Skype Garage

I thought that I should write here about one issue in Skype 3.8 and 4.0 Beta for Windows which might affect some of you.

Sometimes, people who are using Skype 3.8 or 4.0 beta versions on computers running Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 find that Skype unexpectedly closes without giving any error message.

This error is mostly experienced while logging in to Skype or creating new Skype user accounts. At this point of time we do not have a fix for this problem, but we are working hard on finding a solution.

A simple workaround for this problem is to update your copy of Microsoft Windows XP to Service Pack 2 or 3. You can update your computer via Windows Update or download the service pack separately.

We always suggest using a fully updated computer

Earlier today we announced Skype 4.0 beta 2. Now I'm exited to introduce to you that we have also released an updated version of Skype 3.8 for Windows.

Start downloading, while you continue reading.

With this hotfix we are bringing joy to the people who have Logitech Vision Pro to which we have added High Quality video support. In addition to that we have introduced mjpg webcams support in Skype to please everyone with those webcams. And we haven't stopped there - we have also resolved some infrequent crash issues on video calling.

The new version is 3.8.0.180 and it brings you following changes:
 * feature: Added mjpg webcam support
 * feature: Added High Quality video support for Logitech Vision Pro
 * feature: Command line login
 * change: Live tab (Skypecasts) removed
 * change: Klonie Avatars and Emotive Ringjam ringtone links removed
 * change: Firefox plugin updated to version 2.2.0.102
 * change: Internet Explorer plugin updated to version 2.2.0.205
 * bugfix: Video devices with non-Latin characters in name did not display correctly
 * bugfix: Video calls occassionally caused Skype to crash

I was proud to announce the Skype 4.0 beta 1 back in June. Now three months after the initial release we are ready to give to you a second beta version of Skype 4.0.

You have given us a tremendous amount of feedback. We are extremely thankful for all of this.

We have made lot of changes and improvements to this version based on your feedback. We have introduced compact mode and changed many areas which you have pointed out. Thank you a lot to all of you. Please continue to give us feedback how you like the 4.0 beta 2, so we can tweak the client even more.

You can read more about the feedback we got on Mike's blog post.

Start downloading the beta 2 right now. Please remember that it is still a beta version of software which means that there is possibility that it has some behavioral disagreements with you.

In case of any disagreements between Skype 4.0 beta 2 and you please report them to us on our public issue tracker Jira or discuss them on our forums.

Full release notes of newly released Skype 4.0.0.166 are:

 * feature: Compact view
 * feature: Scalable profiles
 * feature: Contact categories (previously known as contact groups)
 * feature: Support for Vista Core Audio
 * feature: Call quality feedback and indicator
 * feature: Ability to login to Skype via command line
 * feature: Events and notifications (tray and sound alerts)
 * feature: Added High Quality video support for Logitech Vision Pro
 * feature: Added mjpg webcam support
 * improvement: Now possible to copy mood and paste elsewhere
 * improvement: Confirmation screen added to new contact flow
 * improvement: What's New Guide updated
 * improvement: Better scalability for smaller window sizes
 * improvement: Conversation and contact tabs layout
 * improvement: Better visibility of video rezise icon
 * improvement: Online status (presence) improved for persons with long contact lists
 * change: Firefox plugin updated to version 2.2.0.102
 * change: Internet Explorer plugin updated to version 2.2.0.205
 * change: Language localization updates
 * bugfix: Video in Mood
 * bugfix: Video calls occasionally caused Skype to crash
 * bugfix: Occasionally, the minimized parameter didn't work
 * bugfix: API - Get avatar command did not work
 * bugfix: API - Over time, Audio API datastream lost synchronization

Thank you everyone!

I'm please to announce that we have updated Skype Community pages.

With this update we are making browsing the forums faster by adding fast reply possibility which can save valuable seconds when replying to a topic.

In addition to adding this new feature we have mainly concentrated on fixing small, but quite annoying layout issues with the community pages which might have raised your hairs.

Please let us know what you would like to see on our Community pages in future so we can make them better for all of you.

