Skype for Windows beta

I'm happy to announce to you that today we are delivering to you a second flavor of Skype 4.x series - Skype 4.1 for Windows.

This is currently a beta release which means that it might sometimes not follow your orders, but instead act on it's own. In case this happens, please let us know by commenting on this blog, posting on the forum or reporting issues on our public issue tracker.

If you were not scared by the warning then start the download and continue reading about what you will find in this release. Read also our main blog post.

Skype 4.1 Beta for Windows brings to you long hours of work from our audio and video team. They have introduced screen sharing functionality into Skype for Windows and in addition to that they have also worked hard on audio and video quality and reliability.

When coming back from the audio and video world to other areas then we have brought back some features which did not make it into Skype 4.0. People who use screen readers will notice that we support accessibility correctly in this version. In case you are using JAWS screen reader then you might want to take a look on our accessibility consultants JAWS scripts page for Skype.

As a small extra you will also notice that you can now send contacts and receive birthday reminders for your contacts again.

We have also updated our Internet Explorer and Firefox plugins which now recognize your Skype contacts mentioned on web pages and highlight phone numbers which you can call for free.

In case you are new to Skype or would like to import contacts from different services you will find an improved contacts importing engine, which helps you to import contacts from wide variety of web services, including Gmail, Windows Live hotmail, Yahoo and many local services.

Before ending my post I'd like to give a very big to our volunteer translators and closed beta testers group who have helped us considerably in making this release come true.

As usual in addition to the hard work on implementing new features we have taken time to solve some of the previously found issues. Here you have the full release notes for the 4.1.0.130:

* feature: Screen sharing
* feature: Accessibility
* feature: Skype name highlighting on webpages
* feature: Free call phone number highlighting on webpages
* feature: Contacts sending
* feature: Birthday reminders
* improvement: Audio and Video engine updated
* improvement: Ability to import more contacts from more source
* improvement: Updated Skype for Internet Explorer plugin
* improvement: Updated Skype for Firefox plugin
* bugfix: Skype Internet Explorer plugin did not work with Internet Explorer 8 on Windows 7
* bugfix: New Audio device communicator message appeared on every start-up
* bugfix: Dialpad did not open when starting a call, but opened when call was connected
* bugfix: Some menu items in Hebrew and Arabic language showed out as ????
* bugfix: Skype crashed on shutdown sometimes
* bugfix: GDI+ error was displayed when running Skype on Windows 7
* bugfix: Not all audio devices were shown out under audio options
* bugfix: When copying longer text message from one Instant Message to another then you did not have possibility to edit it's controls
* bugfix: Skype crashed when dragging and dropping quoted chat messages
* bugfix: Quick-filtering sometimes highlighted contacts incorrectly
* bugfix: Profile text was cut off when person has emoticon on their 'about me' text
* bugfix: A user was unable to edit contacts phone number more than once
* bugfix: Skype showed that webcam is present, but busy when it was disconnected for some Creative webcams
* bugfix: It was not possible to remove duplicate entries from audio devices list
* bugfix: On client upgrade "View technical release notes for this update" link did not work.
* All language localizations updated: Bulgarian - Nikolina Filipova & Nikolay Filipov, Czech - Petr Silon, Dutch - Kees Koenders, Estonian - Viljar Sepp & Eve Loopere, Greek - Panagiotis Sidiropoulos http://www.magenta.gr, French - Fabrice IMPERIAL & Bruno Lépaulard, German - Claudius Henrichs & Dick Schiferli, Hungarian - Mark Bender & Laszlo Koncz & Gabor Stefanik, Italian - Daniele Conte, Latvian - Intars Students, Lithuanian - Viktoras Kriukovas, Norwegian - Stig Auestad, Polish - Karol Szastok, Portuguese-Portugal - Francisco Ferreira, Romanian - Péter Henning and Mónika Iancu, Simplified Chinese - Della Wang (TOM.com), Traditional Chinese - Carlos Lee (PChome), Turkish - Ömer Emin Dede

Today we are ready to ship to you an updated version of Skype 4.0 Beta 3 for Windows.

