Skype 4.1 Gold for Windows

By Raul on June 30, 2009 in Skype for Windows.

We're pleased to announce the new Skype 4.1 for Windows production version.

This new version of Skype brings you screen sharing, accessibility, and birthday reminders together with the ability to send contacts. It also highlights Skype names on web pages for you, allowing you to click the name and start a call. In addition to these new features a number of improvements have been made which you can read about on my 4.1 beta announcement, or on our main blog post.

Start downloading it right now.

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to feed back their thoughts and issues when using Skype 4.1 Beta for windows. Many of these issues have now been fixed in the gold version.

We're always happy to hear your feedback, so please let us know if anything doesn't seem to be working as it should. This is easily done through discussing matters on Skype forums or by leaving comments on this blog.
If you are a technical user then please take a few minutes to report issues on our public issues tracker.

With the gold release of Skype 4.1 for Windows we have fixed lots of issues, especially ones relating to webcam detection, quoting links in an instant message and invisible cursor after switching windows when using Skype in compact view.

The main changes from 4.1 Beta for Windows to the gold version, 4.1.0.136, by category are:

Calling

* Call status was sometimes displayed as "Ringing" after the call had started.
* Error message sometimes appeared when selecting the "Learn about Call Quality" link from the Call toolbar.
* Users were unable to call a contact again after rejecting the same contact from a previous conference call.
* No sound was heard when connecting a second USB device, even when it was selected as the default option.
* Skype automatically adjusted user's microphone levels during a call even when they had disabled this option.
* Skype did not warn users when they tried to answer a call without any active audio devices being available.
* Auto-answer of incoming calls failed after multiple calls in quick succession
* Dialpad is now visible when starting a call rather than when a call is connected.

Instant messaging

* Users were not notified when a file had been sent in a group IM conversation.
* When copying and pasting a web address (URL) links within the same instant messages, the URL appears as a blank line.
* When copying a large amount of text, (approximately 20 lines) from the same IM, and pasting it to the text input field, users no longer had the ability to scroll or edit that particular text
* Users were unable to copy and paste from an SMS message.
* The copy/paste menu did not appear when right clicking in the IM input field area
* Dragging and dropping quoted text to the chat text box caused Skype to crash for some users.
* No message displayed when two users were calling at the same time, only the end call button was displayed.

Contacts

* Users were not re-displayed in the contact list after they had been unblocked.
* After renaming a contact, the name would revert back to its original name following a restart.
* Some users were unable to drag and drop a contact to a group conversation.
* It was not always clear that MySpace contacts had been found during contact search.
* Quick filter results were displayed incorrectly after previously selecting two contacts at the same time.
* Echo 123 was sometimes not available for newly created accounts.
* Blocking users was ineffective in some cases.
* No tooltips were visible for participants in a group conversation.
* Unable to edit a SkypeOut contact's phone number more than once.
* Contact categories were ordered differently from the contact list.

History

* Links to previous IM's within an existing chat (Yesterday, Last 7 days, etc) did not show in some scenarios
* SMS
* When an SMS was sent to a SkypeOut contact whose profile contained multiple phone numbers, the SMS would always go to the first number even if the user had selected an alternate phone number tab.
* Formatting of "quoted text" was displayed incorrectly.
* Users were unable to copy / paste from SMS messages.

Audio/Video

* Skype detected a Creative Live webcam even though the device was not connected.
* A "New Audio Device" Communicator message appeared on every start up for some users
* Nothing happened when clicking the "remove" button to delete multiple devices from Audio Settings drop down menu.
* Only one USB device was visible in the drop down menu when more than one was available.
* When receiving video calls from a Skype for Mac user, the Windows user saw an "On Hold" graphic when the incoming video was stopped.
* Some users were unable to undock from a docking station when a webcam was in use.
* The "Video Call" option was incorrectly made available when users made a SkypeOut call.
* Video was still displayed when user turned off video while a call was on hold.
* Video snapshot images appeared black when saved.
* Fixes for a small number of webcams that were not detected.
* Video did not start, if Skype was running on a secondary screen.
* When two identical USB audio devices were plugged in, only one device is displayed in the list in Tools > Options > Audio Settings > Advanced.
* Compact / Default view switching
* When switching from Compact View to Default View the display position was incorrect.

Accessibility

* Voicemail and File Transfer are now accessible via keyboard navigation.

Miscellaneous

* Fix for "Disk I/O error". If user still experiences this ensure that the appdata/skype/username directory is not read-only, if this does not resolve the issue please contact Customer Support.
* Emoticons were still displayed even when this option was disabled.
* Skype crashed on Windows Server 2008 R2.
* Error message: "Unterminated entry" sometimes displayed when starting Skype.
* Users on the "LITE" version of Skype will be displayed as "Unknown" in Conference calls.

View blog reactions

Comments

will not update goes back to version 4.0.0.227
i had version 4.0.1.130
there was a warning that i had a later version than update

I have the same problem as jaygeex.

