up (where you can send your communication partner the link, or ask them to talk via the webrtc), but it works.
https://talky.io/
https://appear.in/
https://meet.jit.si/
https://apprtc.appspot.com/
On normal phones calls I don't. But when your parents want to see and talk with your 2-year old then, yes, it is invaluable.
Non-Linux Penguins ?
It's okay to drop Alpha versions altogether - that CPU - great as it was - has been dead for I think a decade now.
Yes, it's called WebRTC and is a cross-platform standard. The article itself refers to Skype for Linux being a WebRTC version. There are plenty of WebRTC browser and desktop clients and free services available. Skype has 2 advantages over most other internet telephony services: #1 - A lot of people use Skype so the chances that people you know are on it are higher, #2 - You can make (cheap) calls to regular land-line and mobile telephone services.
The biggest issue with any internet communications service is compatibility: In practical terms, none of the services I've seen are compatible with each other. They're all walled gardens. This is why regular phones are still king; despite the much higher cost, everyone uses them because they can call everyone else on the same service, no matter which service provider they're with.
so we don't have to put up with this crap anymore
So, is there any dummy-friendly video call software for Linux out there that supports conferencing with multiple users?
Google Hangouts. Works great. I use it for all of my meetings -- usually 2-3 hours per day (I work for Google). Works on Linux, OS X, Windows, ChromeOS, Android and iOS, supports up to tens of users in one call (limit is 50, IIRC). There are dedicated systems available for it as well, based on Chromeboxes. It allows any user to cast their screen/window for presentations or whatnot.
If you use Google Calendar, Hangouts is integrated with your calendar; there's a URL you can go to that shows your calendar entries for the day and clicking on one of them automatically enters that video call. Companies that use the system can integrate it with meeting room management, so each room has its own calendar and people can schedule rooms when they create/edit calendar entries, and rooms can likewise be connected to a meeting with one tap/click.
It's quite a nice system. The best I've used, and I've used several of them. Yes, I work for Google so I'm not unbiased, but this is my honest opinion.
Obviously it does require all users to have a Google account (gmail or GSuite), and you get the very best results with a set of GSuite accounts all in the same domain (e.g. the same company) where everyone uses the calendar, meeting rooms are in the system, etc. But for ad-hoc use with a bunch of gmail accounts the basic video conferencing works fine, and it's free.
Note to ACs: I usually delete AC replies without reading them. If you want to talk to me, log in.
Mainly it's C-level people wanting to spend $10,000 per end on LifeSize teleconferencing units. Most other people are happy to voice chat while in their underwear (or not) and have the other parties completely unaware of this.
I think the ID number is some sort of public key, so you can't impersonate other people.
Every time I need Skype for Linux, I attempt to install, reinstall, crowbar and there's always an issue with some file that's not the right version that's linked to other major files and won't update without breaking. NEVER have I gotten it on my system. I've always had to install it in Virtualized Windoze
Seconded. I actually switched to Hangouts permanently after my move to Linux.
Skype had it's merits, but definitely had it's share of issues on Windows and it is a waste of RAM on linux.
Have you ever fallen asleep at the keybhanusdiog?
I've used Skype on linux the past.. like.. 6 years?
It's had video support all along, and worked perfectly all along. Even before MS got it, there was video support.. What'd I miss?
Newsflash! Skype for Linux is up to version 4.3 and has had video calls for years now.
"The NSA plug-ins are still acting up."
Time to bring my GCC to work :D