You have got to be joking! Please tell me I am having a nightmare and that I will soon wake up...

I just installed Skype 4.0 beta and it started Full Screen!!! Wtf?!? Skype taking up my whole desktop? What on earth are you guys thinking, it seems that you are suffering from a huge superiority complex and you think that your users' world revolves around Skype.

Reality check: Skype is a (fantastic) communications tool and does a wonderful job in the background. It is my communications hub and I love the unparalleled sound and video quality. Skype is not supposed to take up my whole desktop, it should do it's work quietly in the background!

Hi Johan

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment – although if you feel strongly about the changes we’ve made please take a bit of time to give us your feedback in a structured way (the link is http://www.skype.com/go/betafeedback) – this will make it easier for us to understand everyone’s feelings overall and therefore to act on them.

Although the beta does start up in full screen, it is possible to resize the window, although not down to the size of Skype 3.8. This is because we’ve tried really hard to help people juggle lots of conversations all at once. It's now all in one window. Take a look at the Conversations button just above the Contact list. It's a list of all the conversations you've got going on. Just click between them to pick up a conversation right where you left off. You can also pop your conversations out into separate windows if you prefer having different windows for different conversations. Take a look at the top right corner next to (+ Add People) and that icon should help you out a bit.

We realise that some people will prefer to have a smaller contact list only window and we will be addressing this by the time 4.0 comes out of beta. We would, however, like you to encourage you to stick with the full window for a while so we can get feedback on this new style of working with Skype (we think most people will prefer it having got used to it – we certainly do).

Thanks again, and I assure you we will be making changes based on the feedback we receive.

I love the new offline messages/missed stuff options. Is this beta coming to Mac anytime soon or will this be a Windows only beta?

Just downloaded the new 4.0 Beta and have to say I love it! Not only is the interface very intuitive and user friendly, it's got the 'pretty' factor that people demand in their software nowadays. I've yet to make a test call but, from a visual perspective, I like it so far.

Thanks, Skype Dev Team, for making sure Skype stays on the forefront in internet based calling. Good job!

Anthony Papillion
OpenEMR HQ, Inc.
www.openemrhq.com

When will be available the Mac version of Skype 4 (beta)?

My first impressions of 4.0 are really positive. I don't see what the big deal about the window size is. After all, I usually have the video on full-screen mode anyway, and if I'm not on a call, the application is working in the background minimized. I actually like the new layout and extra space. Looking forward to a full release after the summer.

Great version! I'll wait for Mac version. Thank You for your job

Awesome !!! Thanks Skype, this is another big step forward. Especially getting rid of all those individual Windows is worth it as it bothered me the most in the past.

The new chat display is excellent. OK, you've got to get used to it but all the components are so clear now that it's so simple to follow long chats much more easily now.

Great Not much more I can say.

This could not be true. Skype for me is a communcation tool like my phone. I don't want to have a full-screen application for chats and videoconversations.
And the design you choosed is typical windows-UI: chaotic, complicate and ugly. Sorry. In the future I will not use Skype any more, if the Mac-Version looks like this beta. Till now I loved Skype for its easyness. A full screen application is not (!) easy to use.

I just checked this as well and I have to say I can't believe what I'm seeing. I always loved Skype for its richness of functionality without requiring so much desktop real estate but this new full size window look and layout is absolutely terrible bloat. I can't believe you managed to make IM/VOIP clients like WLM look slim and minimal! I'm really praying there's going to be a minimal/compact mode to somewhat mimic the look/layout of Skype 3, otherwise I don't see myself and my company upgrade to this. We have more important things to plaster our desktops with than this celestial contact list and chat windows with super thick frames and giant buttons.

I hope mac users can stay on version 2.7 if that will be the future of skype on the mac as well. Skype is nothing more than another instant messenger. If I want full screen video chat I can do that now with one click. More screen estate means less usability in that case. Having contacts and large images in a skype chat conversation is not useful at all.

PLEASE give me back the wonderful SMALL skype-window. I HATE apps which take up that much space. For me skype is a wonderfull communicationtool which sits in the background an does its job. NOONE need a fullscreen skype. We all have work to do and need the screenspace for other things.

Well, if you truly stick to the idea of a whole application I will only hae two choices: stiock with Skype 3 or deinstall it. Using a big application like the one you plan is out of the question. It's a pity, but I will survive using GoogleTalk. So, please think again.

I love to use Skype on my EeePC. It would not be tolerable to have this huge app on 800x480px.

Dude! You really f*cked it up!!
Why??

I loved the 3-prior versions per it simplicity, now it's pure bloatware!!
No, I can't believe..
Please roll back for the full release..

Bad, bad guys..

It would be great to have a smaller option for when you only want your contacts open.

Is there an option to list Outlook contacts as with 3.8? Only a few of my friends use Skype and most of the calls I make are to Outlook contacts, it was great just being able to select them from the list in Skype. If this is not going to be included then I may switch to another voip system as this will create more work when trying to make a call.

Thanks.

This is the first time I actually feel the need to provide feedback to Skype.

The majority of people I have talked to so far really, deeply despise the new Layout and I have to fully agree with them. I wonder what happened during the decision making process that resulted in this catastrophic makeover:

"Dude, multitasking is sooo 1990's ... let's make Skype really huge and clunky so our users will be forced to enjoy our great product exclusively without any distractions from other applications!"

"What an awesome idea, this way they simply have to use all our fantastic features, they won't have another choice."

I'm usually not someone who doesn't embrace UI-makeovers. I loved the new Ribbon interface introduced in Office 2007, I even found the Vista interface at least a step in the right direction ...

... but Skype 4.0 is simply messed up. It takes away all the comfort that we came to expect from instant communication software and adds ... nothing (well, oversized buttons to the Skype-Store).

I dare you: Put a poll somewhere on this website and ask the users what they think of the makeover, the result will be overwhelmingly negative.

If you decide to go ahead with this new design, at least give us options to minimize it to shrink it to just show the contact list and to always open new chats in a new window (basically: give us back the old behavior as an option!).

jens.grochtdreis makes a very good point, too. In the time where the public embraces UMPCs and products like the EeePC it is almost absurd to blow up Skype into proportions that make it completely unusable on those platforms.
Michael, you said that the new design was in the making for over two years, maybe you guys just didn't see this development coming. I hope it is not too late in the development to turn things around. Please, please reconsider this move.

Sorry, this is really ugly. I never used the Windows client and hope that your Mac guys don't go in the same direction.

I am used to have the compact contact list on the side of my important windows. I don't want Skype to get into my way until I need it or a call comes in.

When I do a video call I either have it at my preferred size anywhere on my screen to do something other beside or I switch to fullscreen. There shouldn't be any distracting elements around it.

An app like Skype should be really out of the way most of the time. For me it is a great communication tool, but I have to switch if this is Skype's future.

(Hoping for an Windows Apple iChat client.)

Dude I don`t even dare to install it! just look at this: Feature missing from 3.8:
Call quality feedback indicator
History
Call transfer
Speed dial
Send Money and so on

https://developer.skype.com/WindowsSkype/ReleaseNotes Is this only glitch for a moment becouse is beta or you don`t plan to turn back this option neither for final. If so I will never even try 4.0! What`s wrong with you?

The comments above are mostly negativ and I couldn't agree more. The beta version is like going back in time. Don't release it, keep the old one and continue to develop it, nothing else please.

Hi everyone – sorry I haven’t responded sooner – I’ve been in briefings all afternoon (I’m in the UK).

robcruzo and remytheriault - both the Mac & Linux teams at Skype are working closely with the Windows team and are monitoring feedback on this beta along with them. We’ll take what we learn and incorporate it future product releases, so if there are any features you like about for Skype 4.0 Beta 1 for Windows, please let us know and we will take it into consideration.

Realmacx, spinegrinder84, ericeggert, thegass, jens.grochtdreis, lardissone bentrop, d_frank and bestclothes - I can only re-iterate my comment to Johan - We realise that some people will prefer to have a smaller contact list only window and we will be addressing this by the time 4.0 comes out of beta. We would, however, like to encourage you to stick with the full window for a while so we can get feedback on this new style of working with Skype (we think most people will prefer it having got used to it - we certainly do). Or if you don’t like it the look of it, stick with 3.8 until the the final version of 4.0 is released - and I assure all of you that we are listening, although it would be great if you could leave feedback via http://www.skype.com/go/betafeedback - I assure you we will be making changes based on the feedback we receive.

mob_rich - as far as Outlook contacts go, you can import them now but not list them as with 3.8. If that feature is important to you, then stick with 3.8 until we release the final version of 4.0 when that feature will be available.

baki_princ - remember this is the first beta and we've still got a lot of work to do - this is not a final release version.

cajuntechie, acceinlondon, melania.amelia, jurgenhaas – thank you! You can rest assured that I’m now off to the pub to celebrate with the rest of the team

So people can juggle lots of calls at once? Do you really think that's how most people use Skype?

By the way: http://www.skype.com/go/betafeedback doesn't work.

Impatient people! This is a beta so let's all give criticisms but helpful ones. Skype is my sole long distance and is a good program.
I haven't used it enough for a complete opinion yet but can already see the interface needs tweaked and perhaps simplified. For one, put "shop" left of help in the top menu. Also give me a way to empty the center section...."call phones" or "directory" graphics will stay visible after clicking on one or the other. Is distracting. As far as the size, it is made for dual monitors (which I have) or design engineers with worn out eyes (which I am one). A mimimize button to take you down to the bare minimum, about the size of the previous versions, would stop the size complaints.

Hey d_frank - I've just tested the feedback link and it works for me.

@robingrant - I disabled the AdBlock plugin in Safari and now it works for me too.

Hey Mike,

thank you very much for your reply. Sadly, it worries me even more.

"We realise that some people will prefer to have a smaller contact list only window ..."

I still dare you: Do a poll! You will find that it isn't just "some people" it's the overwhelming majority.

"... and we will be addressing this by the time 4.0 comes out of beta."

Now this scares me a little bit. So the plan is to release a 4.0 FINAL build with a user interface makeover that is despised by the majority of testers? And this 'minor problem' might be addressed AFTER it comes out of beta? What#s the point of this early beta then?

"We would, however, like to encourage you to stick with the full window for a while so we can get feedback on this new style of working with Skype (we think most people will prefer it having got used to it - we certainly do)."

