Skype for Linux

Skype has released a hotfix version of Skype 2.0 for Linux.

This version brings to you support for uPnP, which helps many persons behind NAT to achieve better Skype experience.

The new baby 2.0.0.68 fixes also two crash bugs which may have affected some of you unfortunately. To be specific:
* Skype crashed when user upgraded from 1.3 and had autologin enabled
* Skype crashed when user with enabled auto-sending video was added to conference call

Thanks for everyone for the great amount of feedback. We love to hear it and make things like you wish.
Keep it coming through forums or our issue tracker Jira.

Download and enjoy .

Today is the day. The Sputnik has taken off.

Skype 2.0 for Linux production release is here. Now Linux audience can see and believe.

Download it now and continue reading.

We thank every single person who has taken their time and effort to give us feedback on Skype for Linux. It has helped us tremendously to iron out glitches from the beta release. Thanks .

We are here to listen, you are welcomed to bring on all future comments, feature requests, feelings and issue reports to us. You can leave them on our forums or post issue reports in public issue tracker Jira.

Skype 2.0.0.63 for Linux is the Gold, it brings you following goodies:

* feature: Add call cost per minute to 1:1 SkypeOut calls.
* feature: Add UI detection of Slovak, Farsi (Persian) and Vietnamese language files.
* feature: Added privacy option to disable the sending of the number of contacts you have to your contacts.
* feature: Implement HashLinkURL to provide easy links to #12345 references in chats.
* feature: Shadows on user avatars on contact card.
* feature: Show an indicator when the user is on an embedded device such as a Skype phone.

* feature API: BTN_PRESSED/BTN_RELEASED are now implemented.
* feature API: SEARCH ACTIVECHATS is now implemented.

* bugfix: 1:1 chats should not have Leave Chat button.
* bugfix: Add a blinking window effect for some windows which are already open when we get a new chat message.
* bugfix: Add a workaround for a KWin issue preventing closed minimized chats from being reopened.
* bugfix: Add bubbles from mood message to avatars on contact card.
* bugfix: Add right-click context menu to chat window for copying text/links.
* bugfix: Avoid status text being truncated on status button in profile editor.
* bugfix: BTN_PRESSED YES should activate Call functionality regardless of double-click action.
* bugfix: Be sure the chat window doesn't reappear after we leave the chat.
* bugfix: Call Ringing sound shouldn't be audible during Do Not Disturb status mode.
* bugfix: Can't add a contact to a chat using drag and drop.
* bugfix: Change Call Hold/Resume button at the correct times (even when changing hold/resume during fullscreen video)
* bugfix: Change file transfer filename to saved filename if different from original filename in transfer window.
* bugfix: Compare chats in recent chats/etc menus correctly to check if they are unread.
* bugfix: Contacts shouldn't disappear when they're moved between columns when receiving contacts.
* bugfix: Copy URLs to both X selection and Clipboard, as users may want to middle-click the copied link into their browser.
* bugfix: Crash after 2 minutes of signing in if we are signed out at that time.
* bugfix: Crash after signing in with incorrect details after signing out.
* bugfix: Display video in full-screen at correct aspect ratio regardless of monitor dimensions.
* bugfix: Do not always put new chat windows at top left corner if no previous setting found, let window manager determine position.
* bugfix: Do not freeze when opening options dialog
* bugfix: Do not initialise /dev/video0 whenever we start a video call (could prevent video from working when video0 fails)
* bugfix: Do not instantly close Voicemail events when clicking the play button in new events panel.
* bugfix: Do not let Voicemail messages continue to play in the background after closing them.
* bugfix: Do not show authorisation options in context menu for events if we already authorised the user.
* bugfix: Do not unnecessarily init device twice when starting video (speeds up video init by 50%)
* bugfix: Downscaling for Myself View / Oversized Video on X11 (non-accelerated).
* bugfix: echo123 should be called Skype Test Call and should not have an 'Request Authorization' option.
* bugfix: Ending an incoming conference call should be allowed to redirect to Voicemail also.
* bugfix: Escape should close send contacts window before we attempt to send contacts.
* bugfix: Fix for chat being stuck in unread state in certain cases.
* bugfix: Fix for video output when not using XShm extension.
* bugfix: Fix locking up the client for up to 30 seconds randomly sometimes for heavy Skype users.
* bugfix: If main window is thinner than login window and right-aligned, it would move to the left after restart.
* bugfix: Incoming calls should be redirected to Voicemail if configured to do so and another call is active.
* bugfix: Make 'Invite selected contacts to conference call' option work in contact list multiple selections menu.
* bugfix: Make contact list even more responsive whilst loading historical calls.
* bugfix: Make login/startup much faster and cleaner.
* bugfix: Make missed event text for birthdays clearer.
* bugfix: Many bugfixes to video in call window to handle window updates during paused video calls.
* bugfix: Only move main window if we have a previously saved position.
* bugfix: Only play chat message sent sound for actual sent messages and emotive actions.
* bugfix: Properly remember unread chats as unread after a Skype restart.
* bugfix: Receive Contacts should close when Escape is pressed.
* bugfix: Remember 'Show Myself View' setting during the video call (when switching to fullscreen and back, etc).
* bugfix: Remember chat splitter arrangement per user for 1:1 chats.
* bugfix: Remember chat window position per user for 1:1 chats.
* bugfix: Remember show/hide chat member list setting per user for 1:1 chats.
* bugfix: Remove grey contact card background.
* bugfix: Reordered Voicemail Options dialog to keep individual Voicemail features independent.
* bugfix: Send Contacts should cancel and/or close when Escape is pressed.
* bugfix: Shortened SkypeIn and SkypeOut call error messages.
* bugfix: Shrink myself view so it scales better on Xv and properly on X11.
* bugfix: Starting a conference call with a MySpace contact would result in a single call being made to 'myspace'.
* bugfix: Stop window from moving lower and lower on each restart.
* bugfix: Update chat window area size correctly after clearing to avoid mystery scrollbar returning.
* bugfix: Video call window is out of shape if the contact has a really long name.
* bugfix API: SET CHATMESSAGE [id] SEEN should remove now-read chats from events panel.
* All localizations updated: Bulgarian - Nikolina Filipova and Nikolay Filipov, Simplified Chinese - Asus, Traditional Chinese - Asus, German - Claudius Henrichs, Estonian - Eve Loopere, French - Cédric Lamouche, Italian - Vincenzo Reale & Marco Cimmino, Japanese - Asus, Korean - Asus, Latvian- Intars Students, Lithuanian -Viktoras Kriukovas, Polish - Karol Szastok, Portuguese Portugal - Gustavo Adolfo Silva Ribeiro Felisberto, Brazilian Portuguese -Asus, Romanian - Peter Henning, Russian - Pavel Shevchuk, Spanish - Asus & Carlos Johnson, Thai - Asus, Turkish - Ömer Emin Dede