With this update we have included some features from Skype 3.8 for Windows which have not yet been part of the 4.0 series. In addition we have added an option to disable uPnp and Nat-PMP port mapping, because some of our users were asking for it.

That's not all. Starting from this version we've included the new Super Wideband Audio codec. This is our second in-house built audio codec especially designed for calls over the internet with superb quality. The Super Wideband Audio codec will help you most on lousy network conditions and when you have lower bandwidth available, although it also improves quality in normal conditions too.

We recommend that everyone who is already using 4.0 beta versions to upgrade to this build and welcome everyone else to try out this new version.

You can download the 4.0 beta 3 hotfix from here. Please keep in mind that it is still a beta version which might have some mysteries hidden under the surface.

Please let us know if you happen to be the lucky finder of any hidden mysteries . You can inform us about problems in our public issue tracker. You are also welcomed to discuss things on Skype Community or just leave us a note on our feedback page.

Full release notes for the 4.0.0.181 are:

 * feature: Super Wideband Audio codec
 * feature: MySpaceIM with Skype (functionality carried over from 3.8)
 * feature: Option to disable uPnP and Nat-PMP
 * feature: eBay browser highlighter bundled
 * feature: Added Philips SPC 1330 NC as High Quality Video camera
 * improvement: Instant Messaging layout improved 
 * bugfix: History did not show all entries
 * bugfix: Outlook contacts were not always displayed correctly
 * bugfix: Resize area was missing from Shop panel
 * bugfix: Chrome could not be switched off in some scenarios
 * bugfix: Skype Call and SMS URI did not focus Skype
 * bugfix: Changing language settings on sign-in screen did not always update language
 * bugfix: Links in form of username:password@something were not clickable
 * bugfix: Crash in Vista, when last audio device was removed during a call
 * bugfix: Quickfilter took focus while writing an instant message
 * bugfix: Incorrect tooltip displayed when a call was put on hold
 * bugfix: After switching Custom Chrome off through menus no visual style was selected in options
 * bugfix: 'Add to contacts' right-click menu missing for Outlook contacts
 * bugfix: Close menu did not work in Compact mode conversation window
 * bugfix: Recently closed conversations menu did not truncate long conversation names
 * bugfix: Wrong file transfer status was shown after other side cancelled sending file
 * bugfix: US Number +15416 was shown as Canadian
 * bugfix: Emoticons were not shown in profile area
 * bugfix: Emoticons were not shown when exchanging contact details
 * bugfix: Conference call sometimes continued ringing after answering
 * bugfix: Checkbox to show online users count was missing from Tools > Options
 * bugfix: Conversations were not consumed when user was blocked
 * bugfix: Video error message was not displayed when webcam was in use by another application
 * All language localizations updated

Two weeks ago we released Skype 4.0 Beta 2 for Windows. Now I'm pleased to say that we have improved it a bit. We have taken some time to iron out the bugs which you have been reporting to us over that time.

Get the new beta build with fixes. Bear in mind that Skype 4.0 for Windows is still a beta version which means that it might catch a cold sometimes.

If it behaves a bit oddly then please let us know about it by reporting issues in our public issue tracker Jira or discussing things on our forums. In case you feel you would just drop a word to us about in general then we would be more than happy to read it through our survey.

