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Microsoft Finally Releases A Beta Version of Skype For Linux (betanews.com)

Posted by EditorDavid on from the phoning-it-in dept.

"We want to create a Linux version of Skype that is as feature rich as the existing Skype on desktop and mobile platforms," read Thursday's announcement from Microsoft's Skype team. "Today, we're pleased to announce that we are ready to take the next step and promote Skype for Linux from Alpha to Beta." They're promising more than just better performance and bug fixes. "We have been listening to you and added in some of your top requests." Slashdot reader BrianFagioli shares the list:
  • One-to-one video calls can be made from Linux to Skype users on the latest versions of Skype for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac.
  • Calls to mobiles and landlines with Skype credit.
  • Linux users can now view shared screens from other Skype desktop clients (Windows 7.33 and above, Mac 7.46 and above).
  • Unity launcher now shows the number of unread conversations.
  • Online contacts in contact list now include Away and Do Not Disturb statuses.

4 of 66 comments (clear)

  1. no group chat? by gmack · · Score: 3, Insightful

    No group chat for Linux? This is actually a step backwards.

  2. No text search by kav2k · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Even though text messaging isn't the main feature of Skype, still not having any ability to search for text in conversation is crippling.

  3. Skype is a surveillance tool - Don't use it by Nocturrne · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Why are people still using this? It's been known to be compromised by the US and Chinese governments for a long time. China even has their own "special" version ffs. https://www.amnesty.org.au/act... http://www.nartv.org/mirror/br... Maybe they realized some people they disagree with are using Linux, so they needed to make a Linux version to gather that additional intel.

  4. Seriously, who uses Skype these days? by yelvington · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Skype was a big deal back in the day. I can remember holding my laptop up to a window in Paris to steal an unsecured wifi signal and phone home. Wowza! But that was ten years ago. I have dozens of VoIP and video conferencing choices. The world has moved on and Microsoft is the backwater, not the mainstream.

    I spent a week in Ukraine a few months ago and wound up on a three-hour conference call with work back in the US, using Google Voice. (Whether that's progress or not is open to debate.) But I was not concerned about losing the 10-euro credit on my Skype account when I got an expiration notice from the Borg.

    Like the VHS tapes I just hauled off to Goodwill ... I just don't need it any more.