General

With Skype 3.8 for Windows beta we have made our own UPnP implementation which is no longer dependent on Microsoft UPnP framework.

UPnP is an industry-wide protocol designed for automatic device configuration. Its main purpose is to provide seamless “just works” experience when a new device is connected to network.

Most major consumer router vendors are using UPnP in their devices. Skype uses UPnP to configure the firewall for best possible call quality.

Since Skype version 3.0 Skype has relied on Microsoft UPnP Framework to configure devices. However there are a few concerns if UPnP Framework is used in conjuction with Internet Connection Sharing as described in Microsoft knowledge base article 886257. Due these issues Skype provided opt-in check box under advanced connection options.

Skype for Windows version 3.8 has new UPnP implementation which does not depend on Microsoft UPnP Framework anymore and hence issues outlined in Microsoft KB article do not apply anymore. Along with that change “Allow Skype to modify my firewall settings” checkbox has been removed. Since Skype for Windows version 3.8 the UPnP is enabled by default.

New UPnP implementation is already available on Skype 2.0.0.68 for Linux and will come to Mac users soon.

People who are concerned with overall UPnP security should disable UPnP on their firewall device. For assistance see your firewall manual.

Today we have release a new and improved version of Skype 3.5 for Windows.

We have fixed in this version some problems and thus we would suggest everyone to upgrade to the newly released build 3.5.0.239.

Changes are following:

• bugfix: Links with invalid % encodings were executed
• bugfix: Data execution protection may have crashed Skype
• bugfix: Pressing escape did not end call
• Security improvements to ensure it is no longer possible to shut down Skype from a web page

A big in front of everyone who has given their feedback to us on Skype products. We are always welcoming your thoughts and feeling on Skype software and products.

You can discuss different topic on our forums.or report us problems which you have encountered in our public issue tracker Jira.

Today we have made another big step forward to be with Skype for Mac client on the same feature set as we are with Windows.

We have released a initial beta version of Skype 2.7 for Mac Beta version, grab it straight from here. I will remind to you that this is a public beta release, which means that it is not yet fully ready for production use, as it may have some rough edges in.

This new open beta incorporates many amusing new features, like:

• Address Book contacts in contact list
• Auto redial
• Contact groups
• Public chat creation
• Transfer preferences
• Volume slider in call window
• Added Norwegian (Bokmål), Czech (Čeština) Localizations. Thanks to Kenneth Stevenson, Lukáš Vajda.

You can read more about the new features and numerous improvements on our Skype for Mac blog.

As always we encourage you to leave us feedback how our new and shiny version works for you, so we can give it a final polishing for prime usage.

You can report problems to us on our public public issue tracker Jira, read how to do it on our Skype for Mac developement page or discuss things on dedicated forum for Skype 2.7 for Mac Beta.

Continue reading "Skype 2.7 for Mac Beta release" »

Today we have released Skype 3.5 Beta for Windows. It includes many new features in comparison with Skype 3.2 for Windows.

This is a beta release which means that we are still working on it and that it is only recommended for experienced users to try out new bleeding edge features. Read more about meaning of beta release.

You can download the new beta version of Skype here.

As always we are more than happy when you will give us feedback about our product. You can do it on our forum for Skype 3.5 Beta for Windows or in our public issue tracker Jira, to learn more how to leave us feedback please visit our Skype for Windows development page.

The newly released version of Skype, 3.5.0.107, hosts following new features and changes in comparison with latest 3.2 release, in addition to those it has numerous bug fixes:

• feature: Auto redial
• feature: Call Transfer
• feature: Device Indicators
• feature: Edit chat messages
• feature: Message history loading granulated
• feature: Private Telephone Numbers
• feature: Send contacts inside chat
• feature: Visual indicators for Audio In / Audio Out in options
• feature: Show examples of notifications / alerts in options
• feature: Added Latvian localization - Intars Students
• feature: In-Client Hardware store button
• change: Extras Manager updated to version 1.2.0.261
• change: Options categories smoothly slide open and close when changed
• Updated language files: Arabic (Eriksen Translations Inc.), Bulgarian (Nikolina Filipova & Nikolay Filipov), Czech (Petr Silon), Danish (Eriksen Translations Inc), German (Claudius Henrichs & Dick Schiferli), Estonian (Eve Loopere), Greek (Panagiotis Sidiropoulos http://www.magenta.gr ),French (Fabrice IMPERIAL & Bruno Lépaulard), Italian (Daniele Conte), Japanese (Mayu Shimizu), Hungarian (Mark Bender & Laszlo Koncz & Gabor Stefanik),Latvian (Intars Students), Lithuanian (Viktoras Kriukovas), Norwegian (Stig Auestad), Dutch (Kees Koenders), Polish (Karol Szastok), Portuguese-Portugal (Francisco Ferreira, Portuguese-Brazil (Leslie Predrotti), Finnish (Heino Keränen), Swedish (Anders Olsson), Russian (Eriksen Translations Inc), Romanian (Péter Henning and Mónika Iancu), Turkish (Ömer Emin Dede)

