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Newest Skype For Linux Enables SMS Text Messages From The Desktop (betanews.com)

Posted by EditorDavid on from the delivered-from-desktops dept.

BrianFagioli writes: Microsoft has delivered an incredible feature to Linux-based desktop operating systems by way of the latest Alpha version of its Skype client... The newly-released Skype for Linux 1.13 allows users to send SMS test messages from the operating system! True, web-based solutions such as Google Voice have long allowed the sending of text messages, but needing to use a web browser can be a chore. There is convenience and elegance in using the Skype for Linux client.

16 of 177 comments (clear)

  1. Why, does it work properly now? by drinkypoo · · Score: 5, Informative

    There is convenience and elegance in using the Skype for Linux client.

    The Skype for Linux client has never been convenient or elegant. Have they made massive improvements of late?

    --
    "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    1. Re:Why, does it work properly now? by JoeMerchant · · Score: 4, Funny

      F'ing amazing - integrating 1996 internet communication tech into a Linux app in 2016... how long do you think it will take them to make their own OS shut down and start up reliably?

    2. Re:Why, does it work properly now? by fisted · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Pretty much my thoughts.

      but needing to use a web browser can be a chore.

      Oh, yeah. Because needing to use a closed-source proprietary skype client can totally not be a chore. It's literally one of the few things I consider even worse than web browsers.

      --
      CLI paste? paste.pr0.tips!
    3. Re: Why, does it work properly now? by dbIII · · Score: 2

      I downloaded SQL server for Linux

      That's like putting nerf rounds in a Desert Eagle and taking it to the range. Why use a toy on something built to run the top end stuff when the top end stuff is cheaper?

  2. With one hand he giveth; with the other he taketh by bain · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I would much rather the devs at skype/microsoft take the time to fix the features that used to work, which has since the new "alpha" been broken like video calling, which was one of the MAIN features of skype and on of the few applications that allowed cross platform video calling.

    This is much more desirable than sending messages via SMS.

    --
    Sanity is a majority vote.
  3. what the hell? by serviscope_minor · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I've got a paid up Skype account and I've been able to send text messages from the desktop client for years.

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    SJW n. One who posts facts.
  4. Phone Carriers Don't Want You to Know about THIS! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Why does this summary read like sophomore year marketing homework?

  5. But a bloated web browser is under the hood by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    The Skype client for Linux is built on Electron, so while you do not see a web browser, a slow and bloated browser engine is running under the hood.

    How any developer can be satisfied with using Electron is beyond me.

  6. Re:Elegant? by fisted · · Score: 2

    Well systemd does, and pulseaudio, and avahi, and dbus, and iproute2, and udev, and wayland, and rust, and gnome, and the new kernel versioning scheme (are we at 5.0 yet in the 2.6 series?)

    Seems like as a general rule, Linux users have poor taste in software.

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    CLI paste? paste.pr0.tips!
  7. And what if somebody sends a SMS *to* Linux ? by LordHighExecutioner · · Score: 3, Funny

    something like say:
    rm -fr /

    1. Re:And what if somebody sends a SMS *to* Linux ? by fisted · · Score: 2

      I'm sure it remakes the french language pack. Try it.

      --
      CLI paste? paste.pr0.tips!
  8. Re:Always good to remember with Microsoft / Skype by drinkypoo · · Score: 2

    On one hand you're right, and I wouldn't use Skype to discuss my secret plans to rule the world. It would make more sense to go through my backup CDs again and see if I can find my copy of pgpfone than to do that. (Probably it would make a lot more sense to do something else. Like IPSEC. But anyway.) On the other hand, this story is about SMS. One has to assume those are all logged anyway.

    --
    "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
  9. 10 years-old news by clausen · · Score: 2

    Skype for Linux has been able to send SMS messages for 10 years or so. What's new about this?

  10. Just use the browser for everything by Kludge · · Score: 2

    With webrtc now well supported in Firefox, Chromium, Chrome, Opera, I have completely ditched Skype, and I just send my relatives a simple web link to click on when I want to chat with them.
    I think it is more reliable than Skype too.

  11. Re:Elegant? by dbIII · · Score: 2

    why on earth complain about Wayland

    Maybe because it has systemd level hype with the same rabid attack by fanboys on alternatives but without the project maturity.
    I wish they would hold off the hype until the thing is ready to use and the "X sux" misinformation stuff was beyond childish.

  12. Re:With one hand he giveth; with the other he take by Plus1Entropy · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I'm actually trying to think of the use-case for SMS in Skype. As opposed to using the normal instant messaging feature I mean.

    You want to SMS someone that doesn't have their phone number linked to Skype, but not using your phone? Am I missing something?

    --
    Only crack the nuts that crack. You don't put the ones that don't crack in the sack.