Skype 2.0 Beta for Linux, the Great Revolution
By
Raul on November 7, 2007 in Skype for Linux Beta.
Today we have released the Skype 2.0 Beta for Linux, the Great Revolution
This version brings to you the most requested feature to Skype for Linux video calling, which makes Skype to support video on Windows, Mac and Linux.
Read further about the Great Revolution on our Linux blog.
So why wait further, start to download it straight away, but I would like to remind you that this is a beta release. In other words, we’re still tweaking it to smooth out any possible rough edges.
Please share your thoughts, feelings and point out any wrinkles in this version of Skype, so we can make it better. You can leave us issue on our public issue tracker Jira, read how to do it here or discuss the Great Revolution on our forums.
The release version is 2.0.0.13 and it brings you the following:
- feature: Video.
- feature: Option to automatically answer incoming calls (under Options -> Privacy).
- feature: Use user’s desktop locale if a locale hasn’t been set in client.
- video feature: Video Devices options dialog.
- video feature: Video Accept/Decline dialog.
- video feature: Full-screen video.
- video feature: Double-clicking on video window toggles full-screen video.
- video feature: Double-clicking on video preview in Options dialog will reveal full-screen myself preview.
- improvement: Add missing translation for Sign in window title.
- improvement: Change Calls Forwarded icon.
- improvement: Clean up button spacings in myself/credit bar.
- improvement: Don’t render Contact popups together.
- improvement: Fix call window minimum contact card height to match design specification more closely.
- improvement: Remove dependency on libsigc++.
This version also comes with some bug fixes from previous version:
- bugfix: API: OPEN ADDAFRIEND skypename should open Auth widget for skypename if they are not on the list.
- bugfix: API: Send CONTACTS FOCUSED properly.
- bugfix: API: Support ‘IN’ parameter for OPEN FILETRANSFER.
- bugfix: Add support for temporary and permanent API authorisation.
- bugfix: Allow language file to load before login screen.
- bugfix: Skype crashed sometimes when entering invalid Skypename in quickfilter
- bugfix: Capture SIGTERM for clean shutdown.
- bugfix: Catch exception when marking call events as read.
- bugfix: Change login window minimum height to 450 pixels.
- bugfix: Crash when Viewing Profile.
- bugfix: Don’t activate contact list and event history items based on stray ‘Enter’ signal from other applications.
- bugfix: Fix a crash on Sign out.
- bugfix: Fix for right-click contact menu not being updated in some circumstances.
- bugfix: Hide Create Conference Call and Change Password options when offline.
- bugfix: Make drag-and-drop file operations work on expanded contact cards.
- bugfix: Possibility to temporarily hide contacts completely.
- bugfix: Properly enable/disable Voicemail sub-options based on master option.
- bugfix: Purge logs if older than 30 days.
- bugfix: Pushing Enter on contact list now performs an action.
- bugfix: Trying to send/receive files with foreign characters fails sometimes.
- bugfix: Voicemail options dialog plays a bit nicer now.





Comments
any news on sms support?
erikdalen | Wednesday, Nov 7
Amazing.
Finally I can use Skype video feature without booting windows from VM.
My deep respect for your hard work.
marcin_ciosek | Wednesday, Nov 7
Great Work Guys!!!!. Now I can dump MS for good.
pdasarat | Wednesday, Nov 7
Awesome work guys, any word on Video support for the N800 and N810 Nokia tablets?
aorange999 | Wednesday, Nov 7
It's a great news!!!
This version of Skype working on Ubuntu 6.06?
gajailaci | Thursday, Nov 8
Awesome job!
kristjansiimson | Thursday, Nov 8
Video recieving don't work when compiz-fusion acceleration is enabled. At least on Ubuntu 7.10.
Can someone confirm that ?
sp00ck | Thursday, Nov 8
Thank you guys over there, great job!
k.yaylali | Friday, Nov 9
Raul, the update sounds great, but alas, Skype has once again ignored the request from 64-bit users for native support. Coming anytime soon ?...