In this post I’ll be describing what a beta version is and provide an overview of Skype’s public betas.

What is a public beta version of software?

A public beta (also called open beta) is the first version of commercial software that is released to the general public.

The purpose of a beta release is to get real life testing of the software. People testing the beta provide feedback and report any issues they come across. This information is fed back to the development teams who work on improvements before we release the final, full release of the software.

You can read more about beta releases and testing on Wikipedia.

Am I experienced enough to test a public beta version of Skype?

If you consider yourself to be an advanced computer user and you’re not afraid that some features may not work exactly as they are meant to, then yes, you are more than welcome to try out our new beta versions and send us your feedback.

How do I get a beta version?

Beta releases are promoted on our website www.skype.com. Please look at the site regularly and keep an eye out for new betas to test. You can then download the beta, start to test it and send us your feedback.

We’ll also contact you when a new beta has been released and send you the link to download it and get testing.

How do I give my feedback?

We have a number of ways to provide feedback to us:

• Skype Garage Here you’ll find links to our development pages and also information about some cool features that are currently at preview stage.
• Skype forums Forums are a great resource to discuss all things relating to a new beta release. You can also access the Skype Garage subsection from there. This has a forum for every preview release currently running.
• Issue tracker Jira Use this to report any issues with the beta. We also suggest you take a look at our issue reporting guide. You can even request new features that you’d like to see.

Hopefully, you’ll enjoy testing out Skype’s new top notch features and then sending us your feedback - it helps us to make Skype even better for you.

Today we have released hotfix for Skype for Mac 2.6.

This new build has some important problems addresses, so it is suggested for everyone to upgrade.

Newly released version is 2.6.0.140 and has following changes compared to previous one:

• bugfix: USB/Bluetooth Audio update
• bugfix: Localization fixes
• bugfix: renamed ‘Rename…’ to ‘Edit Contact…’ for SkypeOut contacts
• bugfix: fixed deleting header files from Skype framework
• bugfix: fixed crash after forced upgrade

Your feedback on our product is more than welcomed, you can leave it to us through Skype forums, report issues and ask for new features on our public issue tracker Jira, read how to use Jira on our Skype for Mac development page.

Today we have released hotfix for Skype for Windows.

Newly released build is 3.2.0.152 and it has following changes:

• change: Call forwarding setup banner
• change: Extras Manager updated to version 1.2.0.257
• bugfix: Error 2739 while installing Skype

Your feedback is always invaluable to us you can leave it on Skype forum or submit issue and feature requests on our public issue tracker Jira, learn how to do it from our Windows version development page.

Today we have released Skype for Mac 2.6 gold version.

I would like to thank everyone who has contributed during the beta period with leaving feedback and issue reports to us, you all have been a great help for us to improve Skype’s user experience even further for Mac users.

Thank you .

You are still more than welcomed to give feedback on our products. You can do it though Skype forums or our public issue tracker Jira, read how to use Jira on our Skype for Mac development page.

Just released build is 2.6.0.137 and it includes next changes in comparison with previous beta build:

• new feature: Manage API Clients window
• improvement: it is possible to edit the phone number of SkypeOut contacts
• improvement: added a yellow alert message to chat if notifications are turned off (alertsoff)
• improvement: after dialing a number by using the SkypeOut dialer the call window is not moved anymore
• improvement: contact list and history list filtering improved to better match names which include special characters (for example öüäßøæå)
• improvement: improved the way Skype Prime price quotes are shown during video calls
• improvement: it is possible to escape editing chat topic
• improvement: main window can be moved by dragging the bottom bar
• improvement: positioning of call windows on secondary monitors improved
• improvement: SkypeOut dialer window can be moved by dragging the bottom bar
• improvement: warning is displayed if Skype Credit is low

Continue reading "Skype for Mac 2.6 Gold" »

Today we have released new version of Skype for Windows 3.2 it includes some fixes in comparison with previous gold release.