I'm sticking with it ... the current beta leaves me no choice anyways. But every time I use it, it just reminds me to vent in this blog. It's unpleasant and aggravating, not innovative or easier to use. I have two monitors, 1280x1024 each attached to this machine and Skype's new layout still leaves me with hardly any screen-space and causes me to unnecessarily switch between applications.
The new Layout might make it slightly easier for beginners that just want to chit-chat on Skype ... but it makes the user experience for everyone who actually does constructive work WHILE using Skype a living nightmare.

"although it would be great if you could leave you feedback via http://www.skype.com/go/betafeedback"

I personally prefer an at least bi-directional way of communication, like this blog or a forum thread. It's good to know that I'm not the only one feeling this strongly about the new Layout and that I'm actually in the majority with my opinion. And it's also nice to get replies to your feedback.

Well, well, some positive comments, quite a lot of negative comments.

I will NOT download it on my desktop or main laptop, because some features that are important for me (history, contact groups) are missing. I will however install it on my spare laptop.

Two comments: it is indeed a FIRST beta, and only people who love beta versions should use it. I do love to test, but only when i have time. And i use Skype every day for staying in touch with quite a lot of people.

Second comment, to Michael: you say "it would be great if you could leave you feedback via http://www.skype.com/go/betafeedback - I assure you we will be making changes based on the feedback we receive". OK, good, but you can't expect people to post twice, here and on other places. If you leave several communication channels open, Skype Staff should make the effort to analyse all these communications channels: Skype Forum, Skype Blog, Developer Zone, and now ... betafeedback. Why a new channel?????????

Here too, you are complicating things, too many communication channels for your Beta version.

Might be a good idea to break the product into two now. Create a core engine and separate user interfaces, or even better perhaps a modular architecture. The types of people using your product vary quite a bit.

You have gamers and people that just want the voice chat ability. You also have people that will probably like the new style with lots of control over what's going on.

There are already huge complaints on various reviews of the product that it is quite bloated. This latest direction is going to make things much worse for those people and you will certainly loose some of them to this.

I HATE the way the video window is "glued" to the main window. It's too bulky. I can't take the video window out from there, and I can't remove my own video.
I also want to reduce the size of the main window, takes too much space. Same with the video, somtimes I want to minimize it on the size, or sometimes larger.
Nice UI, but step back in terms of usability.

OK. Where's the Mac version?

Hello Mike,

I didn't download the beta. It's good to see that you are working hard on it, we have seen many many updates during the last year.

For the interface, you can do what you want, but please don't ever forger to let people choose their interface, do not force them to use one in particular. That is the main reason why I have quit Live messenger for Trillian. I don't want to quit Skype.

But I think you never planned to do that for the final version.

Thank you!

imho, a decent skype for Linux would be 1000 times better than a windows skype full of trinkets...

For the people who don't like the large window. You can break off any conversations into smaller windows if you want to have them next to your work windows and minimize the big window into the system tray.

I may be in the minority on this, but will 4.0 allow me to continue using my DLink DPH-50U? I use my home phone with this adapter most often. I'm sure D-Link would never update the drivers for 4.0, so I'm hoping either Skype will build in support for this or it will work with the current drivers and supporting software. For how long will 3.x continue to work after 4.0 is released? Without speed dials for this device, I can't test the beta.

I agree with the majority here. I will not use this beta if I have a full-screen app to contend with (I know, it's a first beta). I want to choose how to use my screen's real estate and will wait for a release that allows me to do so. Give us the smaller option before final release or you may have a mutiny! I want my video window movable and resizable so I can center it up top & beneath my camera while working with other applications, and I don't want to have to minimize or reduce the full screen window every time. I hope any small screen option doesn't force us to start up full screen, then click something with each startup. I prefer small windows that I can see on the side where I want, yet leave them open and sized to my liking.

I never do just one thing at a time on my computer, so if I can't have a video call with Skype and run another app in the foreground, it will no longer be useful. Can we do this with the beta, or is it planned to let us do this?

OK, I loaded it on my laptop. I don't know why people are saying this is a full screen application. It's not. The first time you run it you get a spash/welcome screen that is full screen, which you can disable, but that's it.

It IS horribly bloated, however. Takes too much of my space and I hate the pane on the right of the application, as well as the lack of a floating video window. Very bad and short-sighted design. I want to manage my calls in a smallish window, and I insist on separate video window option!

I like to see the changes. Every time skype update I'm looking for something new. Thank you for the changes.

This beta version is HORRIBLE.

I want to have 2 chat in 2 different parts of the window, so I can cut & paste from one to another without switching. I CAN'T DO IT.

I want to work with [Word|Excel|Solitaire] while having my LITTLE contact list on the side.

I don't want a full-screen app. I want a little app on the side of my screen, so I can Work while skype is active and not minimize.

I want to shrink the window size to the 3.8.X size. I don't want this USELESS RIGHT PANEL that is completely useless if I don't have an open chat.

Substantially: If you want to add new features like bandwith reduction or something like this, ok. But don't use this crappy new interface. It's horrible.
Substaintially #2: Don't make the "upgrade" compulsory when 4.x goes out of beta, otherwise I think a lot of customers will stop using skype and start using something more "small" on their screen.

you should enable to switch to old style version at least. Everyone love simple style, and IMHO old version is still very large on screen. Make something like a pager. I have ICQ panel visible all day (europe), so you sould push me to change it and use skype insted ICQ, now you are making exactly inverse thing - large screen app which will stay in tray whole day....

do more skins, do more styles, but not this...

Wow there are a lot of comments on here. The link skype provided above for feedback should read: http://www.skype.com/go/betafeedback

I always download the latest betas... however this one I'm going to miss. I think that the general feedback is that people don't want a full screen app. Skype is important, but the present GUI is so intelligent that it really doesn't require all this WHITE SPACE that appears to adorn the new version.

If you really want to have full screen then give the option for themes... I certainly want to stick to the old one.

Thanks, a faithful skype user.

A step too far.

I'll stay with 3.8 until they realsie that a full screen presentation is not what is called for.

I definitely agree with "colinman" - I'll go back to 3.8 again until this "waste-my-desktop-space" thing gets resolved.

I'm actually kinda shocked with what I saw... Not a step back, it's a leap back for Skype... Maybe this new interface is convenient for people who use Skype JUST for video or voice calls from time to time (families, rare groups of business users) but what I think you are missing is that the huge number of people using Skype nowdays are predominantly text chatting, not video or voice calling. I've always saw Skype as a chat client first and video and voice calls are just a nice addition which I use once a week or so. And the same goes for 99% of the people in my contact list.

I guess it makes sense to develop the next version of Skype to better serve the 5% of users who actually use the video and voice call features predominantly (and pay for it), but don't just dust off the other 95%...

That's not the direction I personally would like to see Skype heading to.

Work on the existing interface or give the people option to choose which one suits them more. Kinda like the new full-screen version of Winamp (which is horrible too).

Hi Mike

Just downloaded the new 4.0 BETA version. Certainly takes a bit of getting used to a full screen layout

I may suggest to have the contacts etc show on the right side and the rest of the larger portion show on the left? I always put my 3 versions on the far right of the screen to take up less than one quarter of my computer, as for me and my Skype Biz friends etc., we like voice and text messaging over Skype while being able to see and use most of our PC screens.

Very few people I chat to on Skype use Web Cams, although I have a HD Logitech 9000 pro model I personally do not use it much either. Maybe the full screen idea in this 4.0 version is a welcome for Web Cam Skype users, but an option to reduce the size back down to the 3 version idea would be better if we could have a choice.

Obviously, there are many new features in the 4.0 version not immediately noticeable to my eye, but I must spend some more time looking into it and hopefully see the final release soon.

Thanks Skype.

Regards,

Steve (New Zealand)
.

I forgot to mention.....

I also need Speed Dial for my Gateway access to my PC Skype.

Steve.

This isn't very comfortable to use on the ASUS EEEPC at all. The welcome screen is half cut off on the 800x480 display. Everything is cramped together.

I hate to see how small powerfull Skype transforms to the same ugly monster like MSN. Please leave it flexible and configurable as much as you can.

Ok, I gave the new UI a serious chance. I tried to get used to it, I tried to see some benefits to it ... but there are virtually none for me.
There is absolutely no redeeming quality to this makeover that would even remotely let me forget all the problems with it.
I'm going back to 3.8 and I will keep a watchful eye on the 4.0 development and an even more watchful eye on alternatives to Skype. At least the chances that Google would f*ck up their Google Talk interface like this are slim to none.

Well definately the new skype has its benefits. But as a whole i am not sure whether its better than the previous 3.8 version. I would rather say that the old interface type is more usefull and easy. Actually what i am wondering about is why you guys have decided to change the formula that made skype the most popular chat program out there. So as a conclusion go keep up good work but leave the user to determin which type of "skin" he would like to use.

Just count me in regarding NOT liking the full screen application, simple as that.

You guys could make it optional for people who want to have skype in fullscreen.

In the video call, I like just to have the two screens (me and the person with who I am video chating) and nothing else. So, I can work and have control on the two screens what we are doing/seeing, but at the same time does not have a problem to do my work on the monitor.

It would be nice to do it in this way? And maybe add transparency to the screens?

You keep saying that you've all been listening to the users very carefully. If that would have been the case than you would have provided a way to get rid of all the additional features. This way the size could have been reduced, instead of enlarged to fit even more into it, because most people don't need all the features. They use it just for what Skype does best: one-on-one video calls.

Extras don't work anymore after installing last beta 4...

Why not just give users an option to use the old smaller interface or the new bigger interface???

That way everyone can be happy

As for me Small or Big I like them both.

It just takes a little time to adjust to the bigger interface.

I like the new interface - I use Skype predominantly for calling family & friends and I think it makes the product much more accessible and easy to navigate.

Havent made a call yet but hopefully will make good use of the webcam.