Henri
mhenriday | Friday, Nov 9
We've been waiting for video for so long... Thumbs up to the skype linux team !
kaaloo | Saturday, Nov 10
Guys, this is awesome, really. I just made a couple videoconference calls. So far, in both cases video worked fine! The sound quality was not as good as in the stable version (1.4). In particular, duplex didn't seem to be working very well. Also, in the second call, skype died a couple times, but it didn't affect the OS. I just had to restart it. In both cases I talked to Windows users.
Of course, this is Beta software, and it is expected to need improvements. But it looks extremely promising. THANK YOU!
leomilano | Saturday, Nov 10
Well-done Skypoids!
denday1956 | Sunday, Nov 11
I tested it but I've got a video capture card (bttv), and skype does not allow me to select the input (tuner/AV IN) nor the norm (NTSC/PAL). Selecting previously with other program, the video appears but with geen horizontal bars.
¿Are there any solutions for this?
alejandronestorvargas | Monday, Nov 12
Hi There!!!!
Thank you so much for video!!! good work guys!!! i have some issue with 2.0 beta released but its sorted and working!!!
nice work! wish u all the best!
serbitar1 | Wednesday, Nov 14
Hi! I love Linux and I love Skype, great to have the video calls, been waiting for this. It looks like Skype for linux is finally gaining on skype for windows.
cheers
PJ
pjvolders | Thursday, Nov 15
Good work!. Thank you.
At this point it is enough, but don't forget amd64 users. I think for you (that obviously have the source code) is not a hard work to build one 64 bits "native" package.
gonzalomarcote | Saturday, Nov 17
Come on Skype, give us 64-bit.
I've finally moved to Linux as Ubuntu 7.10 was a dream to install on my 64-bit AMD x2 laptop.
I have 4 Gigs of RAM installed, and need Linux to give me the RAM. So... where's native 64-bit Skype.
Skype.. you're losing out here, as I've not got the time to mess around with 32-bit emulation layer workarounds. I just want a package that installs and runs.
So.. when can we have the 64-bit compiled version? You've only got to do it once.
neale87 | Saturday, Nov 17
First, Thank you! I was considering buying minutes and switching over to Wengo until now.
However... I still would like a 64-bit download option. Virtually all new computers are 64-bit these days so it doesn't make sense to only offer 32 bit versions.
Anyway, that's my constructive criticism for the day.
trjonescp | Saturday, Nov 17
THANKS a lot!
nish_lal | Tuesday, Nov 20
Just when I really needed it!

Thank you very very much!
Kudos to the Skype Linux team!
fruitysky | Tuesday, Nov 20
Some issues with the 2.0 version:
-I cannot see anyone's webcam, I can only send and see mine in the small corner my video view.
-On a computer with a non-working webcam (uvc driver not talking to device properly), enabling video causes skype to hang after a call.
Skype crashes often when using video in a call.
Thanks for the video support. May it become stable soon.
vermind | Monday, Nov 26
Wonderful! Video sometimes crashes but we should consider that this is beta version.
Also looking forward for x86_64 rpm versions.
Keep on! Great work!
fuxialis | Monday, Nov 26
The hungarian language is missing.
Attached at nov. 13.
http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic=101369&st=0
Download from here:
http://forum.skype.com/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=11816
kikke.hu | Thursday, Dec 6
Broken! Doesn't work on Suse 10.3 or Kubuntu 7.10 64 bit.
I haven't used a 32 bit Linux on a desktop for years!
Honestly, how hard is it to recompile for a 64 bit version?
sboreen | Tuesday, Dec 11
Over a month and still in urgent need for 64 bit version. And why linux repository went missing two weeks ago?
In Raul's native language too:
Tõepoolest oleks hädasti vaja 64 bitist versiooni
Ja miks enam repositooriumist laadida ei saa?
avalikarvamus | Thursday, Dec 13
Dear Developers,
Skype Beta is working perfect for me, including video of course.