List of changes for 4.0.0.168 is:

 * change: Extras Manager updated to version 2.0.0.63
 * bugfix: "List index out of bounds" error was displayed on call phones dialogue when pressing enter without entering anything
 * bugfix: At times, video privacy message was not shown
 * bugfix: Call privacy options for Online Numbers were sometimes lost
 * bugfix: Profile pictures management did not work
 * bugfix: Take Video snapshot button was active even if there were no webcam present
 * bugfix: It was impossible to remove second USB device from audio devices list
 * bugfix: "Add contact" button was enabled even if nothing was entered into search box
 * bugfix: Opening Skype from system tray did not turn off silent mode
 * bugfix: French localization to Megabyte was incorrect
 * bugfix: Call Phones tab default focus was not on phone number field
 * bugfix: Voicemail was shown as MT67 in inbox
 * bugfix: After being added to Group IM some messages were not shown instantly
 * bugfix: SMS sent to user by other Skype contact was shown as MT64
 * bugfix: Menu Skype > Close did not work
 * bugfix: Choosing an IM emoticon window did not close when closing the main window
 * bugfix: Pressing "Esc" did not cancel editing conversation topic
 * bugfix: Skype did not stick to screen corners
 * bugfix: Logout did not work correctly
 * bugfix: "Show in folder" button did not work
 * bugfix: SkypeOut call to number not in contact list did not take focus correctly
 * bugfix: Getting Started Wizard had outdated screen shot
 * bugfix: Video was automatically received even if "Automatically receive video from" option was set to "no one".

Have you downloaded it already? It's still hot.

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!

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 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 are proud to present the beta version of Skype 3.8 for Windows. This new version brings to you mainly quality improvements and slightly reduced installer size.

This is beta software, which means that we are still working on it. So it may not always behave as it should.

Download and try it out.

In case you see anything which is not behaving as you'd expect then please let us know in the forum for Skype 3.8 beta or report an issue in our public issue tracker Jira.

We are very thankful for all kinds of feedback.

Major changes in this version are new implementation of UPnP, improved audio engine and the new Extras Manager. In addition to these new things we have fixed numerous video-related bugs.

Read more about our new independent UPnP implementation here.

There is also one known issue in this beta version: you cannot send voicemail to people who have not authorized you. We are working on fixing this in time for the public version.

Full list of changes for 3.8.0.96:

* known issue: Sending Voicemail to not authorized user fails
* feature: New UPnP implementation
* feature: Extras Manager 2.0
* feature: Profile picture hidden by default on authorization request
* Improvement: Audio call quality
* Improvement: Internet Explorer add-on updated
* Improvement: Firefox add-on updated
* Improvement: Skype4COM updated
* change: Default video resolution for Pentium 3 and slower computers is 160x120 pixels
* bugfix privacy leak: Moodmessage and online status exposure to web browser via internal interface
* bugfix: Rarely contacts were lost after upgrade
* bugfix: Public chat links did not work on Vista
* bugfix: My video was froze on video call for some users
* bugfix: Call went to Voicemail even if not selected it in options
* bugfix: Sometimes video was black for receiver
* bugfix: Sometimes video preview was frozen
* bugfix: High Quality Video was not possible with Core2Duo E8200 CPU
* bugfix: Users who have not logged in for long time were not found with search
* bugfix: Skype sometimes crashed during file transfer
* bugfix API: It was not possible to forward call if username had a comma in it

Today Skype has released a updated version of Skype 3.6 beta for Windows.

First of all we would like to thank everyone who has given their feedback to us on the initial beta version of Skype 3.6, keep up the feedback, as it helps us to make Skype even better for you.

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

You can download the new version from right here.

The updated beta release, 3.6.0.159, incorporates two new features in connection with recently announced co-operation with MySpace:

* Linking MySpace profile in Skype
* Display MySpace avatar in Skype

In addition to those two new features we have also made some bug fixes and improvements to Skype, they are:

* Improvement: Improved audio quality on low speed internet connections
* Improvement: Improved presence
* change: Computers with Dual Core CPU's will send 640x480 by default on video call.
* bugfix: Audio settings not displayed correctly
* bugfix: Microphone level adjustments made during the call were not remembered for next calls
* bugfix: Full screen video windows was movable
* bugfix: Skype crashed when user enabled and disabled video many times in short timeframe

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

Skype 3.6 for Windows is currently in a open beta state which means that we are still working on it to make it ready for production level use and nail down possible rough edges.

