We are very please to announce the availability of the beta release of Skype for Windows (1.4). We have tried to focus this release on making it easier for users to use Skype on the go, find and add contacts and help get new users started more easily. However there are a number of very exciting new features for developers designed to open up new world of development opportunities.

These features include:

• Free Call Forwarding
  Users can now set their Skype client to forward to 1 or multiple PSTN numbers simultaneously, or even to other Skype names. In addition we support complex conditional Call forwarding rules via the API. For example you can now set calls to forward to your mobile for the first 10 secs and then to your home number for the next 10 seconds and then to any of your colleagues in the office for the remainder of the call.. Skype Call centers anyone?
• Expressive Content
  Users may now choose from a wide selection of free and for pay sounds, ringtones and images to personalize their Skype experience! The new release also includes updated API support to get and set all the different ring tones used by Skype. But no more Crazy Frog, please!
• Improved Search
  Improved Search and Add a Contact functions -- cleaner, more intuitive features and layout... and smarter results!
• Application to Application Messaging
  This version also includes a new set of API’s to make it easier for developers to use the Skype network to communicate between applications invisibly to the user. With this API developers can create applications, connect users to them and then send and receive datagrams between each other. Let the Games begin!
• Skype Window Control through the API
  The API now includes support for greater control over Skypes various windows and dialogs via the ‘OPEN ’ command. Example target windows here includude: Profile, Userinfo, Conference, Search, Options, Call History, Dailpad, Authorisation, Import Contacts etc.. . Let Skype do the work for you.
• Skype URI links
  With 1.4 beta users can also now control Skype directly via html links using our new ‘Skype:’ URI format. The Skype URI handler support the following actions : Initiate calls (eg skype:mat.taylor); Initiate chats (eg skype:mat.taylor?chat); leave voicemail (eg skype:mat.taylor?voicemail); add contacts (eg skype:mat.taylor?add); send files, (skype:mat.taylor?sendfile); show profile data (eg skype:mat.taylor?userinfo) and open multichats. (skype:?chat&id=) This effectively allows web developers to turn even the humblest of blogs into kick ass Skype powered communication centers