When people use skype they are on their computers performing other tasks, having a new larger window interface will not help, it will get in the way of being productive.
I applaud the desire to use more video, personally I wish you could pop off the video screen(s) of callers re-sizable with zero borders, maybe a right click menu to align to right/left/top/bottom for those who think users will require organization. Of course have your own video image and label the names of the callers.
The drop and share zone is a great idea, which could be in a separate window or part of the conversation dialog window.
I noticed you introduced ongoing conversations, this is a very good idea, may I suggest a countdown timer which collapses the conversation after awhile, maybe the last message would be visible for awhile and d:hh:mm since last post in the header.
I'm a little confused with the multiple people call, it's a little strange having 3 or more friends showing up at my front door so it would be a little strange having 3 or more friends ring me up on skype and the all say hello at once, I think you should make it possible for people go out say hello to someone ask if they can join the conversation then bring them in.
I know you are probably tired of hearing this but making the process of sharing a view of a desktop simple would be great, or maybe just a simple one time snapshot picture of the desktop to the callers would be a great help. We are probably discussing what we are doing on our computers anyway.
Lastly, my employer, Siemens, forbids the use of Skype on corporate PC's you really should re-double your efforts to satisfy enterprise security concerns.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, don't do that. It is just a horrible idea you have there. I have open several windows of multiple applications while I am communicating with my friends, colleagues and clients. Skype chat windows have to sit neatly next to other IM windows and Words and Excel and zillion other application I have to use simultaneously. This whole idea of having a big rigid window just ruins the whole usability of Skype as a communicating tool. It is like a huge, monstrous telephone that takes the entire space on the desk. I understand that it would be a cool tool for a 14 year old girl who wants to show her new Barbie to her friends. But above that age it just ruins the whole concept of multitasking and productivity.

1. Skype 4.0 does restart from "%appdata%\skype" when I press the skype button. (I'm used to run skype with the parameters "/removable /datapath" in my USB flash disk. The old version works perfect.
2. The icon of offline and invisible looked like a same one. I can't know the online mode from the icon.(Does it offline or invisible?)

1. Skype 4.0 does restart from "%appdata%\skype" when I press the skype button. (I'm used to run skype with the parameters "/removable /datapath" in my USB flash disk). The old version works perfect.
2. The icon of offline and invisible looked like a same one. I can't know the online mode from the icon.(Does it offline or invisible?)

Please remove the signing in splash screen!!!

Sorry, do you send aditional monitor to everyone using skype 4, because it seems like i will need one more JUST for skype ?

I am using the 4.0 Beta 1 since some days. After showing this new version to some colleagues and some more discussions, we came to the following results remarks to the new version.

Please give us users a setting for activating "old behavior" of Skype.
I mean:
1. I really don't like exchanging instant messages in a huge window. Whenever I open a chat, I am undocking it into a separate window. I would like Skype to configure that new chats are undocked by default (like it has been in Skype 3.x)
2. Links on personal messages are no more clickable.
Many of my contacts put links in their personal messages (which are displayed right of the nickname). In Skype 3.x these links where clickable. Now they aren't anymore. This is annoying.
3. Give us a compact contact list!
Every messenger software I know, like MSN, ICQ, Miranda and so on offers users a small contact list, which is mainly functional. Already in Skype 3.x the main window used too much space, in Skype 4.0 Beta 1 the window uses many space more! Opening Skype for determing who else is online results now in a loss of avaible monitor space of other software.
Please enable us to deacitve the right empty space, when no contact is selected and also please enable us to hide the buttons under the contact list.

But there is also something good: When doing video conferences, the new window design is pretty good and very usable. For this case I must say: Good job and thank you.

I hope my suggestions are beared in you mind

I think its ok you keep going with innovation but first of all you should not to discount when Skypeout service does not work correctly or at least you should back the discounted money erroneously.
And also have a good costumer service.

I think its ok you keep going with innovation but first of all you should not to discount when Skypeout service does not work correctly or at least you should back the discounted money erroneously.
And also have a good costumer service.

Well, if your are going to use a program that uses so much real estate, at least you could integrate all the functionality of Acrobat Connect Now (screen sharing, 3 way video conversations, SAME VERSION FOR MAC & PC)... that is a truly usable piece of software!

I've been trying the 4beta for a couple of hours today. The user interface is really terrible. The previous version was simple and small, while this one is BIG, not easy to understand, less customizable, complicated to use.

Yes, the HD video festure is definitely a leap forward and audio quality is even better than before, but why can't you put these features into skype without messing the GUI up?

The new client is rather confusing. I want the bar to blink when someone types a response to me. And also can you enlarge our weemees to fit the bigger space now allotted to our photos? I like the new colors scheme though (green for active, orange for away)

I really don't like the new version. I cannot make it the size I want it to be, eg small, so that I can continue to work with it too the side. This Beta is far too big. I have also enjoyed SkypeMe mode which I can't now find. I have enjoyed having random conversations around the world. I have very few permanent contacts so this idea does not work for me. PLEASE

PLEASE RECONSIDER for now I have returned to the old version.

Hi everybody,I would like to second rodgerballard modular skype suggestion. Also, I would much appreciate a "light skype" version, one that will just do the basics, take just a little monitor space, memory and cpu? Such an optional version will be very considerate for the users.

The whole idea of improving the user's freedom, giving him more functions, better design and skype video quality is fine! But thinking of something big, and unfunctional like your Beta 4 is not so attractive. I think most of my friends are not going to switch to this NEW skype, being so different. Some people, I can say including me, may consider this Skype 4 is very difficult to use and also get used to, so switch to another internet video messenger. So skype is a light program which works on low-performance computers, have good functionality and design and my suggestion is only to improve these features the level you can, to add more options maybe, to give even more user's freedom, like letting him transform the interface or making a couple of skins for different tastes;) Reading the post you see lots of people don't like the big skreen... So good luck with your new Skype 4

Take a damn good IM client, upgrade it through 3 versions, then hire an idiot GUI designer to ruin everything and make it look like a prehistoric POS, and you get Skype 4.0 Beta.

As some people mentioned already, everybody and his dog is rolling out very small laptops.

It started with the ASUS eeePC and now MSI, Gigabyte, Dell, HP, Fuji and many non-names are preparing to flood the market with them.

This kind of "Netbook" didn't exist 2 years ago, when, as Mike Bartlett explains, the development of Skype 4 began.

But now, not only all people I know are buying these netbooks strictly as appliance to use a browser, Skype and Google Docs on, but this form factor has major industry backing from Intel through Ubuntu (Remix) through OLPC.

Listen Skype - "skyping" is what millions of people are buying these small and cheap(!!!) devices for. If they can't use Skype on them, they will have no choice but to use something else. That's a fact.

Sure, I understand, you probably have wider, yet unannounced plans that require this huge "dashboard" for desktop/full-size laptop. But then, you have no choice than to make 2 versions.

Look at how carefuly Google listens to people with eeePC and reflect on how the internet changed in those 2 years.
http://googledocs.blogspot.com/2008/06/google-docs-on-eee-pc.html

And...remember Vista! People won't ugrade, if you like what you've created but they don't. And unlike Microsoft, you don't have that much leverage to push them.

Yes, that may be the summary: "Remember Vista"...and keep this eeePC new-world in mind!

No history, not practical, not beautiful. Very large and confusing. I love you, skype guys, you deserve a lot, but this version is really below your capacities. Please, make us happy again!

No history, not practical, not beautiful. Very large and confusing. When someone sends an IM I can't see who was it, it doesnt pop anymore!!!

I love you, skype guys, you deserve a lot, but this version is really below your capacities. Please, make us happy again!

Posted twice, Im sorry. Im also back to the old version.

It's painfully obvious that Skype & Company have fallen victim to the same bug that struck AOL a couple years ago when it turned its Instant messaging program into bloatware. After that, everyone stopped using AOL's client software.

I freely admit that it *may* indeed be beneficial (to some users) to allow a full screeen video conferencing management interface. That said, I doubt many people talk to more than one person at a time so small still rules.

As Apple and Google continue to show, there is a benefit to a minimalist interface. We don't want to see your ads, other features, and pretty artwork. We want to see only those aspects of the application that we 100% need to see to accomplish what we need to do, at a specific time.

So if I'm in voice chatting, I should see an extremely small on-screen presence. If video chatting, I should, by default, have an extremely small on-screen presence, but feel free to offer a button to go into a "full screen" mode.

So Skype, don't blow it. I know your developers are subject to feature-creep... But it's time to hire someone to run your projects who knows less is more.

Version 4 introduces chat in the same window with video, as if, when having a video/audio call, one often wants to keep an eye on the keyboard. Oh, and it allows me easier control over multiple chats, as if in real life, one often talks with 10 people different things at the same time. Or as if Napoleon, with its famous distributed attention, will be the standard Skype user. Version 3.8 introduced bloat/advertisement for MySpace. Version 3 introduced unwanted browser extension, which one had to manually uninstall. Version 2.5 introduced SMS, though its price is too high for anyone to care about using it (never read a press release boasting about SMS). I think I'll just stick with v2.0, which still works. Do you know that the installer used to have 8 MB at the time? Two years and 30 MBs of bloat later, eBay found itself bringing money from home into what started so promising. If the captive phone numbers will ever become portable...

Did you keep the stupid login noise?

Skype 4.0 doesn't work with Skypecasts. Please, repair this...

For me, the absence of DTMF in Skypeout is a show stopper: I frequently access conference lines on other carriers (AT&T in particular), corporate voicemail, and vendor helplines with IVR.

I am impressed with how smooth the rollback to version 3.8 worked.

I look forward to trying version 4.1... as long as the release notes say you have enabled the DTMF features that work in version 3.8 now.

Worst skype ever. Why cant skype use smaller desktop space and if a call comes in allow automatic expansion ?

If you go down 4.0 sizing the following will happen for millions of people.

Real world options

1. Stop using skype from you and only use skype compatible prog.
2. stick with version 3.8
3. Use 3rd party skype skin

wake up !

Hi,

I've tried the new version. The UI is quite different.
I can't tell whether it is good or bad now.
I need more time to try.

But I've found something confusing in the new version.
I called some offices and auto machine answered.
I was required to dial the extension number but the number key doesn't work during the call.
No matter how hard I tried, the number I dialed can't reach the machine.
It doesn't happen in 3.8 version.
If I dial some numbers while calling in old version, I can hear the keyboard sound like real telephone and the machine will get the signal.

Can this be fixed?
Could anyone show me how to dial extension number in new version?

Thanks!

I downloaded it and it was CERTAINLY aweful!!

this is a step backward in time not an upgrade. Skype is a communication convienience program. Exactly like the convinient stores, must not take much space. I NEVER looked at skype becuase it is always working in my background. I am using skype for more than four years and using all it free and feed features. I totally beleive that the interface of 3.8 is the best ever. If you are going to add features, add them to 3.8 BUT NOT THE INTERFACE.

Skype is not an office program that it will take the whole space of my very busy desktop..

If you, skype, insist on upgrading to 4.0, please make another smaller version for us, the very busy people.