This new release is all about video, it introduced new quality standard for video calls, you can now make video calls with resolution of 640x480 and up to 30 frames per second.

To make such high quality video calls you need to have following configuration:

* A computer with dual core processor
* A Logitech High Quality webcam, with latest webcam software from Logitech
* Sufficient bandwidth (we recommend upload bandwidth 380kb/s and above)

See more info in FAQ's.

Download it right now.

We would like to encourage you all to give us a feedback how your video calls are going and how Skype 3.6 Beta for Windows generally is behaving, so we can make it better for all of you.

You can leave us feedback on Skype forums and report issues with Skype on our public issue tracker Jira.

Continue reading "Skype 3.6 for Windows Beta, High Quality Video" »

We have just released an updated version of Skype 3.5 Beta for Windows. This update introduces some new improvements and bugfixes.

If you are experienced user and you are not afraid of some possible problems, then you are more than welcomed to try it out and leave us your feedback on it so we can make Skype even better for you.

You can download the updated beta version of Skype here and leave us feedback through Skype 3.5 Beta forum in our public issue tracker Jira, to learn more how to leave us feedback please visit our Skype for Windows development page.

Continue reading "Skype 3.5 Beta for Windows update" »

We have just released a updated version of Skype 3.5 Beta for Windows. This update introduces some new cool features.

If you are experienced user and you are not afraid of some possible problems then you are more than welcomed to try it out and leave us your feedback on it so we can make Skype even better for you.

You can download the updated beta version of Skype here and leave us feedback through Skype 3.5 Beta forum in our public issue tracker Jira, to learn more how to leave us feedback please visit our Skype for Windows development page.

The new release accommodates following new features:

* Add video to mood and chat message
* Video snapshot
* What's New Guide
* Support for Firewire Digital cameras

Continue reading "Skype 3.5 Beta for Windows update" »

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)

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 released beta update to Skype for Windows 3.2.

It solves numerous issues found in previous beta version and thus it is recommended to update your client.

In addition to bug fixes it has also improved video user interface and and installer is now based on MSI.

Unfortunately this build has one known issue in audio calls between Skype 3.2 beta users, during the time when there are not talk in the call, there will be odd background noise.

Version released in 3.2.0.82 and full changes list is:

* known issue: On calls between Skype 3.2 beta version on during complete silence there is odd background noise
* feature: MSI installer
* feature API: New command OPEN LIVETAB
* improvement: Video user interface
* bugfix: Skype crashed when doing quick logout after login
* bugfix: On one to one call receiver could not add third party to call
* bugfix: Quickfilter added country prefix to contacts search
* bugfix: Contacts card displayed wrong information after quitting conference card to conference partners
* bugfix: Rich mood message line breaks
* bugfix: Contact List was messed up on some occasions
* bugfix: Skype crashed on conference call when it was turned into regular call and then back to conference call
* bugfix: Skype crashed on Vista when unplugged USB headset during a call
* bugfix: Audio handling on Vista improved

I would also like to thank everyone who has already given their feedback to us and encourage other to do it.
You can leave us feedback through Skype for Windows 3.2 beta forum or then file in issue in our issue tracker Jira, read in our Windows version development page how to do it.

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 release hotfix for our Windows release version 3.1 which addresses bugs found there and a new Skype for Windows 3.2 which has many new great features compared to previous version.

You can read more about 3.2 new astonishing features at our main blog and download it here.
All feedback is more than welcomed which will help us to improve Skype.

You can leave us a feedback on Skype forums or though Skype for Windows Development page.

Released build is 3.2.0.53 Beta and it has following changed compared to Skype 3.1:

* feature: Send Money
* feature: Skype's own audio codec
* feature: Skype improved conference mixer
* feature: Skype Jitter Buffer and concealment
* feature: Skype audio preprocessing components
* feature: Account in Client
* feature: Import Contacts from MSN Hotmail, Yahoo! and GMail added
* feature: Multi-Device presence
* feature: Myself Capture
* feature: Call Quality feedback in client
* feature: Voice Mail playback pauses Winamp

Continue reading "Skype for Windows 3.2 Beta release and 3.1 hotfix" »

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 Skype for Windows 3.1 Beta.