Newly release version is 3.2.0.148 and it incorporate following changes:

• bugfix: Options has compatibility issues with screen readers
• bugfix: Upgrading from Skype did not work
• bugfix: No voice heard on some services

You can leave us feedback on our forum or submit issue and feature requests on our public issue tracker Jira, learn how to do it from our Windows version development page.

Today we have released new production version of Skype for Windows.

You can download it from here.

I would like to thank everyone who has given their feedback during beta period, it has helped us a lot on improving quality of the release .

You can still contribute on making Skype better and requesting new features to it. You can leave us feedback on our forum or submit issue and feature requests on our public issue tracker Jira, learn how to do it from our Windows version development page.

This newly released production version of Skype has following new features in comparison with previous version:

• Improved audio
• Call forwarding improvements
• MSI installer
• Send Money
• Account in Client
• Import Contacts from MSN Hotmail, Yahoo! and GMail added
• Multi-Device presence
• Myself Capture
• Call Quality feedback in client
• Voice Mail playback pauses Winamp
• “Save as” possibility in My Pictures
• API: New command OPEN LIVETAB

Continue reading "Skype for Windows 3.2 Gold" »

Today we have released new beta update for Skype for Windows 3.2 Beta version.

First before giving detailed info about new release I would like to thank everyone who have been giving us feedback , keep it coming towards us.

This newly released update includes call forwarding improvements and options overhaul as major changes to Skype client. In addition to those it hosts many bug fixes.

Unfortunately four known bugs have managed to slip into this release build:

• Options - some incoming calls from people who haven’t been authorized
• Options - Audio settings sliders and feedback indicators not working correctly
• Options - Advanced settings sometimes return to Basic settings next time you go into options
• Options - Start Skype when I start Windows doesn’t match with settings on Sign-In screen

Build released is 3.2.0.115 and it hosts following changes compared to previous release build 3.2.0.82:

• feature: Call forwarding improvements
• change: Options overhaul
• change: New offline warning banners for 1:1 chats
• change: New RichText based hint window
• bugfix: Calls between Skype 3.2 beta versions had during silence strange background noise
• bugfix: Myself capture buttons were misplaced
• bugfix: Call duration was showed wrongly for very long calls
• bugfix: Chat guidelines were messed up when using double quotes in them
• bugfix: Importing Gmail contacts for non-English Gmail failed sometimes
• bugfix: File size was not displayed before accepting File Transfer
• bugfix: Skype changed IE6 text size to medium automatically
• bugfix: Link in chat topic was not clickable sometimes
• change: updated language files

Like always you are more than welcomed in sharing your thoughts, comments and issues with us, you can do it through Skype for Windows 3.2 beta forum or file in issue in our issue tracker Jira, read in our Windows version development page how to do it.

Today we have release Skype for Mac 2.6 beta.

Newly released version includes many new features and even more impressive list of fixed bugs.

You can read more about these new features from our Mac blog

You are more than welcomed to give us feedback on your feelings and thoughts about this version. You can do it on our Skype for Mac 2.6 Beta forum or report issues in our issue tracker Jira, read how to do it on our Skype for Mac development page.

Released version is 2.6.0.72 and full release note are:

• new feature: Chat typing indicator
• new feature: Chat alert highlighting
• new feature: Call transfer
• new feature: Automatic Updates
• new feature: DTMF tones in Skype-to-Skype calls
• new feature: Public chat support (Join)
• new feature: Payments for Skype Prime premium services

Continue reading "Skype for Mac 2.6 beta release" »

It has been widely asked question lately, does Skype support Windows Vista or not?

Well to start with the official answer, then it is that Skype does not currently support Windows Vista as of version 3.2.

On the other hand in real life Skype works on Windows Vista pretty ok. It may have problems with audio and video calls on some configurations, mainly due to not mature enough drivers.

You are welcomed to try Skype on Windows Vista, but when doing it first please make sure that you have installed absolutely latest audio, video drivers and updated Windows Vista.

If you encounter problems when using Skype, then please report it to us, so we can solve those issues for you.

You can learn how to leave us issue reports on our Skype for Windows development page or create new thread in appreciate Skype forums.

Today we have released hotfixes for Skype 3.1 and 3.2 beta versions.

These fixes address many important issues in our latest versions and I would like to then everyone who has been helping us on getting them fixed .