One more little note, many of the Skype users pay skype for services.. I would beleive that Skype must make a poll for the registred users those who are using their paid services and take a little more attention to thier opinion.

It is as if "we" elect the president because "we" pay the taxes. So, "we" are supposed to be asked for our opinions and to be taken because "we" pay "skype" "ALOT" of money for its paid services..

Is their anybody agreeing to what I am saying??

Now, unfortunately, I am going to uninstall the aweful 4.0 and reinstall the wonderful 3.8.

Sorry..

Thank you

Youssef

Oh. thanks God.. I went back to my lovely workable beautiful 3.8..

How about you guys?

I've tried version 4 and have gone back to 3.8 for now.
A major problem (probably my own) was that when in a video conversation with someone the IM window would be hidden, if i got any files i could not see the IM window to accept them, i looked around for a solution but found none. Another funny coincidence was that when i start my internet explorer a skype page would always load up first...i took this as typical American marketing gimmick...but maybe im wrong...

Al Gaivoto

I did not like the new "Presence" icon colours in the 4 BETA version.

The Presence colours of the Online, SkypeMe, Away, etc. and the Telephone Number symbol in the contact list was the one that caught my attention.

The Telephone Number icon in the contact list was better in the 3 version as a dark blue colour to distinctly highlight it differently from the Skype Contacts (non phone numbers).

Reading through many of the comments here in this blog, I agree about having a choice compact setting choice and have the 4 BETA version only able to expand if I choose to allow it to show me multiple chats and/or video chat/conferencing etc.

Very few to none of the Skype Users I chat to every day for the last four years use a Video Cam, although some have a cam as I do too. We seldom really use it and my business friends using Skype every day talkling to their clients do not want and do not really need the Web Cam for "ordinary" day to day voice chats. Only when they rarely need a Video Conference or Video Meeting would they use the web cam.

Yes, the version 4 BETA is not finished as mentioned. However, keeping the compact option available would be appreciated and useful to allow me and my Skype contacts to use the PC desktop while using Skype. Pushing the Video full screen idea could be forward thinking of communication in the near future, but we may not be quite ready or in need for that yet.

Full screen video on Skype may be great soon when more PC users have and use a Dual Monitor? Skype full screen on one monitor and my desktop on the other? I wonder if that would be the way to go? I do not know as I have never needed or used a dual PC monitor set up.

Steve (New Zealand)
.

People, this is not a full-page application. You can resize it to pretty much any size you want and the application remembers this when you restart it afterward. It can almost resize to the previous 3.8 size and Skype have already told you there will be the ability to size-down even more.

But it is true that even sized down, the design leaves much to be desired. There is too much empty space everywhere. The splash screen is pretty bad. The dial pad for Skype Out is difficult to find and the chat window was better in 3.8. The video functionality on the other hand is superb.

Lets see what beta 2 looks like.

I have now been using Skype 4 beta for some time to give it a chance. What a disaster it is. I use it mostly for chat, and mostly chat groups, private ones with a handful, and public with 100 members. It's no excuse that this is a beta, so give it time. Starting off so badly it's a huge step in backwards. I give it it minus -4 on a scale from 0 to 6 !!! Please throw it all aways and start the GUI design over again, evolving it from 3.8 !!!

I have now been using Skype 4 beta for some time to give it a chance. What a disaster it is. I use it mostly for chat, and mostly chat groups, private ones with a handful, and public with 100 members. It's no excuse that this is a beta, so give it time. Starting off so badly it's a huge step in backwards. I give it it minus -4 on a scale from 0 to 6 !!! Please throw it all aways and start the GUI design over again, evolving it from 3.8 !!!

I have now been using Skype 4 beta for some time to give it a chance. What a disaster it is. I use it mostly for chat, and mostly chat groups, private ones with a handful, and public with 100 members. It's no excuse that this is a beta, so give it time. Starting off so badly it's a huge step in backwards. I give it it minus -4 on a scale from 0 to 6 !!! Please throw it all aways and start the GUI design over again, evolving it from 3.8 !!!

I have now been using Skype 4 beta for some time to give it a chance. What a disaster it is. I use it mostly for chat, and mostly chat groups, private ones with a handful, and public with 100 members. It's no excuse that this is a beta, so give it time. Starting off so badly it's a huge step in backwards. I give it it minus -4 on a scale from 0 to 6 !!! Please throw it all aways and start the GUI design over again, evolving it from 3.8 !!!

I have now been using Skype 4 beta for some time to give it a chance. What a disaster it is. I use it mostly for chat, and mostly chat groups, private ones with a handful, and public with 100 members. It's no excuse that this is a beta, so give it time. Starting off so badly it's a huge step in backwards. I give it it minus -4 on a scale from 0 to 6 !!! Please throw it all aways and start the GUI design over again, evolving it from 3.8 !!!

I have now been using Skype 4 beta for some time to give it a chance. What a disaster it is. I use it mostly for chat, and mostly chat groups, private ones with a handful, and public with 100 members. It's no excuse that this is a beta, so give it time. Starting off so badly it's a huge step in backwards. I give it it minus -4 on a scale from 0 to 6 !!! Please throw it all aways and start the GUI design over again, evolving it from 3.8 !!!

skype out contacts to put separately under CALL PHONES TAB so that they won't be mixed with skype contacts, different icon colours for skype out contacts (let's say blue or orange), contact groups are missing, nicer font, in my opinion there is no need for my name to big that giant, conversation button to rename back to HISTORY button, and make it bigger, if you have missed chats or calls... it would remain flashing orange, or make some other more intuitive icon for missed events (i think that flag was good before), or each contact in history would be flashing as well (instead of taskbar), application window should be resizable and/or changeable flexibly (to be able to detach...), when making video call you can resize your own video as well but on my 22inch screen it is still small, when having contact on screen - all its details & mood message should be together so that when I click on contact I can see everything about him (remove those 3 tabs - location, telephone numbers, information)

skype out contacts to put separately under CALL PHONES TAB so that they won't be mixed with skype contacts, different icon colours for skype out contacts (let's say blue or orange), contact groups are missing, nicer font, in my opinion there is no need for my name to big that giant, conversation button to rename back to HISTORY button, and make it bigger, if you have missed chats or calls... it would remain flashing orange, or make some other more intuitive icon for missed events (i think that flag was good before), or each contact in history would be flashing as well (instead of taskbar), application window should be resizable and/or changeable flexibly (to be able to detach...), when making video call you can resize your own video as well but on my 22inch screen it is still small, when having contact on screen - all its details & mood message should be together so that when I click on contact I can see everything about him (remove those 3 tabs - location, telephone numbers, information)

I have to agree with the other comments: What an incredibly bad idea.

Skype 3 already gives me a headache because it uses so much space and there is no way to change this.

I have a lot of contacts and I'd like to have small windows so they don't take up my precious desktop space (and I am on a 1600x1200 resolution!) Look at Trillian Pro's user interface: elegant, simple, and most important: it uses very little extra space.

Why don't you guys finally give Skype a "skinning" feature or at least the option to change from a normal UI to a "small" and a "big" one? The "compact" design in Skype 3 is a joke. These super large dial and hang up buttons for example or the fact that the Skype and chat windows cannot be resized to a smaller size than about 500 x 500 pixels.

Different users have different needs. I understand that for beginners a large UI with big buttons is easier to understand but there are also people who have Skype on their working machines. Instead of bloating up the UI you should finally start thinking about usability for all kinds of users.

SCALE DOWN!

hi, exactly how long, does it take for Skype to be able to recognize my cancel request for my subscription? I just sent in my cancel request _over 6 days ago_ - and was told that

"Because the majority of requests require research to resolve, it can sometimes take us up to 48 hours to respond, though we make every effort to get back to you as quickly as possible and most queries are answered within 24 hours."

Well, it's waay past 6 days already - what are you guys doing? Is this how you make money? By refusing to honor "immedicate cancel and refund" requests, and penalizing your users for another month instead?

Where is the Event History? I need to see some files that I have sent to my friends. I can see that in the Chat History there is a log that says that I have sent a file but I need to search A file that I sent to two/three/four... friends and I need to search it by name. Where is that in Skype 4.0?

I saw the demo videos and thought those where additional views but they replaced them completely!

I use Skype daily for hours to communicate simultaneously with different (groups) of people. This is impossible to do with Skype 4! How can I have a minimalistic skype window open and be busy in my MAIN application window?

How do I know which group/person typed something to me? As this is very obvious in version 3.* because the task manager was blinking the window that had activity.

How can I see which persons are online all the time without occupying not more then 5% of my desktop?

I will uninstall it immediately because Skype MUST NOT be intrusive in my day to day activity.

Some tips:
* Make the Skype contact list and conversation windows even more smaller then they are.
* Make the contact list dockable on a side of the desktop.
* Make it dockable on the top/bottom in a tickertape like view where recent activities are left or right most.
* Make a bare video window that is
** always on top
** can be placed ANYWHERE
** can have any size
** can be transparent
** supports click through so buttons and stuff beneath the window can still be accessed OR slides a side when the mouse becomes near.

I want to be able to chat with typing and have big video window. not just this small S#!+.

Where the F@$& is the "Not available" state ?

What have you done people on Skype ?
and finaly.. I want the chat area to look like Skype and not like a cheap IRC s#!+.

AND Where is the "History" ??

Hi, missing access to the outlook numbers is bonkers as is the lack of activity history. What are you guys thinking? I am moving back to 3.8.

Well the general consensus reading most messages here is that Skype 4.0 have really failed to capture our imagination with a disproportionately large, crowded bloated interface.

Did you do any usability testing before releasing the beta? Considering how well structured version 3.0 this looks like an appalling effort. One of the key strengths of Skype has been the excellent interface that "blended in" with the desktop - the verison 4.0 interface dominates the desktop.

I have re-installed 3.8 and hope that you listen to your users and either give us the option to have a version 3 "skin" or look or even better abandon this ill thought effort and go back to the drawing board.

Skype 4.0 does not work with my Cordless Dual Phone. I came back to version 3.8.

TERRIBLE, MISERABLE OVERDESIGNED BLOATWARE. I installed and played for 2 hours. I couldnt event tell when people were chatting to me..no visible notification. No doubt that will be fixed but pleeeeeeeeeease. This STINKS of microsoft bloatware UI design, so 1990's. Small, clean, unobtrusive, fast is what users want. Less is more. Skype is already a phenom, dont mess it up by listening to bored engineers. NOT ONE POSITIVE COMMENT. TIME TO LISTEN.