Release notes for the new version are:

* feature: Skype Find
* feature: Account Panel redesign
* feature: Alerts Platform
* feature: Typing indicator

* feature: API: possible to get contact's avatar and get and set own avatar
* feature: API: GET CONTACTS_FOCUSED
* feature: API: SET RINGTONE STATUS ON|OFF
* feature. API: GET PREDICTIVE_DIALER_COUNTRY
* feature: API: CALL property TARGET_IDENTITY
* bugfix: API: after joining calls to conference VIDEO_(SEND|RECEIVE)_STATUS RUNNING was erroneously sent
* bugfix: API: ongoing call was not put on hold while answering another incoming call
* bugfix: API: notification of clicking MENU_ITEM in Tools returned user_id

* Known issue: SkypePM.exe may show a 'DLL Initialization Failed' error message on shutting down Windows.

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 update for our Windows software both 3.0 Beta and 2.5 Gold.

Skype for Windows 3.0 beta has been updated to version 3.0.0.154, it includes following changes:

* known issue: Video Calls between 3.0.0.154 and older 3.0 betas do not work.
* change: Extras Manager updated
* bugfix: Uninstalling Skype before upgrade disabled Extras Manger in installer
* bugfix: some HTML was visible in profile window
* bugfix: displayname in Skype add uri did not work

Skype for Windows 2.5 Gold got some cosmetic changes and is now version 2.5.0.154.

You can download updates here:

* 3.0 Beta
* 2.5 Gold

We always appreciate your feedback!

You can leave it through Developer Zone or Skype forum.

We have a known issue in the 3.0.0.137 Beta Update.

Users are prompted to 'Buy Extras' when trying to use a previously installed Extra.

We apologize for this inconvenience and will have this fixed in the next Beta Update. Please understand that issues like this are common in early beta products.

Here's what you can do to resolve the issue yourself:

1. Uninstall any applications you have installed in 'My Extras' in Skype Extras Manager

2. Go to your "C:\Program Files\Skype\Plugin Manager" folder and click on "unins000.exe" to unsinstall the Skype Extras Manager.

3. Go to your "C:Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Skype" folder and delete the "Plugins" folder.

4. Re-Install the .137 Skype Beta from: http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/skype3beta.html

Agree to the terms. Click on the "Options" button and make sure "Install Skype Extras Manager" is checked.

5. Re-install any of the Extras which were prompting you to BUY them.

6. You may see a warning message about a mismatch, this is a known issue and will be fixed in a future release.

Today we released Skype for Windows 3.0 Beta update.

Release notes compared to first beta version are:

* change: new button for 'leave' in chat window
* change: Do More Menu active even when Extras Manager not running
* change: updated all translations
* bugfix: in some cases there was low voice quality in a video call
* bugfix: http/socks proxy connections did not work
* bugfix: sometimes video was not shown in incoming video call
* bugfix: Sometimes Extars Manager produced an Access Violation on start up
* bugfix: ViewProfile: divider was missing before contact count
* bugfix: LOGIN: no user name was selected and password field was not focused by default when Skype started
* bugfix: Public Chat: Wrong timestamp for remove message action
* bugfix: Sometimes there were overlapping phone numbers in contact card
* bugfix: Accessibility: MSAA for tab control added again
* bugfix: wrong flag was displayed for Ireland
* bugfix: Public Chat: Chat not ended if a promoted Host chose 'End Chat'

This build has one known issue:

* Extras Manager: Installer shows an error message if some of the components that have to be rewritten are locked

You can download it [here](http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/skype3beta.html) and give us feedback through [Developer Zone](https://developer.skype.com/WindowsSkype) or in related [Skype forum](http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showforum=89).

Your feedback is invaluable to us.