Keep feedback coming. You can leave us feedback through our forums, on our Windows version development page or just comment this post.

Released versions with changes compared to previous version are:

3.2.0.63 Beta

• change: Extras Manager updated to version 1.1.0.246
• bugfix: Deleting history sometimes gave “List index out of bounds” error
• bugfix: Skype crashed on some occasions when deleting history
• budfix: Rich mood message formatting was lost on some occasions
• bugfix: File transfer was not resumed correctly sometimes
• bugfix: Skype crashed on some occasions when logging out right after login
• bugfix: Skype may have crashed when disabling Live Tab
• Updated language files for German, Italian, Polish, Romanian, Bulgarian, Czech, English, Estonian, Spanish, Hungarian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Turkish and Chinese-traditional.

3.1.0.152

• change: Extras Manager updated to version 1.1.0.246
• bugfix: Skype crashed when playing some wav files
• bugfix: Skype may have crashed when disabling Live Tab
• bugfix: Rich mood message formatting was lost on some occasions
• bugfix: Skype crashed on some occasions when logging out right after login
• bugfix: Receiving call from unknown number resulted false notification message
• bugfix: Skype crashed when changing chat picture on some cases
• bugfix: API ACL dialogue did not support Unicode characters

Today we have launched hotfix for Skype for Windows 3.1.

It includes some bug fixes compared to previous releases. It has also in two known issues in API:

• API: cannot set default video device
• API: app2app connection is not established if other party is not in your buddy list

Newly released build is 3.1.0.147 and it includes subsequent changes:

• bugfix: API: OPEN CHAT command was not working
• bugfix: My pictures gave wrong error message when broken picture was used
• bugfix: Adding a png image as a profile image caused repeated error message
• bugfix: High CPU and an error message with double-byte languages when creating public chat

You can download newly released build from here.

I would like to than everyone who has given their feedback during this week and helped us improving Skype .

You are more then welcomed to give us feedback on Skype forums or through Skype for Windows Development page.

Lets make Skype better together

Today we have released new version of Skype for Windows.

I would like to thank all who have given us feedback during beta period, which helped us to improve Skype for Windows 3.1 significantly.

Newly released client has many new features compared to 3.0. You can read more about them in our main blog and download it from here.

Note there are two known problem in this new release which affect people, who use some of our extras:

• Known Issue: API: command OPEN CHAT does not open chat window
• Known Issue: API: app2app connection is not established if other party is not in your buddy list

Build released is 3.1.0.144 and it had followign changes compared to previous one:

• bugfix: Cannot focus disabled window error when selecting “Create New Contact Group”
• bugfix: Japanese currency symbol was wrong in myself panel
• bugfix: PREMIUM CALLS: Drop down did not show last agreed fee when new request was rejected
• bugfix: PREMIUM CALLS: Request button was not disabled if charge started and only 1 service listed

Help us to further improve Skype for Windows! Visit our Skype for Windows development page and learn how to report problems and leave feedback.

Today we have released new updated version of Skype for Windows 3.1 beta.

Updated version includes one new feature “Skype Prime” and multiple bug fixes.

Newly released version is 3.1.0.134 and it has following changes:

• feature: Skype Prime
• change: Plugin Manager updated 1.1.0.237
• bugfix: SkypePM.exe may have shown a ‘DLL Initialization Failed’ error message on shutting down Windows.
• bugfix: SkypeFind: search for umlaut characters from tab did not work
• bugfix: SkypeIn call trayalert was wrong
• bugfix: Typing indicator: behaviour incorrect when typing was stopped
• bugfix: API: sometimes GROUPS gave wrong data about USERS and NROFUSERS

You can download it here and leave us feedback through Developer Zone.

Your feedback will help us to make Skype even better product!

Today we have released hotfix for Skype for Windows 3.0. Newly released version has some minor changes compared to previous one.

Released version is 3.0.0.217 and changes compared to previous build are:

• bugfix: API ACL form was misaligned on high dpi setting
• change: IE/FF Plugins updated

Note that this build incorporates two known issues:

• MSI installer gives warning message when upgrading from non-msi versions older than 3.0.0.210.
• Skype Extras Manager displays error messages on launching some of the plug-ins under Windows’ Limited User account

You can download updated version from here and leave us feedback trough Developer Zone or Skype forums.

Your feedback is invaluable to us!

Today we have released updated version of our product for Windows.