This is good but why is Skype starts up in full screen mode? Can I change that somewhere... I was playing with it for couple hours... Thanks

Wow, what a blow!

I guess you won't take any of these comments seriously, so I will probably have to wait for a trillian plugin for skype just to have what I had before: a small contacts window and several other extra windows for my conversations. Now I have that huge window wasting my space and the totally unnecessary integrated conversation area. It takes an awful lot of clicks to navigate and is absolutely not what i wanted.

Is this some kind of joke? Will you be charging money if people want to go back to Skype Classic?

Are you serious?????

The most important question after installing Skype 4.0: How do I downgrade?

Okay, I downgraded. Question answered. No stupid "Your version is newer, you cannot downgrade."

The other question is: will I be able to continue with my version 3 and wait until version 5 is out or will there be some kind of "your version is too old, you have to upgrade immediately"?

Reminds me a bit of Winamp...

This looks good and I am very happy with the 'all in one' screen!
The sound and video quality is very good.
The connection between Hawaii and Europe still keeps cutting out once every 10 minutes. I am afraid that this is satellite related and hard to avoid but would be the best improvement if it could be an uninterrupted connection all the way through.
Then another point that seems instable is the switch from full video screen to maximum screen and eventually small (including chat session screen). This "right bottom switch" does not respond or correspond with the commands given.
Then an error message pops up when the connection is lost and I call the Hawaiian number again.

Thanks!

I have already sent a feedback.
But I want to add my opinion to these people and to tell that it's insanity to make skype this ugly. I do not use my computer all just for skype - it is a program I need to sit silently on the taskbar until somebody writes to me and a window pops up (or doesn't pop up, if i want so).
Please, upgrade skype's sound and video quality and do not touch the design or make some subtle changes. Skype's design had always been improving since the first release till now. And suddenly, all this v4.0 thing broke all the fun and wishes to update to a newer version.

As I stated on the Garage blog, until the screen real estate problem is sorted out, it's a non-starter. Please change it!

Will test what I can, though.

Regards

Some concerns:

- like almost everyone here I would prefer the contact list as a seperate window to chats, video, calls etc. As most of the time skype is open I am not in a call or chat it just wastes screen space.
- I miss the "blink" effect on recieving a response to a chat.
- The use of background colours on chats made them easier to read - please return these.
- I miss groups.
- I hardly ever use video chats. So I don't want to reserve screen space for them.

So I am downgrading for the moment, as I was happier with 3.8.

I've been searching for the option to "start Skype minimized" ever since I downloaded the 4.0 beta. Tell me I'm just blind and you really haven't left something as essential as that out.

As everyone else has mentioned, I just want something that sits out of sight and out of mind until somebody chats with me. I don't spend my life staring at Skype hoping someone will call.

And if you are targeting beginner users then that is a classic usability mistake. Beginner users don't stay beginners very long. All you will end up doing is annoying them.

Seriously, why is it so big even after downsizing the window?

As well, if you're looking to have it all in one window, then why are you making properties/profile/account etc.. open separately? Or do it all in one window or keep it to the 3.8 style. There are good ideas there but unfortunately it's now too frustrating to use.

Hi Mike,

There's a known issue of "Voice overlapping with Skype call recording" (http://www.pamela-systems.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1107&st=0&sk=t&sd=a) that makes it almost unusable for registring calls with Pamela.

Will this major issue (feedbacked for more than one year and a half) be corrected in Skype 4.0 ? I've recently been upgrading to Skype 3.8 but, despite sound quality ameliorations, this issue is still there.

Cheers !

Have always loved Skype but version 4 takes up way too much screen space. This needs to be smaller for me to continue using on a regular basis.

I have just downgraded to 3.8 after a few weeks of Beta 4.0 The final straw was when an unsolicted entry "sexy - sexy girl webcam" or some such title appeared in my contact list. Although I could block the person I was unable to remove it from my contact list. The remove contact option did not appear when I right clicked on the contact. Although that option did show up on any of my other contacts when I right clicked on them. The list of things that are bothersome with 4.0 was adding up. Too big at startup; couldn't get it to start minimized to the tray; unable to group contacts; was getting no ring back tone when calling via Skypeout to Australia making it difficult to tell if I was getting through or getting a busy signal or whatever; and, no answers to feedback left about these issues. I will wait for the final version and give that a try. In the mean time 3.8 works really fine for me and doesn't take over my screen when I boot up. By the way I did like a few of the changes...nice overall look and I really liked having the volume control on the Skype window during a call to allow adjusting as needed.

I have installed it and i have reinstalled in just one day the previous version.
The interface is to much invasive.
The skypecast live tab is missing. You can join them only from the browser after clicking the link.
And if You want be the host of a skypecast .. it s impossible to manage it in a easy way. Where is the division between Conversation/Waiting/Listening user?
Why if a contact is not in Your contact list You cant send him in listening mode?
Bye the way when You will decide to insert a permanent ban method to exclude for the whole session of a cast noiser user?
Thank You

i like it i cant wait until it finished

I find it really hard to use. Seriously, I can't even find the outlook contacts in the new version of skype, and all my groups has just became a mess. Using the new version means that I have to find my contact manually in outlook among 300+ contacts of mine, copy the number and paste it to skype to dial. and the big junky window? oh my god! why on earth do I have to waste that huge space on my desktop just for some cheap calls? anyway, i am going to uninstall 4.0 and re-install 3.8 In a word, the Skype 4.0 is totally a disaster. and I DO hope this is not the trend of future skype.

I don't like the new interface at all, at the very least provide a way for us to go back to the 3.8 interface.

cheers!

I don't like the new interface at all, at the very least provide a way for us to go back to the 3.8 interface.

cheers!

Like others, I much prefer programs like Skype that essentially have a buddy list to be unobtrusive. 4.0 Beta 1 is about as far from that as possible. (And I pity anyone that tries to use it on a 640x480 or 800x600 resolution system. The main window is bigger then the screensize of the former and not much smaller then the latter.)

First impressions:
1. For true first impressions, we have to go back a bit to before I downloaded it. I recently reinstalled Windows so didn't have Skype on the system at all. So I go to the website, click on a download page link and then FDM (Free Download Manager) is asking me where I want to save SkypeSetup-Beta.exe and I did a double take. Why the heck is the Beta version the "default" one to download if you don't have Skype at all? I mean every other software group I can think of promotes the stable version over the Beta version. That way the Beta Testers are usually people who know what they're doing and can provide helpful feedback.

2. The Welcome screen. So I install the thing, despite some misgivings due to the apparent "Beta" status. (I've Beta tested other software before after all.) Then when it runs suddenly this huge full screen window pops up and I'm going WTH is this? I didn't bother to really read it, I saw the "Close this welcome screen..." link and started looking for the little checkbox to disable the thing that I knew should be there. (Wasn't hard to find but, IMHO a better way would be 2 buttons, one saying "Close Welcome Screen" and "Close and Disable Welcome Screen" or something like that. Meanwhile I'm thinking "Welcome screen? Are they actually trying to imitate AOL?" Skype's welcome screen is even more annoying and less useful then AOL's. (And that's saying something.) On the other hand, disabling it actually works which is a plus. But if you intend to keep the checkbox and the text, at least make it bold or something so people will actually notice it before they click the Close link and then start complaining about this screen that comes up every time they start Skype. (And believe me, people will do that. After all, they've been known to insert credit cards into floppy drives and CD drives.)

3. Bugs. The Call Phones, Directory, and Shop "tabs" (for lack of a better term) don't handle resizing very well. Not that you can resize it all that much, but they do have issues with stuff getting hidden or overlapping other stuff. Also, when you click the name of a contact (so that it shows profile info on the right side) when resizing it the whitespace area at the bottom (the unused area below buttons) will alternate between white and grey, and what color it will be when the resizing is complete seems to be random. It seems to be related to WindowBlinds 6.02 because if I unload WindowBlinds the issue goes away. Reloading WindowBlinds after that does not cause the issue to reappear until Skype is restarted.

4. Feature Request. I think it would be a nice feature if you could configure Skype so that if you close the main window it would quit rather then minimize to the system tray. (I'm not sure if I would use it, but it might be useful for people who have pay services who don't want their kids/spouses/friends using up their credits or something 'cause they forgot that closing the window won't quit the program or log them off.)

5. Main Window Size. Like almost everyone above I agree that the size of the main window is excessive. A tabbed conversation window (with tabs that can be detached/combined by drag and drop) would be a much better idea I think. (And that's what my IM client of choice, Pidgin, does. If I want several IM windows tiled across my screen, I can do it. If I want one window with multiple tabs, I can do that. If I want a combination, I can do that too. It's all about choice.) I don't think this is a feature that should be put off till the final release because it will mean a lot less people testing 4.0. (And that may include me because I may go back to 3.8 pretty quickly.)

6. When are you going to actually put some work into developing the Linux or Windows Mobile versions? Those programs have been sorely neglected. (Not that I'd want the 4.0 UI on either, but they're both still stuck with 2.x versions.)

The new layout is really awful, and that's being kind. I so loved the prior GUI, it was clean, lean and did what it was supposed to do in an unobtrusive way.

Why is there all that wasted space on the right-hand side of the window? What purpose/function does it serve?

Now, when someone Skypes me I have to click to open the window with the chat -- it no longer pops-up. It's totally counter-intuitive.

What gives? Did you guys go corporate and hire some CFO who doesn't know how people and/or programs work day-to-day? Maybe it's the dude who is responsible for Vista or something?

I can tell you one thing for sure, I will not download this for my Mac -- no way.

Please post the prior versions so we can download that and re-install. Yikes!

Paying for your service I was waiting for a fully skinnable UI, since the current 3.8 version still is taking too much space in my point of view. Look at all those other messengers available (e.g. Miranda), that have improved so much after their initial release. They never had that strange idea to put everything into only one godzilla-like window.

What I can see now is everything but the opposite of what I was expecting. Many professional designers are willing to contribute their skills on developing an attactive interface, that is comfortable and accepted by everyone. It seems that not a designer, nor a psychologist for interface design ever took a look on your current project. Maybe time to invest on those?

Time to switch back to 3.8 now. Hmm, I can only select one reason you offer me to select on the downgrade-survey?

So sorry to tell you all this. Happy restart!