I can not thank you enough, this is just awesome.
I can imagine how good should be not Beta one.
Great job,
Thanks you very much,
Alex
leeken_alex | Friday, Dec 14
Sounds great, unfortunately I run 64bit ubuntu and skype won't on this. I really liked skype on windows, but after vista ground my machine to a halt I swapped to unbuntu. Now I can't use skype
I'd like to say great job, and I know how much work goes into writing software, but if I can't run it seem a waste of time to me. Seems a shame all that effort goes into this product and it's just the final build which fails all the hard work.
Really look forward to a 64 linux version guys. Best would be an entry in the non-free repo for ubuntu as you'd get it out to more users.
Regards,
Bert
bertvanbrakel | Tuesday, Dec 18
Sadly, doesn't work on a 64 Bit Mandriva 2008 build. I could get the 1.4 version working with a bit of command-line trickery, but this just hangs on the licence agreement screen. Please keep working on this one guys - plenty of people want it!
Chris.
houlisc | Wednesday, Dec 19
Added a request for 64 bit support in Jira, see:
https://developer.skype.com/jira/browse/SCL-298
Hopefully this is more effective than only leaving comments here. All 64bit linux users ... please vote it up the priority list.
~Dutch247
xxjorisxx | Sunday, Dec 23
Yes, please vote up the issue there. This needs to be addressed, I can't believe that there isn't a 64-bit package!
ginotech | Monday, Dec 24
AGAIN... SMS-SUPPORT.... PLEASE!
chris_ricardo | Friday, Dec 28
Why they do not provide package for Slackware too, it's a major distro
v.stan4ev | Sunday, Dec 30
1 more thing, I have a build in web cam in my monitor & i can use it. If s.o helps me with the driver will love him forever
Asus PW 201 is the model http://www.picvalley.net/v.php?p=u/167/41537_163.JPG
this is what 1 found on the internet hope it helps:
"MY ASUS PW201 20 .1 inch monitor uses this inbuilt webcam too, 1.3 megapixel driver needed for both windows and linux
Capabilities: 132
Class: Image
ClassGUID: {6BDD1FC6-810F-11D0-BEC7-08002BE2092F}
CompatibleIDs: USB\Class_ff&SubClass_ff&Prot_ff
ConfigFlags: 0
DeviceDesc: BisonCam, NB Pro
FriendlyName: BisonCam, NB Pro
HardwareID: USB\Vid_0402&Pid_5602&Rev_0100
LocationInformation: USB2.0 Camera
Mfg: WebCam
Service: Cam5603D
UINumber: 0"
v.stan4ev | Sunday, Dec 30
64 bit please. Voted at dev site. More people voting pls this should really be sorted.
Cheers
Chris
chrispspace | Monday, Dec 31
THANK YOUUUUUUUUUU!!! It works great on my ThinkPad T30 running Linux Ubuntu 7.04! I am sooooooooooooooo glad webcam has finally arrived! Skype for Linux is mooooooooving!!!!
hpis2cool | Monday, Dec 31
hurray
devvrath | Sunday, Jan 20
Using Ubuntu 7.10 AMD64. Please provide a 64BIT PACKAGE!!!
luciomarinelli | Wednesday, Jan 30
Please, please, please. 64 bit version, pleeease! I have amd64 running Linux Ubuntu Studio 7.10, download Skype for Linux and tells me wrong architecture right off the bat. This is getting boring. Laptop came with Vista Basic pre-installed (vomit), though it does run Skype fine as is 32 bit OS. About the only reason I have Vista installed is for Skype on the move, so please, release me from this Microsoft hell and bring out the 64bit for AMD and others, please.
I´ve been using Skype in place of a landline for about 2 years now and couldn´t be happier. Fantastic work - love the concept and the application. Keep up the great work. Just don´t understand the 64 bit delay - maybe something we don´t know about regarding 3rd party licensing? Wild guess.