Released version is 3.0.0.216 and it contains following changes compared to previous version:

• bugfix: Sometimes changing avatar caused error “List index out of bounds”
• bugfix: API ACL form was misaligned on high dpi screens
• bugfix: API: BTN_RELEASED gave double signal

Be aware that there is still known problem with Extras Manager that it may display error message, when launching some extras under limited Windows user account.

Your feedback is invaluable to us. You can leave it to us through Developer Zone or Skype forums.

Today, 31st January, we have released Gold version of Mac 2.5.

It has one new feature and many improvements in addition to multiply bugfixes. Everyone is suggested to update their clients.

You can read more about new features and improvements on our main blog and download it from here.

Version released is 2.5.0.85, it has following changes compared to previous version:

• new feature: birthday notifications
• improvement: new Video codec
• improvement: updated Localizations
• improvement: added voicemail expiry date into MySkype area
• improvement: added “Send SMS” to the context menu of history list

Continue reading "Skype for Mac 2.5 Gold" »

Today, 31st January, we have released update to Skype for Windows 3.0. Build number for this release is 3.0.0.214.

This version has one known problem please be aware of it before updating:

• Skype Extras Manager displays error messages on launching some of the plug-ins under Windows’ Limited User account.

Other changes are:

• bugfix: SkypePM.exe crashes on first start after installation
• bugfix: Russian language display problems in updater
• bugfix: Groups panel stayed open when user was changed
• bugfix: Contact list focus was lost when using some toolbar buttons

You can download updated version from here and leave us feedback trough Developer Zone or Skype forums.

Today, 24th January 2007, we have release new hotfix for Skype for Windows 3.0.

Release notes for this build are:

• bugfix: Cannot send SMS from contact menu in Chat window
• bugfix: Updated Internet Explorer and Firefox plugins
• bugfix: ActiveX objects cannot be created in eBay tab
• bugfix: SkypeCheck did not work on clean 3.0 install

It is always recommended to update to latest version.

You can download updated version from here and leave us feedback trough Developer Zone or Skype forums.

Today we have released hotfix update to Skype for Windows 3.0.

It’s recommended to update your Skype client to latest version.

Released version, 3.0.0.205, has following changes compared to previous:

• bugfix: ‘Add SkypeOut Contact’ opens wrong dialogue
• bugfix: API: FOCUSED notifications missing
• bugfix: Hotkeys did not work correctly
• bugfix: Upgrade from client crashed on some rare cases
• bugfix: Skypecasts host is always shown as connected
• bugfix: Skypecasts incorrect number of participants showed
• bugfix: Skypecasts buttons are out of align for host
• bugfix: Rare error when joining conf call and 1:1 call simultaneously
• bugfix: Closing chat with non-authorized contact results an error message
• bugfix: Cancelling file transfer causes crash
• bugfix: File Transfer notification not formatted correctly
• bugfix: Sound Setting Widget: Mic indicator shouldn’t move, if microphone is muted
• bugfix: Sound Setting Widget layout design is messed up due to resize under Vista
• bugfix: Update Extras Manager menus to remove 2nd line of text
• bugfix: Issue in Finnish and Hungarian language files caused an error message when adding a friend

You can download updated version from here and learn how to leave us feedback through Developer Zone.

Today we have released hotfix for Skype 3.0 on Windows.

It includes some important fixes compared to previous version and it is recommended to update your Skype client.

Version released is 3.0.0.198 and it includes following changes:

• change: API: re-allowed app2app incoming connections from non-authorized buddies
• bugfix: e-mail validation pattern did not allow numbers before @ sign
• bugfix: Skype crashed on SMS number verification
• bugfix: Skype may crash on rare cases after ending video call
• bugfix: API: setting call forwarding did not work

You can download updated version from here and learn how to leave us feedback through Developer Zone.

Hi,

and welcome to Skype Garage.

The Garage is a place where we tinker around with fun stuff, independent of our other work. There’s a lot happening at Skype and many interesting, useful or fun things get produced that don’t end up in any of the Skype “products” as you know them. The Garage is a place for us to organize such work and for you to join the ride with trying things out and giving us back your comments.

What’s with the name? Sometimes you see this kind of thing called Labs or Research. We don’t call it Labs because it makes it sound like you have to be a rocket scientist and wear a white coat to go to the Lab where you then do experiments on mice. But anyone can work in the Garage and get his hands dirty with that next big block engine.

Continue reading "Welcome to Skype Garage" »