When I first installed the Beta (the default download, btw), I simply couldn't believe my eyes. "What is all this shit?", I asked myself, "reminds me of the Real players of yore". "Ah well, surely there's an option to turn this shit off". But no. Unbelievable. I'd love to have a record of the design sessions that led to this.

Oh well, I hope the uninstaller works.

Too big, toooooo space-hungry!!! Guys, the avatar in chat shall go right/left - most modern laptops screens are wider than taller, so the Info on top eats up necessary space... Main window with THAT sizes - geee, I thought the older Skype was big. After all, most people have got used to the sizes of windows like ICQ/QIP.

Simply AWFUL UI... I installed it, used it for few minutes and went back to 3.8. And I will never put it back, unless normal 3.8 sizes are achieved...

I don't know what the Skype team was thinking when they decided to make the window take up the whole screen. Not like the reason it takes up the entire screen is anything useful... it's just stupid instructions. Skype was a lot more intuitive to use. Now I have bubbles constantly informing me where my contact list is. Gee, that's real useful, NOT.

Huge Skype Window = Bad
Old Skype Window Size = Good

hey nice work.. but there is lot to do, in way to bring closer for new users and keep old. I just want to tell that preety interface is nice, but just nice. I have a question for u? Do u now pidgin? Yes u do. I know u do. Pidgin have a option to change a appearance of interface. You can try to change the way how users bring their conversations in other ways. Example: there is a way to change a conversations in tabs, or separate windows. Here isn't such option. Well there is, but, i think that users will be much happier when all will be automatic, and how to plan it. that s all of me, I hope that we'll be pleased for another Skype experience in our homes.. thanks again.

Dejan Zafirovski
Software Reviewer
PC MAGAZINE - ENTER, Macedonia

I hope the new version will address the constant sexual solicitations I receive. I posted 3 suggestions for Skype to deal with this including allowing users to block chat from users who are less than 30 days old.

http://forum.skype.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=166851&view=findpost&p=738971

Hi,

yes, the „big screan” skype is not the best idea. On computer can’t be te Skype the major program - lots of people do other things in same time when they talk with each other.

I will prefer the button with comapct mode, where will I see the cam in max 320px height and below the IM in height of max 200px (or better - free resize).

And so I got a question: Ill see somewhere that the Skype 4 can run 2 accounts in same time - Ive try it and its work, but I cant find how its work, some like: „C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\skype.exe /?”

thnxs

סקייפ ישראל
תגיות:skype

Hi,

I'm gonna try to make as many positive suggestions as possible because after watching the videos and testing the Beta I have formed my opinion that it really is awful. I hope it's not too late in the development to at least add things and hopefully change this. I also hope people's opinions are taken seriously and we're not all ignored as grumpy old farts who just don't like change!

Firstly things to change (or change back):
-Obviously, the size of the window it uses. It is just too big and clunky. As I'm sure most people do, I like to have Skype on one side of my screen and place other applications or WLM to the side of it. Also, its this is talking about on my 19" screen. I wouldn't even consider it for my Windows Eeepc!

-Have the option to get rid of the huge stupid side panel permanently!!

-Chat boxes are detatchable but an option should be put in to make chat boxes in new windows by default. For people who use full screen applications or gamers, it is much easier to alt + tab to the specific chat window you want rather than going to the main Skype window then wasting time clicking around trying to find it. (Also the old chat box style was nicer)

-The new design is pretty hideous. Huge fonts for the tabs, your name and the names of people in conversations, which are harsh on the eye as well as everything seeming to merge into each other rather than having defined lines. (This is also where windows helped)

-Bring back the old easy to access History etc... tabs!

-Bring back the old big call and hang up buttons (although the video call one is good too).

-There's no reason why the new larger video stuff (which is good) can't have a new window option too where you can put it how you want it rather than having to have all of Skype open, dominating your screen just so you can watch your friend pick their nose!

-Having to choose between viewing a list of conversations or your contacts is annoying.

-Respect people's intelligence and ability to use a computer! Most current users do not need to be told what to do every step of the way!

-This is a new one but has annoyed me for AGES! When the little box comes up when someone calls you with the "pick up" and "reject" buttons, when you pick up the call Skype is brought to the front. You've just picked up the call, you know that and what you probably want to do is carry on looking at whatever you were looking at!!! This is especaially annoying when watching a film or playing a game.

-I know its been said a million times, but the size of the window does just make things harder to find.

-Clicking on a contact now brings up an entire biography of them and your history together rather than just nice and simply showing their personal message and picture.

-The new layout makes it feel much more geared into making you spend money. (As useful as that can be with Skype)

-Having what different people said in different colours in chat was useful.

-Being able to set your own background was nice too...

Thats all the negative I can think of for now so time for some POSITIVE i guess:

-The options to easily change volumes and mute your mic in call.

-Searching contacts, groups and chat topics.

-Better and bigger video quality (when you want it!).

-Being able to see the time that another person is living in.

-Being able to view a lof of info about one contact in one window, although this should be optional not instantly when you click their name.

-The new "Find", "View Old Mesages" and "Mark as Unread" tools.

Overall, there are some good new features but with a terrible new interface. Bulky, overinflated, ugly, and counter-intuitive design. A real shame as I would like to use some of the new features but think I'm going to have to stick with 3.8.

I just don't want to have to spend loads of time in the Skype window, managing it all stuck there in front of me. I want it to work for me! The option to put new windows (like chat or video) into the main window to manage would be so much better.

Anyway, I'm going to go reinstall 3.8 and hope for the best!

Just went back to 3.8

I tried 4.1 for a week and frankly hate the new UI.

In OZ, we have a word for it "F'Ugly".

I don't need to detail what's wrong with it, it's been done in spades (see above). What a tragic waste of resource.

I hope you are keeping records of how many people downgrading back to 3.8.

I am quite sure I am not the only one.

Jep, Mike you are absolutely right about the advantes of a new Skype beta (minus window size). I was also slihtly put off over the size of the window, but not having to switch between upto five conversation window is a great pro. Will give it a try, but the first impression is rather positive.

WILL IT WORK WITH VISTA??!!??

I bought a Sony Vaio laptop with Vista a few months ago and Skype worked for a while and then suddenly I can't hear anyone (I don't know whether or now they can hear me). Your tech people have tried to solve the problem with no success and the web talk says it's a Microsoft/Vista interface problem and neither of you will take responsibility for solving it. I have been a devoted Skype user since its inception and now I am desperate. I have to be in France and I have a very ill elderly mother in the US and need to speak with her and her doctors daily. I am afraid to download 4.0 for fear of making things worse. PLEASE HELP!! bskarol

Please re-work the user interface. Good usability also means not wasting space.

Skype is a tool for me and not something that needs to impress me with 'bigness' and fancy design. Check many of the most often used web sites on earth...design follows function. Google works beautifully without wasting space and blowing things up and looking fancy.

When I have business talks I usually have to go through documents and applications at the same time on the same screen. That's why I like the skype interface small.

Ralf

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And I think you guys should not publish the user's skype names here...just like you would not publish a user's email. I didn't realize that when posting.
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Please delete my comments (this one and the one above). I don't want my skype name available for any bot and any spammer that comes along.

I have just found out that when a user (using a skype version below 4.0 of skype) sends me a CONTACT it has not shown anywhere in my skype 4.0. Correct this.

I have a question. Is 4.0 going to use proxy like it is supposed to? That is, send traffic only through the proxy and not try to break out to the internet in every way possible.

Really, you should see our firewall logs, it's ridiculous.

Please, please, please, fix this.

The new version is terrible!!!
Please do never release it and stick back to basics and modest programming.
You do not need to emulate M$ producing the overblown software!

On the other subject, I came to this page directly from SkypeAPI where I've been logged in.
Why do I need to log in again into this blog?
Aren't they both on the same platform?
jas

Hi I am from Bulgaria and love the new skype I have only ONE PROBLEM I CAN'T RUN ANOTHER ACCOUNT FROM THE SAME COMPUTER WITH THE NEW SKYPE . I try whit everyting pleas help.

we are new to skype as of today and want our friends to know about it. However, we were very disappointed when we viewed the list of email providers to connect with our contact list and did not see our DEAR GMAIL listed as one of the options. Why is this?

Count me among those who do not like the new interface. It is not intuitive! The screen is too big; even when not in full screen. I use a laptop more often than not – but even on my 24in monitor it’s too big. When I travel Skype is my main communication tool. This new window is bulky and gets in the way of “communicating”; which is the objective. I’ve been using Skype since 2001, and I’ve had no complaints – until now! Bottom line I am going back to version 3.8. While I enjoy the improved voice quality – I completely “HATE!” the interface. I’ve done my best to provide constructive criticism and I hope you are listing to your customers – as they do not like this new product. Personally I will not get use to this interface, but I’m glad that the people at Skype did. You can run it as an internal app to justify the investment. Looks like the UI design people need to get an update on usability and user friendly methods; not to mention an update to the 21st century on design tools.

What I don’t like:
- Right window pane; it takes up precious screen space
- Having to undock the conversation window every time I start a chat; I never use the right pane don’t like it; also often have multiple conversations going on simultaneously.
- The layout of the undocked chat window.
- The crap above the contact list; somehow you have taken the same information and made it irritating
- The crap below the contact list; the tabs were very effective.
- The layout of the directory and call phones; are you making this product for blind people? Or perhaps your developers are working in high resolution and fail to view the app on smaller screens or at lower resolutions.
- The Shop button. Yeah, you gotta make money – but “visit store” was probably enough
- Lack of control on video

What I do like:
- The contacts / conversations push buttons; can be very effective when you have several contacts.
- The volume controls displayed while on a call.
- The personalize button
- Improved voice quality

I do not like that my Skype name is posted.

I don't like the new version in that it does not notify you when you receive a new IM. It gives you a number at the Skype tag but unlike the old version, it does not give you a sound or change the color of the tag. I often close the Skype window and work on other things. I want to know when someone sends me an IM by both sound and color change. This is very inconvenient!

With the old Skype there was no problem with dialing in extra numbers when connected to an automated telephone system, ie. press 1 for this department or 2 for this etc. Now when I try to key in a digit it types it out in the SMS section. I want to make a call not an SMS.

I suppose I will have to download the old version.

Please add an option to hide the right hand content so just the contact list is visible.

Have an option to force conversations/chats to undock automatically. When more then one undocked conversation/chat is opened, have tabs for them at the top of this undocked window.

The big bloated mass on the right is going to be in the way most of the time.

