Skype 3.0 for Windows now officially launched
By
Jaanus on December 13, 2006 in Skype Beta and new releases.
Skype 3.0 for Windows is now the [official version](http://about.skype.com/2006/12/skype_goes_the_extra_mile_to_c.html) and out of beta. Thanks to all the testers who helped us with feedback and bug reports. [Download here.](http://www.skype.com/go/download)
One cool bit of info that we've found out from our user research that's good to mention in connection with this release is that over half the people using Skype use it to meet someone new. This is very much in line with what we've always thought and what we're trying to bring more and more into the very product itself -- that you use Skype not only to talk with those you know, but might also use it for find new friends.
For a quick overview of what are the most important improvements in Skype 3.0 for Windows, [see this post about the beta](http://share.skype.com/sites/en/2006/11/introducing_skype_30_beta_for.html). Here are some things that have changed or added since. [See what it looks like](http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaanus/sets/72157594418317222/) if you're not on Windows or are considering an upgrade but want to see the actual interface to decide.
### Public chat directories
For now, we don't have a directory of public chats in Skype. You can only join a public chat if you know its exact link or address or someone invites you there. It's great to see that there is a big community interest in public chat directories, so much so that some Skypers have set up some of theirs on their own. See [here](http://softact.org/searchskype/) and [here](http://surfskype.50webs.com/index2.html).
### Quality
A theme that is present in whatever we do is quality. So we're happy to report that the final release contains many quality improvements than the initial version as a direct result of community participation and feedback. Thanks, guys 
one specific example is video that was really bad in some of the beta versions, but with the help of you guys, we worked it out and it's good now.
### Emoticons
So here's one of my personal favourite differences in the beta and gold. For the first time in ... umm.. I think at least a year or more, SKYPE NOW HAS NEW ADDITIONAL EMOTICONS. Yep. Great success. You can see the public ones in the emoticons dropdown, plus there are some hidden ones too. I won't list the hidden ones here, because that would ruin all the fun of searching for them. So look for the hidden ones and tell others too if you find them 
### My Picture for Skype 3.0
Help us celebrate the launch of Skype 3.0 by using this My Picture in Skype. Just right-click on it, select "Save Picture as...", save it to your computer and then set as My Picture in Skype.
### Help us improve
Skype for Windows keeps developing. For info on how you can report bugs and give us other feedback on Skype, [see this page](https://developer.skype.com/WindowsSkype).
Comments
The download link on the website is to old version - Skype 2.5.0.154 version.
web-project.co.uk | Wednesday, Dec 13
Some emoticons crazy (partyinpool), some indeed useful (bugs)... toomuchinfo
But sadly the (new) hidden ones do not show here up (at least in preview). Will they later?
ps_at_tm | Thursday, Dec 14
i am not able to find out the technicl deatials of the call when i put my mouse on the call
this problem come when i install skype 3.0
sudhir_npf | Thursday, Dec 14
Wow, this went fast. Is it just me or was the beta testing period much shorter? I hope it's stable enough.
koenvanlindt | Thursday, Dec 14
Stay away from Skype3.0, just d/l it and it nearly crashed my machine... And way slow... Classical mistake, Skype have finally gone over the magic limit from simple & useful to gadget overflow with complexity, how sad.
Now I have to find the old version to reinstall...
niclas888 | Thursday, Dec 14
When I had my Skype client check for an upgrade(Help | Check for upgrade) it said I had the latest version. I don't have 3.anything installed. Strange. Based on niclas888's comment I am inclined not to upgrade yet.
mkztg1 | Thursday, Dec 14
I have uninstall skype 3.0 because it make the CPU to be between 2% and 4% all the time (Online or Offline).
With previous version re-installed, I do not have this issue any more.
patarchy | Friday, Dec 15
Hi
I installed Skype 3.0 and it's cool! For the future, I suggest you to add a feature for saving chats with more than two people, so I can view it in a chat history. Also, can you please finally add a feature for sending or sharing folders, and adding an option for adjusting microphone volume so it can be always at 100% without modifying Shared.XML file?
Thanks for working on Skype!
hrvojekatic | Saturday, Dec 16
When are we going to get better version of skype for linux? I want to be able to use webcam in linux!
mishranurag | Sunday, Dec 17
If I search a name, the skype application send me an error message. So that's why I need to uninstall the 3 official version and put it back the beta.
I would like to ask, will it be run normally?
n_katika | Wednesday, Dec 20
Hey Jaanus, since you mention that many are using Skype to meet new people I thought I would mention that the 100% free verbdate.com has recently added video to the mix! Users can now link their youtube accounts to their verbdate profile. We expect that people will begin to upload greeting videos of themselves and people are already linking their favorite music videos to their profiles: www.verbdate.com/about/becky
Just another reason people in Australia are using Skype and verbdate.com to talk to people in New York! Skype and verbdate go so well together
Congrats on Skype 3.0 and cheers from Vancity...J
ranzuu | Sunday, Dec 24
I like skype, I use it some years. Now I had updated to new version and all my users gone...
Where I can find them? What I must to do to get my users????? Help me... my mail: vgarkul@gmail.com or skype: malish302
malish302 | Monday, Jan 22
I have been a happy Skype user for 2 years but I just upgraded to Skype 3.0 and it SUCKS. It crashes my computer ever time. This is absolutely the worst piece of software I've ever encountered. How can Skype replace a perfectly good product with something which simply does not work? Does anybody know how I can get the old version back?
r_bibow | Thursday, Feb 8