The full set of release notes is:
 * feature: Fast reply
 * feature: Forward PM
 * feature: last selected category is remembered when returning to index
 * change: Profile page
 * change: Tagline "Take a deep breath" removed from header
 * change: reverted to plain button style
 * bugfix: javascript error on submitting personal photo.
 * bugfix: Sidebar broken in IE6
 * bugfix: Security patches applied.
 * bugfix: Unstyled popup
 * bugfix: Error image misaligned
 * bugfix: My assistant is misplaced
 * bugfix: My assistant layout is broken
 * bugfix: Transparency of my assistant images broken
 * bugfix: Avatar picture, username etc. misplaced
 * bugfix: Alignment issues
 * bugfix: Breadcrums broken in IE6
 * bugfix: Misleading icon before unread message
 * bugfix: Layout bug in safari at Messenger
 * bugfix: Quoteblock layout broken in IE
 * bugfix: Buttons misaligned in certain areas

Today Skype has updated Skype 4.0 Beta 1 for Windows and Skype 3.8 for Windows.

Updates for both clients are small updates which resolve some recently found issues with previous releases.

Start downloading the updated 3.8 or 4.0 Beta 1 right now.

I'd like to remind that Skype 4.0 Beta 1 is a beta version of software which means that we are still working on it and it's not yet a final version.

You may discuss Skype on our forums and report problems in using Skype in our public issue tracker Jira.

Full release notes of the newborns are:

14.08.2008 Skype 4.0.0.161 Beta for Windows
 * change: IE toolbar updated to version 2.2.0.193
 * bugfix: Packet-size was not changed on calls with codec G729
 * bugfix: Call forwarding stopped working if user was offline for long time period
 * Localizations updated

14.08.2008 Skype 3.8.0.154 for Windows
 * Change: IE Plugin updated to version 2.2.0.193
 * bugfix: Packet-size was not changed on calls with codec G729
 * bugfix: Call forwarding stopped working if user was offline for long time period

Today Skype has released a minor update for Skype 2.2 for Windows Mobile. The only change in this version is newly added support for Windows Mobile 6.1.

Download the updated version from here.

If you have questions about Skype for Windows Mobile, or want to talk about interesting ways in which you're using it, visit our forums.

Technical release notes:

31.07.2008 Skype 2.2.0.45 Windows Mobile
* feature: Support for Windows Mobile 6.1

Today Skype has released minor hotfixes for Skype 3.8 Gold and Skype 4.0 beta 1 for Windows.

These software updates resolve errors with adding videos to your mood message and to instant messages. In addition we have updated the Firefox Plugin for Skype which fixes compatibility issues with Google Maps.

Skype 4.0 for Windows is a public beta version - we are still working on it and as a result it might have some glitches still in it.

Download Skype 3.8 from here or try out Skype 4.0 beta 1 for Windows.

We'd like to thank everyone who has given us their feedback on Skype and encourage you to post your thoughts on Skype.

You can leave feedback to us on our forums or file issue reports in our public issue tracker Jira.

Full technical release notes are:

30.07.2008 Skype 3.8.0.144 for Windows

* change: Firefox Skype plugin updated to version 2.2.0.94
* bugfix: Video mood and instant messages did not work when user had Flash Player 10 installed
* bugfix: Skype crashed when user downgraded from 4.0 and had MySpace profile linked

30.07.2008 Skype 4.0.0.155 Beta 1 for Windows

* change: Firefox Skype plugin updated to version 2.2.0.94
* bugfix: Video mood and instant messages did not work when user had Flash Player 10 installed
* Localizations updated

Today we updated the Beta 1 build to include some bug fixes. There's no other change to functionality, that will come with Beta 2 towards the end of summer.

We'd like to thank numerous persons who have taken their time to give us their thoughts, feelings and expressions on the new version. Keep them coming to us over the summer season, so while you are taking your time off to relax, we can work hard to make sure that Skype 4.0 will look and feel exactly as you wish.

You can discuss Skype 4.0 for Windows on our forums and submit issue reports on our public issue tracker Jira.

Download the updated version from here, but remember that it's in public beta state which means that we are working on it and it may show it's tender sometimes.

