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

"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.

Comments

Circumventing

[DrYak]

2 key things :

- Skype has also a web interface. You can either run into your firefox browser (thus no local daemons). Or use Eion Robb's excellent "skypeweb" plugin for Pidgin / libPurple.
(And last time I've read about it, this official new Linux client is basically the web app in its own self-contained app)

- OTR is a message encryption that works over any protocol. It's completely agnostic to the messaging system underneath.
If you want to avoid your privacy exploded, you could try to use it (but if both of your use non standard client able to run OTR atop of it, you might better switch to another network).