Impression
To make it short - I like this change
It keeps all my Skype communication in one window and its really easy to follow up all chats. I dont have to manage many windows.
Its design is fun and easy.

I see that Skype is moving from small communication program to communication center field

New features that I like
* Chat log (overview) for every day;
* Possibility to mark chats "unread";
* All active and missed chats are in line and marked with numbers

Things that I miss (not in this Beta)
* Birthday reminders;
* Skype groups;
* Skins;

For next Skype versions
I really would like to have my Skype chats archived at Skype server

If Skype is moving more into communication center field, then why not to merge it with popular email and calendar options - Gmail family?

Dear authors of Skype,
few days ago the change I have passed to the BETA4.0 it is radical but not excessively I practice the program too many visual one occupies in the monitor I would propose being the right part to disappearance with a click and leaving in first plan the contacts also with this quite winning new design Another thing that I would modify the menus on top would do to them like those msn style that is accessible at a single icon of the interface user who in whose turn opens a practical menu to blind. in this way skype would have a swift interface with the possibility of personalising at most the favourite visualisation.
Restore the visualisation for groups I would Invite the creators of Skype to study a system for the multicalls in audio with a quality similar to that one of TeamSpeak 2 (TS2) TS2 it lets regulate the codec used during the conversation to optimise it at best on the grounds of number announcing to the disposable call / side. and Volume of the microphone adds the function "PUSH TO TALK" for this conversation manner: it me is capitate what during the calls my volume in exit was reducing and even though I was going increasing it at the mixer of windows this proves to be again low also without speaking, at the end of the call the volume returns to my predefinite statement.
Restore "search user" as in version 3
Add send message to offline user or a mail notify when message (or event sent to him/her)
Add Birthday reminder and personal reminder, useful for meetings, work and celebrations
Restore SkypeME feature
Add personal tones option for each user
Add Invisible/Visible Lists
Add call recorder (audio/video)
Add dashboard for single/multichat window
Add Multi video call

without these features Skype 4 is unuseful.. but just a monitor cover
cheers best regards

Video mood: would it be possible to enter the Youtube library together daylymotion and Metacafe?
Associate a Blog for each user (freely and by requested by him/her) to give the chance of increasing the range of contacts and to describe better the own activities if necessary.

- the "give feedback" option in the bottom left doesn't work, the right pane comes up with "you don't seem to have an active internet connection"...I do, really.
- can't get rid of the panel on the right. Agree with lot feedback, as the window can only be resized down to about 3/5 width of my screen. And that panel isn't showing anything useful most of the time, just a waste of space.
- except the "Call Phone"..lol..could the buttons be any bigger?...but you can't see the other thing you have put on the right...because I have resized my window down
- the active contact list is different to the ones on my 3.x version (I am still running on another machine). It would be nice to be able to prioritize Skype contacts at the top, rather than amongst the whole list on phone numbers. I use it mostly for this, not making phone calls.
- shop doesn't work...and I really don't want it there
- when I click a old contact, half of the right panel is taken up with a ? head picture...they don't have a picture, and I don't have one, don't want to see one. No, Really. (just founf how to hide it...but if there isn't one, why show it?)
- past conversations looks good. Would be nice if the slider on the right showed when conversations had happend (make the dashes bold or something)
- conversation search...oh, yes!

Haven't even downloaded but by reading many of the comments I already know one thing.. it has a Full Screen Takeover mentality. This is NOT good practice. I have a larger monitor than most (it doubles as a movie screen on trips) 28". I tend to put a browser on half the monitor and the other half is useful for chat programs, etc. right now Skype 3.8 sits next to the vista sidebar in its narrowest size. works well that way, i can always see the full program when i need it. With a full screen app I'll never be able to do that, making that mode unacceptable. You may like it but that's because your biased. Take a step back and look at it from a usability standpoint with other things you want on screen at the same time. You'd find that the full screen takeover really doesn't work well with that desire. I have a dislike of any program that takes over the whole screen without my telling it to from the start. We need to have the ability to retrieve the 3.8 size for your more technically inclined users. Yes Grandmom and grandpa will love the full screen mode because of its ease of use with the larger icons and such. it makes it easier for them to click those points with the mouse. But thats the only ones who will really benefit from it.

I have read a lot of the replies here and I think everyone is jumping the gun just a little.

This is the beta and skype is looking for feedback on it. Nothing is final yet and there could be a lot of changes before the final release.

I am going to post my comments here but I am also going to post them on the official feedback page at http://www.skype.com/go/betafeedback

First when I downloaded the beta I to did not like the way it took up the whole screen

second I noticed that a lot of the functionality was gone such as then ability to organize my contact list into groups. If it was in there I couldn't find it. and I couldn't find other functions on it as well like "skypecast"

To me it appears that with the release of 4.0 skype plans to focus more on video chat rather than VOIP as they have in the past.

I seldom used video and I already use a number of chat programs that work well for me so I am switching back to 3.8 and I will wait and see what the future holds for 4.0

But when the final release does come out and if it is still focused on being another video chat program with limited functionality then at that time I will consider going with another VOIP provider.

hello i like skype3 it is cool! But version 4 its is one peace of... i don't like that fact thatt its to dificult and big!!! BIG IT IS,THE BIGEST uncool program, howeaver meany new things are lovely smieley menu or new icons but I HATE that fackt that its to big IT STINKS! im planing uninstall skype and never use it agan!

When Skype 4 will be released in full (final version)?????

http://ayeweb.co.cc
hello everyone. I am thai .i am 20 years old.
SINGLE

A VoIP/IM application -Should be Heard, Not Seen-

Skype has been a favorite of in mine for 2yrs for professional & personal IM/voice needs, with the full spectrum of IM/VoIP/Video options, it's perfect to interact with techno-phobes or -philes.

If you force a big, bulky advertisement magnet... I'll be moving on.

I imagine you're looking for ad revenue but this will kill Skype. There are other ways... eg. partner with LinkedIn or FaceBook or something like that that are full screen apps and really get folks connected real-time w/ Skype. Just a thought.

hi
after several days on beta 4, I started to like it. However, I would like to see a similar bonjour capability like in the mac version for windows and linux versions too. On our LAN we have a lot of skype users who would prefer to have an easy way to check if coworkers are available for chat/file transfers without the hassle of asking everyone "what's your skype name?"...

I have been using the new Skype Interface for a few days. To be honest I do not use it much for chat. I use Skype for communicating with family.

I think there is some wasted space but I think it is desgined for a wider group of people that may not be as computer literate as others.

I like the fact I do not have to open separate windows while chatting.

but as to the comment as it should be see not heard. I have news for thsi guy,. Everything is gearing towards video. I want true HD two way conversation.
It keeps family 600 miles away much closer. Take away the monopolistic dedicated system requirements for HQ video.

Otherwise keep at it. This is only a beta. Lets take the best from both and make the best ever. Personally MSN Messenger with Skype call quality and vide would ROCK!

I have been using the new Skype Interface for a few days. To be honest I do not use it much for chat. I use Skype for communicating with family.

I think there is some wasted space but I think it is desgined for a wider group of people that may not be as computer literate as others.

I like the fact I do not have to open separate windows while chatting.

but as to the comment as it should be see not heard. I have news for thsi guy,. Everything is gearing towards video. I want true HD two way conversation.
It keeps family 600 miles away much closer. Take away the monopolistic dedicated system requirements for HQ video.

Otherwise keep at it. This is only a beta. Lets take the best from both and make the best ever. Personally MSN Messenger with Skype call quality and vide would ROCK!

I am downgrading this is boring already. Too big for me. I like small compact applications with neat UIs. I wish Skype was skinnable. This upgrade does not work for me and it an upgrade is not enforced I willl still with 3.8

I hope fring can develop application for PC

I was unable to last more than 1 hour with the new interface. It's terrible. Simply terrible. Wastes a ton of real estate, making it impossible to work in parallel. They got rid of contact groups, so the list is a mess. For normal calls where DTMF tones are required, there are now many more key clicks than in the past. Heck, just making that SkypeOut call now requires switching screens, which it didn't need in the past.

As a business tool, this interface is a failure.

hi all,
i have used the beta version for a while, it have some nice features but somehow i don't like it, there is something wrong with it, i can't tell what is that exactly , maybe that the picture and the information region too big

This beta version looks great and easy in all aspects BUT am wondering about having the ability to selectively accept video call automatically instead of being none or all!!!...i mean it will be great to choose from my list which one will be automatically allowed to see my Web Cam.

Its MISERABLE piece of overdesigned BLOATWARE. Despite what you think, 99% of users use skype for chat and dont want a massive window shoved in their faces displaying features they rarely use.

This smells of ex-microsoft Vista employee design.

What concenrs me is i know the SKYPE arent even listening. None of the betas have remotely changed based on the feedback so far. Given how committed they are, no UI team is going to back pedal without egg on their faces so 4.0 will be exactly what you are looking at now. A bloated mess from the 1990's.

Next features:

Built in browser
Built in email client
Built in Word processing
Built in Graphics package

375Mb install.

I already posted a feedback.. but I wanted to post here as well because this is such a debacle.

I hate it.. as does everyone. Its not just bad, but its a step in the exact opposite direction from were they should be going. They should be concentrating on MINIMIZING skype as much as possible so that it blends in to the work surface, with the proper windows only poping up as needed (..and ideally as slickly and cleanly as possible.....IE. A video call rolls out a video screen, and an IM rools out a text window from a hidden side dock..etc)...

The more that it can just feel like an extension of your work flow, the more successful it will be. This current design is the the opposite "shove it down your throat version".. and honestly I'm choking on it.

I hope skype can man up and realize this failure and not just try to make it work. I don't like their 'we are listening, but just give it a try' attitude in their responses back thus far. The crowd is talking loudly and it shows me they aren't willing to change it drastically enough to save it. Looks like skype could be a throw away for some time. I hope 3.X keeps working.

And let me say what no one else here has said. HONESTLY...THIS IS SUCH A MESS THAT SOMEONE NEEDS TO BE FIRED HERE. A lot of time and money have been wasted going in the wrong direction.

I agree that WHILE you are chatting the big window is not a problem. Its on idle status that it gets really annoying. A simple hide button that hide/unhide the right part of the window surely cant be hard to implement. ONE SIMPLE BUTTON would satisfy all these happy users. FLEXIBILITY !!!!

A mimimize option cauding a very tiny window only online contacts and no additional buttons or menus would be GREAT !

Screen real estate is a precious thing that most people have high in their priorities list. I agree that the current skype cant be on your desktop while you are working.

