Skype for Mac has just updated to version 5.3. New in this release is compatibility with Mac OS X Lion, and the ability to send and receive HD quality video chats. The newest update also includes a few interface improvements and bug fixes, though HD video chat is definitely the coolest part of this update.
After rumors of Facebook and Google bidding to acquire Skype, Microsoft emerged as the eventual victor with $8.5 billion cash. The new entity will be called Microsoft Skype. From the press release, it is noted that Microsoft ‘will continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.
Talking about Skype for Mac, if you have it running on your Mac please update to the latest release from Skype’s menu Skype->Check for Updates, to fix a security vulnerability.
Skype will support Microsoft devices like Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone and a wide array of Windows devices, and Microsoft will connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities. Microsoft will continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.
Skype 5 for Mac is now gold, existing the beta label when it was launched in November 2010. There are a number of tweaks based on user feedbacks, but the most significant changes is group video calling. Group video calling was free during beta, and is now priced at $4.99 per day or $8.99 per month.
Skype finally brings video chat to its iOS app. The just released version 3 of Skype brings free video calling to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, making it the direct competitor to Apple’s FaceTime. FaceTime requires both calling parties using iPhone 4, Skype video call can works even with iPhone 3GS.
Skype video calling is supported over WiFi and 3G* data connections. You can enjoy video calls with users on all Skype desktop versions and with other Skype for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad users.
You can make video calls in both portrait and landscape mode and use both front and back cameras.
Users on iPhone 4, 3GS and iPod Touch (4th Generation) can enjoy full 2-way video calling. Users with iPod Touch (3rd Generation) and iPads can receive video.
Video calling with Skype requires iOS 4.0 or above to be installed on your device. Skype 3.0 for iPhone will also work on iOs 3.x, but without video support.
Skype app on iPhone get a 2.0 version release. Finally you can make Skype call via 3G with this upgrade. But the catches are:
You can only make Skype-to-Skype call via 3G. No Skype to landline or other mobile number call.
Skype-to-Skype calls via 3G is free “until at least end of August 2010, after which there will be a small monthly fee”. This is fee payable to Skype, on top of your carrier 3G plan charges.
Skype thanks, but no thanks.
Skype has released a minor update to Skype 2.8 for Mac OS X that include fixes for Snow Leopard. You can update Skype from within the app itself, or visit the Skype Mac website for the 44MB download.
Skype has released the first update to Skype for iPhone since its debut on the App Store on March 31.
New in this release:
send low cost SMS messages using Skype credit
ability to access Skype voicemail from your iPhone
improved dialing help when making call
additional localization languages: Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Swedish and Traditional Chinese.