Cheers
Skid
fretley | Friday, Feb 1
I was using the Version 2.0.0.13 and I had video calls with my girlfriend (Skype 3 for win). Sometimes I couldn't see her, but after recalling it was running.
I am using Version 2.0.0.27 since today and it doesn't work any more! She can see me and we can talk, but I cannot see her!
eksbaf | Monday, Feb 4
Im glad to see that you are doin something for us, the linux community. I know, its kinda harder to develop for linux than for windows, because of all this confusing libraries
It was a hard step for me to switch from windows to linux as a developer, but i think its worth it.
I'd be happy to see such a plug-ins system as on windows or at least a kind of good documentation about the 'public api' if this is meant to be the same thing, so i can develop a cross-plattform scratch pad, because all of my friends are on windows machines.
Thanks for your work so far
black-sliver | Wednesday, Feb 6
Another vote for a 64 bit version.
My configuration:
Ubuntu 7.10 64 bit
Dell m1330
4 gig ram
capt.emerika | Friday, Feb 8
Thank you for adding webcam support to the linux client! The only reason why I kept a windows partition on my laptop was because of the crippled support for skype on linux. The Beta 2.0.x fixed that.
I'm using the 32bit client on my 64bit openSuSE 10.3 installation and it is working flawlessly. I would however like to see a native 64bit version in the future.
peter_praga | Saturday, Feb 9
Using SUSE 10.3 64bit version. Version 1.4.0.118 works fine. Original Beta 2.0 version failed to detect video and lost audio out after a few seconds. Had to revert to 1.4.0.118 and audio OK again. Just tried new Beta release 2.0.0.43. Video now works but same problems with audio, whether root user or any other user. Is this a 64 bit issue???
the.wilson2 | Sunday, Feb 10
Using SUSE 10.3 64bit version. Version 1.4.0.118 works fine. Original Beta 2.0 version failed to detect video and lost audio out after a few seconds. Had to revert to 1.4.0.118 and audio OK again. Just tried new Beta release 2.0.0.43. Video now works but same problems with audio, whether root user or any other user. Is this a 64 bit issue???
the.wilson2 | Sunday, Feb 10
Using SUSE 10.3 64bit version. Version 1.4.0.118 works fine. Original Beta 2.0 version failed to detect video and lost audio out after a few seconds. Had to revert to 1.4.0.118 and audio OK again. Just tried new Beta release 2.0.0.43. Video now works but same problems with audio, whether root user or any other user. Is this a 64 bit issue???
the.wilson2 | Sunday, Feb 10
come on guys: still no support for 64 bit OpenSuse ?!? this is just ridiculous
karl-johan-kleist | Wednesday, Feb 20
Thanks Skype Team!
Here it is working perfectly in my Suse 10.3.
johnston69 | Friday, Feb 22
Another vote for a 64 bit version.
radekrs | Monday, Feb 25
64 times PLEASE!!
We need a 64 bits version for Linux (Ubuntu, Redhat, whatever)
It is ridiculous that I now only can run skype in virtualbox Windows...
rolandbreedveld | Friday, Mar 14
This starts to look like a petition for a 64bit package !!
Com'on guys, we know you can ...
jan_aertsen | Thursday, Mar 27
I would also appreciate a 64bit version for linux
macav_sk | Thursday, Mar 27
One more vote for 64 bits, this makes absolutely no sense !
I have a clean hardy install on a machine and i won't be putting skype until they release a proper 64Bits deb. At some point, after so much time with nothing happening, we have to act.
If they lose customers they will start considering this.
piercleo | Saturday, Apr 5
thanks.
how soon you can get 64bit pls.
devvrath | Tuesday, Apr 8
Hey! I'm running 64-bits Ubuntu on a new Dell XPS M1330 machine, unfortunately I have to revert back to my old Mac when I have video chats with my clients due to the fact that I have all sorts of problems with sound when trying to run the 32 bit Skype client on my Dell.
So; please! Can you guys build a 64-bit linux version of your wondeful Skype client?
stigtsp | Wednesday, Apr 30