Today we have released a new production release of Skype for Linux 1.4 with a codename Panacea.

You maybe wondering why we have chosen a codename Panacea?

Because Panacea is a goddess of cures in Greek mythology, she was the daughter of Asclepius, god of medicine, and the granddaughter of Apollo, god of healing. You can read more about Panacea on Wikipedia.

Skype for Linux 1.4 delivers a superior voice call quality in comparison with previous production release of Skype for Linux 1.3.

It is highly recommended for everyone to upgrade to the latest version. Download it right now.

We thank everyone who has given their feedback to us on Skype for Linux 1.4 Alpha and Beta versions. It has helped us to find and squash many bugs and problems and in addition we have learned what you want us to do.

You are more than welcomed to continue asking features and leaving all comments to us on Skype for Linux as you are the ones who are using it and you know the best what you would like to see there. Read how to leave feedback.

New features of the Panacea are:

* feature: Command line switches, run "skype --help" for more details.
* feature: --resources= to set an alternative to /usr/share/skype for resources.
* feature: Add an option to Sound Devices to enable/disable automatic mixer adjustment.
* feature: Allow keyboard/keypad to be used to enter DTMF numbers in call window.
* feature: Clickable links in chat topics.
* feature: Tooltips for emoticons in the chat window.
* feature: Chat toolbar with Add People, Send File(s) to Chat, History and Leave Chat buttons.
* feature: Confirmation dialog for Leave Chat button.
* feature: Drag-and-drop files to chat input box to send files to chat.
* feature: Drag-and-drop files to individual contacts in chat or contact list to send files.
* feature: Drag-and-drop users from contact list into chat input box to send contacts.
* feature: Drag-and-drop users from contact list into chat memberlist to add to chat.
* feature: Dragging of contacts into other programs (text entry) will copy skype:.
* feature: File transfer menu.
* feature: API OPEN FILETRANSFER and OPEN USERINFO commands.
* feature: Auto-accept file transfers.
* feature: "Cleanup transfers" button.
* feature: Key 'F6' to bring main window focus instantly to Quickfilter.
* feature: Interface language choice in Options based on translation files available (restart required).
* feature: "New version available" dialog.