Typing error. Sorry. Should have been:

"A mimimize option generating a very tiny window with only online contacts and no additional buttons or menus would be GREAT !"

Please don't do this. Please don't introduce a heeeeeee-uge right-hand pane that's impossible to hide or close. Did you perform any kind of market/product research before deciding to expand the application window size? Did you??? I understand Skype has to make money in some shape or form, but if you start pumping advertising out to your user-base, there's a real possibility there'll be an exodus to another IM platform.

Please don't let Skype 4.0 be the catalyst that destroys a brilliant piece of software. Drop the interface, modify it, make it customizable, give users an option.

Greetings from Bulgaria!
I love the new skype (BETA 4.0.0.161)! It's really easy for me to manage everything I need in the new skye. I have a serious problem, though, so I must ask: While having a video talk (both sides have video) the conncetion is stopped somewhere between the 1-st and the 3-rd minute. Everytime I talk to my sister with video it happens, if I turn my video off, it doesn't. The internet is not the problem, because it has never happened in 3.8. So please tell me it's a bug that you'll fix in the final version.
Cheers and thank you for this great software product, keep working on it, cause you have many customers counting on you!
S. Birov

Hi
you are saying we should stick a while with the new skype layout and we would love it...there is just one really big problem you didnt thought about yet! skype is exchangeable! with these ui people wouldnt even think about staying by skype...i promise you they will change the chat program in the moment they`ll see it. Me and my friends are using skype conference every single day but we´ll change the chat program in the moment skype 4.0 launches and I think most of the people will

Christ, this is awful. Design-wise, it's the anti-Skype. Brevity is the source of wit, gentlemen; less is more. Smaller footprint, both in desktop real-estate and CPU memory resources are always first order of the day. I find it hard to believe a company so in-tune with what we wanted in the first place would submit this as an improvement.

It's easy to see how excited Skype people were about those changes, but they have to face it: it didn't work. Apparently they are the only people in the world who actually liked it. I'm trully sorry, guys. I know how frustrating it is when you work hard on something you believe is good, but the customers simply don't approve, and that's the case now. Anyway, there's still time to fix it. For now, I'm back to 3.8 which, by the way, is a really great piece of software.

I have to agree with most above with the size. It is a bit large and doesn't leave room for custom sizing. That isn't the worst of it for me though. Skype Beta 4.0 does not allow for pressing numbers for the purpose of dial tone menus. Skype 3.8 did this just fine. My company currently pays for multiple subscriptions and skypein numbers and is actually about to drop skype as a possibility of using company wide because of the skypein issues and the deliberate lack of customer support. I can't understand why you at skype can't seem to get it together and are so slow at fixing bugs. By the way though thanks for finally putting subscription management in the business control panel. Something needs to change before skype is tainted in the business community.

Guys, I applaud the attempt but two issues.

First - Need a compact skin/version. I use all of my screen and to take it up with one app is down right silly. Please include a compact view - maybe even back to the original 3.x view.

Second - WHERE IS THE MULTI VIDEO CAPABILITY? Been waiting since 2005 and nothing yet. Ya the one on one is great, clean, smooth BUT I want to talk to all my friends (at least 4 at a time). I guess I am stuck using Tokbox as my party software with my business partners and friends.

Come on guys, get it together.. Google is listening to their customers. Please do the same.

Scott D.

I miss the multi video too, as my parents, my sister, my in-laws and I live each in a different city.

I'm sorry. But this is disastrous. Please don't force me to use this new interface. I'll switch IM if I have to choose. I think Skype really needs to dig out whose idea this was and who approved this idea, and fire them

Hello, guys! I just don't see what you don't like about this new beta version of Skype. It can't be made to suit the needs of all the people around the world. It is made to suit the needs of the mass. Personally, I like it very much. It's not a problem for me that it runs on full screen. Some of you say that they can't enjoy the full options of the program. Well, that's normal - it's BETA! I want to ask only one question, though. When is the full version going to be released? Thank you in advance!

PS: About the program - it's fantastic and it's the best IM program I've ever used. ICQ, Yahoo and others just suck! Skype is really great!

Sincerely yours,
Vesselin

To be honest the only thing that I want in a new version of skype is better video quality and audio quality. let us non dual core people have HQ video!

I Loved the new beta version, think it looked very nice, but i cant use it, it just stop and stop all time have to call back after one min, sometimes 10 min so me and my boyfriend went back to 3.8 today and that worked perfectly.The sound and video quality is not good at beta. Miss a couple of things in beta 4 as always have the video on top of the other windows, miss that flag at the bottom if someone have called me. Hope it will be better because i want back to use beta 4....by the way i love skype

It's HUGE and UGLY! WTF????

If you were going to do anything with the size of the interface it should have been to make it smaller!!!

I'm glad my colleague was the one who downloaded it first! Not impressed!

I downloaded but now I will not open and try it based on the full screen complaints. I strongly suggest you create a survey for users that includes graphics and demo videos so we "your dedicated users" can vent their preferences before you invest in software. Based on the complaints it feels like you folks don't really know why we are dedicated to your product and how we use it. Before you scrap 3.8 for this beta, PLEASE try a simple survey of all current users to see what direction we would like you to go. For me I was amazed how you met my needs from the very beginning version. Please don't change just to change.

I am a heavy user of skype, using it to manage teams around the world. I tried the beta 4.0 with high hopes... and i lasted all of about 4 hours before i gave up in disgust. Full screen is a horrible assumption on Skype's part and the interface is not intuitive. I've uninstalled and gone back to 3.8. I hope it's a long time before I am forced to leave 3.8.

I appreciate this is a beta, and I usually give them a chance, but this is truly dreadful. 1 hour and I was back to 3.8
Definately not a step forward, keep it simple!

As both a Mac and Windows user of Skype, who uses it for work and personal calls, I have to say I like the way the beta is going. The windows version looks much more like the mac version, and thank you for dumping the horrible tabs for the accordian menu structure. The call and video quality are also much improved, and I like how conversation notifications are handled, especially the orange "missed" dot that keeps track of the last time you selected the window. Also, the new color palette is much easier on the eyes.
Few issues:

1. I never use full screen video with Skype, and I probably never will. This is a great feature for some people, but its kind of pointless for me. I think the majority of user feel the same way. It would be great to be able to set a default resolution and possible screen location for video calls. I always (on my mac) re-scale the window and dump it in the top left corner. If that could be set as the default position and resolution, that would be awesome.

2. The minimum size that windows can be scaled down to is much too large for me. I usually have 10-12 different chats happening at the same time, and with the new layout, they simply do not all fit at their present size.

3. The active contacts in a chat don't scale with the window. In my case, I have the chat window reduced to its smallest scale, with 3 participants. The 3rd participant is off the screen since the scale of their image doesn't change with the window. So, in order to see who is participating, I have to rescale the window, or click on the contact. this has to be a bug, since I can't imagine anyone would want this as a feature. Possibly dump the picture for a list of names if the window scales to small?

Also, for everyone complaining about the single window view, go View>compact view. This breaks the chats out into seperate windows from each other and the contacts. Also, History can be found in the "conversations" tab next to contacts. Yes, the name changed, but its the same thing.

I have read 50% of the comments and that was enough to convince me not to install Beta4. Usually i would happily just download anything from Skype as its an invaluable tool, however it appears skype either do not understand the concept of beta or have gotten so big for their boots they don't need to listen to majority of client feed back. Overwhelmingly negative from what i read.
Its not just bitching its people who already use skype and looked forward to trying the new version only to experience a horrendous reversal in their otherwise good opinion of skype.
I wont be downloading Skype 4 after reading this lot of experiences. Consider myself warned.

Its quite a groundswell in here. Its wonderful to see such passion - this means you have created a strong and emotive brand. Your customers have spoken. And as a loyal Skyper I felt compelled to speak too.

1) Get this new update right and I will tell all my friends about how skype just got even cooler. Get it wrong and I might fall out of love with you.

2) I really hope "getting used to it" will take less than 5 seconds. In general, I don't want my product manager to want me to get used to anything, I want him to make me fall in love (at first sight).

3) If there is something I really need to in the feedback link you sent, then it really should be in the post.

4) I am a basic user (don't do video or multiple calls) and I am hoping that the final release will be easier for me...

Just bring Live Back (Skype Cast) and I will be happy!
As for the new interface I will go through the process of attaining a new voip-in number and start using another service if Skype has to be full screen. I actually prefer the Linux interface simply because it is more concise.

To Whom ever thought that this new bata version was a good idea,
HAVE YOU LOST YOUR EVERLOVEN MIND???

I HATE this new version and to boot it off I can find the old version anywhere!
Where do I begin?

First things First.

to flippen big. It seems like the creators was either had very small packages or was so self centered to think that this thing had to be as big as a city block for someone to use it.
Secondly if someone try's to pm me and you in anther conversation you cant find the dang conversation someone was typing to you.

Group conversations when people log out there icon and information doesn't go away

Why do I need a application as big as Texas? The designers can take this BS version and shove it back to the fowl depths of hell where all of the rest of this sort of crap came from. Its suppose to be a simple unassertive application no the whole reason to get on the computer.

Usability is horrible to say the least. It to cumbersome. it like a dang woolly mammoth that I have to drag around my PC.

DON'T YOU GET IT. YOUR PROGRAM IS SUPPOSED TO HELP ME CONNECT WITH OTHERS ON THE INTERNET. THAT'S IT. WE ALL USE IT TO SHARE WHAT WE FIND ON THE NET. THE BULKIER THAT IT IS THE LESS USE WE ALL HAVE FOR IT.

I would cruse this whole comment if I knew that I could get away with it.

This program makes me want to slap my grandmother and run over my only daughter.

For God sake give us back the old SKYPE just fix the glitches. Don't change the way we all were able to interact with it.

For all of the people who like it.........

you must a complete and utter Douche bags with little to no apparent skill or experience in working with the internet or websites. The rest of us use the program in our daily website design businesses.

Stop This Crap from ever happening be gain and take the Beta Mother Flippen BS program off line immediately Or we will all hunt you down strap you to a chair and Make you actually have to use it.

PS
Get Stuffed

I've been using Skype 4 for a while, and I totally agree, it needs slimming down.
The smallest window size still feels like a fullscreen Program.
I LOVE all the conversations listed on the side, and all the chats being together. nothing pisses me off more than multiple chat windows, but definately needs slimming down BIG TIME...