4.1 is NOT at http://www.skype.com/go/getskype. It is 4.0.xxx.

Don't waste your time downloading it.

I downloaded the new Skype from www.skype.com/go/getskype-full and tested it, finding a bug already:
When I tried to define a keyboard shortcut to mute my microphone, it seemed to work until I pressed either space or enter on the ok button. When I did that, the shortcut was not confirmed, so I tried it with the mouse functions of Jaws for Windows, and the mouse clicks, leaving the shortcut. So, via keyboard, Skype still needs a little more working on, specially for people who use the keyboard but not screen readers, or even use a worse reader than Jaws for Windows since it is a paid program, and NVDA isn't.

Thanks,
André.

Hi,
I have been using Skype for many years for working and pleasure.
I was very satisfied but when I updated to 4.X version.Unfortunately, It was worse then before. The interface was badly done it looks very cheap (So amateur). In one world it's not ERGONOMIC. Please don't do like GM And Remember You are making programs for people.
Thank you.
P.S.
Please,Remember new features and improvements it's good but you have to keep to same level of quality.

4.1 Gold (4.1.0.136)down-loaded fine to my Vista Desktop, but my XP laptop had same problem as above posters - warned I was down-loading earlier version (Had 4.1.0.130 Beta installed) and it down-loaded 4.0.0.227 instead), EVEN THOUGH DOWN-LOADED FROM SAME SITE (the link in the Raul Liive posting)

It s still impossible to download and install the new version.
Once the setup file is downloaded, I got the message that it cannot access the server to get the files, and ask me to cancel or download.
When I click download, I have a file with no extension.

Quite a lousy introduction of the new version...

I've also experienced the aforementioned problem with WinXP.

Since using 4.0 and 4.1 I have had the worst I getting called parties to hear my voice. I have changed mics.... not a help.... This has been a real pain...as I call and they can't hear me.... even went so far as to join up and buy a number... still when they call me... can't hear me.... three mics, three downloads... many restarts.. no mute buttons and they still can't hear me...

I have the dreaded issue (build 136) of crashing when trying to set the Logitech video camera because it detects an Asus camera.

I think I have a simple succesful work-around by disabling Asus Virtual Video Capture Device in device manager

RE: 4.1.0.136 Can't find IE 8 Skype Add On to highlight phone numbers in a page. I tried to reinstall Skype but couldn't. Received same message as Victor:

It's still impossible to download and install the new version. Once the setup file is downloaded, I got the message that it cannot access the server to get the files, and ask me to cancel or download. When I click download, I have a file with no extension.

victor_dasilva_fr | Friday, Jul 3

Screen sharing worked well, but one contact has now disappeard from my list. He can call me, but I can not reenter him into my contacts. Message says he has not accepted my invitation, but he has. Great product, minor issues. Would appreciate more than 5 audio users.

Thanks, ChuckFrenchNH usa

I am using Version 4.0 and have tried to update to version 4.1. Every time I get a "install failed Code 1603". Does anyone know what this means!

Thanks to jrimmer I now have a working camera again after downloading gold. Shouldn't have to disable a device that wasn't causing a problem before though.

But if I start Skypemate, Skpe crashes. Why did I update? because 4.0 was forgetting settings and crashing after a long call (memory leak?). Love the product but starting to loath all things v4

Thanks to jrimmer I now have a working camera again after downloading gold. Shouldn't have to disable a device that wasn't causing a problem before though.

But if I start Skypemate, Skype crashes. Why did I update? because 4.0 was forgetting settings and crashing after a long call (memory leak?). Love the product but starting to loath all things v4

I am very distressed with this. I recently updated and I now cannot seem to figure out how to get my size settings back

I need the fonts bigger - please tell me how to do that !!
Thank you

I'm old. Don't know what I'm doing. Been scammed online before so I'm leary. Just got a Skype Scan Alert saying that I have a virus. Directs me to access a link where I suppose, I'll have to pay for some kind of fix. Is this a legitimate alert? Again, please be gentle. I'm really old. I'm not even sure where to look to find your response.

When will the latest Skype include Speed Dial? It's very disappointing that a production version of Skype has been released without it as it's required by most USB phones.

Had to revert to version 3.xx to regain this essential function.

10 days and no responses from Raul. As far as I can tell, Skype is not listening to the users who are telling them that the new interface sucks. They are mainly just circling the wagons and defending their poor interface decisions. It seems it's become more about being right than about turning out a great product and being brave enough to admit mistakes.

i've been using skype now for almost 1 year. but now im having problems with skype 4.1.0.136 when someone calls me i get an error saying

SKYPE STOPPED WORKING

what can be the possible problem?
i have windows vista

I just downloaded Version 4.1.0.136 and have noticed that the functionality of recognizing Skype users with Gmail now slows down Gmail to a snails pace. I wish I had never downloaded the new version as it now slows down a program that I use every day (Gmail) and upgraded a program I use 1-2 times a day (Skype).