For all the technical people, the new release carries a build number of 4.0.0.150 and it has following changes:

 * bugfix: Renaming contact did not work correctly
 * bugfix: New audio device notification was wrongly presented sometimes for SoundMax devices
 * bugfix: Incoming chat notification was played when it should have not
 * bugfix: Changing ringing device changed also speakers
 * bugfix: No sound was played when sending chat message
 * bugfix: It was not possible to remove echo123 from contact list
 * bugfix: Skype crashed sometimes when recording voicemail
 * bugfix: Getting Started Wizard misbehaved sometimes after making test call

I'm proud to announce that we have released a new major version of Skype.

Welcome to Skype 4.0. This newly released beta version offers a completely re-designed user interface with a full-screen Skype experience. Find out more on the main Skype blog.

We've released this Beta a little earlier than normal because we know it's a big change, and we want to get your thoughts. We'll spend the whole summer listening to your feedback and making changes so we can perfect the final version. Because we're releasing it early, a few little things aren't available in today's version so stay tuned for updates. Please also remember, as it's a Beta there may be a few hiccups that need correcting.

Download and try out Skype 4.0 Beta 1 for Windows.

We are keen to hear what you think about the new Skype 4.0 Beta 1 version so please give us your feedback. As well as the special feedback survey we have in place for this release, keep an eye on our community pages and discuss it there or leave reports on any issues you may find on our public issue tracker, Jira.

Technical details of the newly released baby 4.0.0.145 are:

* feature: Calling and conference calling
* feature: Instant messaging (IM) and group instant messaging (group IM)
* feature: DTMF Tones
* feature: Video calling
* feature: Contact profiles
* feature: Contact list
* feature: Conversations list
* feature: IM, conference call and group participants lists
* feature: File sending (including multi-file sending)
* feature: Shop
* feature: Directory
* feature: Audio device configuration
* feature: SMS
* feature: Welcome screen
* feature: Import contacts
* feature: See what's new
* feature: Incoming call alerts
* feature: Call phones
* feature: Menus
* feature: Contact requests
* feature: Partner tab
* feature: Automatic upgrades
* feature: Presence icons
* feature: Flashing alerts in your taskbar
* feature: Extras Manager
* feature: Detaching conversation from mainform
* Feature missing from 3.8: Call quality feedback indicator
* Feature missing from 3.8: Skype Prime
* Feature missing from 3.8: Linking of MySpaceIM with Skype and Skype accounts
* Feature missing from 3.8: Ability to turn alerts off
* Feature missing from 3.8: Accessibility (keyboard navigation and screen reader functionality)
* Feature missing from 3.8: Saving groups
* Feature missing from 3.8: History
* Feature missing from 3.8: Video in mood
* Feature missing from 3.8: View Outlook contacts in my Contact list
* Feature missing from 3.8: Call transfer
* Feature missing from 3.8: Contact groups
* Feature missing from 3.8: Creating new Shared Groups
* Feature missing from 3.8: Sending contacts
* Feature missing from 3.8: Send Money
* Feature missing from 3.8: Skypecasts
* Feature missing from 3.8: Alerts (eBay, Paypal, 411)
* Feature missing from 3.8: Public IM
* Feature missing from 3.8: Auto redial
* Feature missing from 3.8: IRC chat style
* Feature missing from 3.8: Speed dial

We released a hotfix version of Skype 3.8 for Windows today, to address the Skype File URI Security Bypass Code Execution Vulnerability issue.

With this and other problems fixed in this build, we recommend that you upgrade, just to be on the safe side!

We would like to thank everyone who has reported problems in order that we can improve the quality of Skype for everyone.

You can feedback to us on our public issue tracker Jira or discuss Skype related matters on Skype Community.

The newly released version 3.8.0.139 brings you the following goodies:

* Security fix: Skype File URI Security Bypass Code Execution Vulnerability
* Change: Internet Explorer plugin updated to version 2.2.0.181
* Change: Firefox plugin updated to version 2.2.0.87
* Change: Extras Manager updated to version 2.2.0.58
* Change: Google contacts importer removed
* bugfix: Skype occasionally crashed on Vista after disconnecting power cable from PC
* bugfix: Skype crashed on Windows 2008
* bugfix: Skype occasionally crashed when importing contacts from several Sources

So long, thanks for all the fish.