Continue reading "Skype for Linux 1.4 Gold, The Panacea" »

Today we have released a hotfix for Skype 1.4 for Linux Beta version.

This hotfix solves one critical problem found in previous release, namely Skype crashed on start-up for some people when they had automatic login enabled.

Download the new version right now and upgrade your Skype to latest.

Learn how to leave us feedback to us on Skype for Linux development page.

Today we have released an updated version of Skype 1.4 for Linux, after releasing the initial version in the middle of June, with codename "The Great Cucumber", now we have had a great leap forward from cucumbers to "Salad Sandwich".

This new release is only possible thanks to all of you, who have given their feedback and findings on the previous open beta build.

please keep up the good pace on sending us feedback so we can make Skype for Linux better and better.

You can leave us feedback through public issue tracker Jira or discuss about things in Skype forums or learn more about Skype for Linux in our development page.

The newly released build is 1.4.0.94 and it has following changes in comparison with previous one:

* feature: Start Minimized option now works when auto-login is enabled.
* feature: Improved performance of selection and animated emoticons in chat.
* feature: ALSA mic volume auto-adjustment.
* feature: /alertsoff, /alertson, /alertson [string] for less chat annoyance.
* feature: (flag:iso) icons.
* feature: Allow 'Enter' to open event history events.
* feature: Allow collapsing of contacts by clicking on blue title bar.
* feature: Auto-open event panel when new events come in.
* feature: Chat history loading screen.
* feature: Chat myself area.
* feature: Ctrl-E to switch between full events and contacts view.
* feature: Ctrl-F, F3, Shift-F3 in chat.
* feature: Ctrl-U to hide offline contacts.
* feature: Different new events notification in systray.
* feature: Enable some basic skype: and callto: functionality in chat.
* feature: Event type selection in Quickfilter
* feature: Flags in dialpad and profile editor.
* feature: Login/Db conversion progress bar.
* feature: New Dialpad
* feature: New New Event Event Tracking
* feature: Quickfilter in Event History
* feature: Receive Contacts.
* feature: Send Contacts.
* feature: Show SkypeOut number in contact card for SkypeOut contacts.
* feature: Special options screens for Voicemail and Call Forwarding if features are unavailable.
* feature: Support skype: element, ?userinfo to view user's profiles.
* feature: Undelivered message notifications.

Continue reading "Skype 1.4 Beta update for Linux" »

Today we have released Skype 1.4 for Linux beta version, codename The Great Cucumber.

The new beta version has better user experience and many new features in comparison with the previous alpha.

We would like to thank everyone for the feedback it has been real pleasure to get your input.

You are welcomed to continue leaving us issue reports in Jira and discuss about thins in forums or learn more about Skype for Linux in our development page.

This newborn has major update to audio you will find in it:

* Skype's own audio codec
* Skype improved conference mixer
* Skype Jitter Buffer and concealment
* Skype audio preprocessing components

We recommend for everyone to upgrade.

Continue reading "Skype 1.4 Beta for Linux" »

Today we have release update for Skype for Linux 1.4 Alpha version.

Alpha means that this version is still under development and only experienced users should try it out.

Check out my blog post about first Alpha release of Skype for Linux 1.4 to get to know of system requirements.

We would recommend for everyone who used previous Alpha build to update.

Skype for Linux 1.4 Alpha can be downloaded from following locations:

* Generic
* Static

In comparison with previous build this new release 1.4.0.64 has numerous new features implemented:

* feature: Create Account.
* feature: Call ordinary phones dialpad.
* feature: Graphic emoticons.
* feature: X11 public API transport.
* feature: DBUS public API transport.
* feature: Public API manager dialog in Options.
* feature: Mark All Viewed in new events list.
* feature: New dialpad and other graphics.
* feature: Technical Call Info tooltip.
* feature: Birthday reminders.
* cleanup: Add hover effect to Myself, Services and Events Area text buttons.
* cleanup: Add hover effect to Transfer text buttons.
* cleanup: Display (Alpha) or (Beta) tag in header and about box.
* cleanup: File Transfer cleanups.
* cleanup: Improved contact card look

Continue reading "Skype for Linux 1.4 Alpha update" »

Today, we have released Skype for Linux 1.4 Alpha, a test version which will give you a sneak-peek into how the next major release for Linux will function.

Alpha means that this version is still under development and only experienced users should try it out.

As we have already done with Windows and Mac we are opening things up a bit for you. So we have created a public issue tracker for Skype for Linux.

You can get more info on this release from our Linux blog.

Skype for Linux 1.4 can be downloaded from following locations:

* Generic
* Static

Continue reading "Skype for Linux 1.4 Alpha release" »