PLEASE FIX THIS BUG!

The good thing about Skype not listening to customers is that at least they don't care if people still use +18003733411 to make free calls around the world and by doing this, spending less on Skype credits if you don't need to talk too much... The worse Skype gets, more people will do this to use the program against itself!

Hmm, ya i've been a skype user for a year and a half.

I only got 3 complaints with the new version.

-1. When you add a new contact, they never get the contact request, and their skype symbol never shows them online.

-2. I've tried to find how to make a public chat, and i can't find a single thing.

-3. and in the public chats I'm in, you can;t see who the Creators, or the hosts are anymore.

anybody know how to help with these probelms?

Skype 4.1.0.136 doesn't remember my 'Audio Setting'. After each restart I have to select my prefered mic and speakers. I also tried 'Advanced Options' with no luck. Any help?
Thanks
nozyczek

I all of you. My laptop is a sony vaio Z21 with windows vista busines. When I try to use a webcam in skype 4.1, the program give me an error and it closed imediatly. The problem is in the definition of the video calls. I'm not able to change the webcam because this option is not avilable.

Do you have any sugestion?

Rafael

I have Soprano DX, Windows Vista Black Edition 2009 SP1 and ASUS nVidia GeForce 9800 GTX. I have same problem as Rafael. I udpate 4.0 on 4.1 and program stops working when I try video.

I definitely mis the public that, i alwase injoined the public that make allot new friend but this is know not posseble anymore, can the thinker of the new skype 4.1 tell me why this is not posseble anymore?

I use my laptop at work and at home connect back to work via a VPN connection. Skype is set to run at startup and everytime I disconnect from the VPN Skype crashes. I'm using 4.1.0.166

Hi,

I downloaded the latest version of skype and after the installation i am able to voice chat but cannot video chat. i can see the other person in my video but the moment i accept the video chat invite skype crashes. i tried to change the video settings in skype but the moment i go to video settings thru tools > options and select video skype stops responding and with in a few seconds it closes with out any error message except for the windows message "Skype has stopped working". tried to uninstall and reinstll skype but no change, checked the video card settings and its working fine in other programmes like google chat, MSN etc. The laptop is quite new and has the latest device drivers. I cannot find any solutions for the problem on your website or else were. please help.

Kind Regards...
Manablues

I can't find status "Skype Me" on skype version 4.1.0.166.. why there's no "skype me" status on this version??

> Skype is not listening to the users who are telling them that the new interface sucks.

I hate the auto quote function under the copy and paste function (Ctrl-V) in chat mode
I know there is function Paste as Text (Ctri-Shirt-V) but it's make it lot of inconvenience when I used (Ctrl-V) to paste for 20 years

Skype should change it back to stanard ASAP.

Hi folks!

I too have a problem when using SkypeMate 4.0.122 with this new version of Skype. As soon as you run up SkypeMate, Skype greys out with a VB type MessageBox "A programme has caused Skype to stop working". My OS is Vista Ultimate. Don't know if this helps but:

Product
Skype

Problem
Stopped working

Date
11/11/2009 14:44

Status
Report Sent

Problem signature
Problem Event Name: APPCRASH
Application Name: Skype.exe
Application Version: 4.1.0.179
Application Timestamp: 4acf0be1
Fault Module Name: SkypeMate.dll
Fault Module Version: 4.0.0.122
Fault Module Timestamp: 49a61123
Exception Code: c0000005
Exception Offset: 0004d5c5
OS Version: 6.0.6002.2.2.0.256.1
Locale ID: 2057
Additional Information 1: 8e48
Additional Information 2: a69530e01b20a4e1263f2d7aa0d70c6e
Additional Information 3: 2c63
Additional Information 4: 4a81d3a4913bc252bcb91f569058d598

Extra information about the problem
Bucket ID: 1503746733

Apologies if it's too much info!

Does anybody else experience constant dropping of calls, which can even lead to crashes with the new skype?

My connection might not be one of the best in the world, but it is over the modem requirements that skype needs. I get to talk in relatively good quality for about 2-5 minutes then the quality worsens and eventually skype simply decides to drop my call after about another 1-2 minutes. This is with and without the video.

Sometimes it even leads to a complete crash of skype and can only be fixed through a restart of the computer.

There is definitely nothing wrong with the headset and webcam since they are skype certified.

Does anybody have an answer other than that I need a faster internet connection?

Skype 4 is a major step backwards in terms of usabilty and screen usage. I, too, hate it and have had to download older versions of skype (3.8) from the interweb to install on my newer computers.

Ever since upgrading I have been unable to copy and paste into the Instant Messaging UI.
since we used this application to share data and a lot of this data is links, typos would be unacceptable.
Anyone else having this issue?

any one her know if there is SkypeMate for Windows 7? to download?