Skype for Linux

It's been a while since we last checked in to report on our progress with Skype for Linux, and I'm sorry to have kept you in the dark.

Here are some of the things we've been up to:

• We've completely rewritten the audio library, and have spent considerable effort transforming the existing audio code into a form more suitable for Skype. We've also fixed some compatibility issues with Bluetooth headsets.
• We're also making substantial changes to the video library. We're working to make it more stable and compatible with more webcams and X video modes.
• There is work underway to adopt some of the user interface improvements from Skype 4.0 for Windows, like the active conversations tab. We're also considering adding the full-screen default view found in Skype 4.0 for Windows. Of course, this is still under development, but our goal is to create an easier to use interface that requires fewer clicks to accomplish the most common tasks.
• We're also trying to be friendlier to more operating systems, in particular FreeBSD and OpenSolaris. While there is still no support for 64-bit Linux, we hope to add this during 2009.
• We've expanded our Linux team by hiring more skilled Linux/Qt developers, and we have more Linux vacancies to fill during the first few months of this year.

Just to reassure you - Skype for Linux is definitely not dead. Stay tuned for more developments

Some of you may have noticed things have been a bit quiet in regards to Skype for Linux lately. I wanted to take this time to give you all an update of what the Linux team have been working on since our last release.

1. MID

Mobile devices such as Mobile Internet Devices (MID) and NetBooks are the future for Linux. Since the launch of the ASUS Eee PC, demand for Linux has never been stronger. We've been working very hard to build a next-generation Linux client specifically tailored to devices with small screens (such as the Eee PC) and those with no keyboards or mice - such as MIDs. The Linux team's desk has transformed over the past year from having messy desks covered in desktop PCs to messy desks covered in mobile devices. Here are some screenshots of what we've been working on:

Please note this image may not reflect final release, subject to change.
Please note this image may not reflect final release, subject to change.
2. Better Audio Quality

We've had some of the Linux team move over to our Audio team where they will be focusing completely on improving the audio engine used on Skype for Linux, and how it interfaces with the Sound Systems used on Linux. We want to ensure that you have the best audio experience possible on all platforms, regardless if you pay for Skype (or your Operating System for that matter!) or not.

3. SMS

Thanks to one of our (very) excellent Beta testers, Philipp Kolmann has written a plug-in for Skype for Linux that enables you to send SMS with Skype 2.0 for Linux. We love this plug-in but we're working to include SMS into the Skype client on Linux to ensure that people on Linux get the same great experience as that on other platforms.

4. Hiring!

Can you write Qt? Do you love Linux? Maybe Skype's the place for you - We're hiring. Apply over at jobs.skype.com or get in contact.

So here it is: video.

Today we're proud to announce the general release of video calls in Skype 2.0 for Linux. As you may already know, the best things in life are often free and now you can make (and receive) free, great quality video calls on Linux.

I thought long and hard about what I could say about this release. But you know the adage, "Seeing Skype 2.0 for Linux is worth a thousand words." So I'm keeping this short and to the point. Download it now to see (and hear) for yourself. Skype 2.0 for Linux builds upon the ground foundation of our previous release and adds the feature you've all been asking for - video.

We didn't just stop there. We fixed hundreds of bugs, improved audio quality and made Skype that much easier to use. This version is now available in 20 languages (including English), so thanks to all our translators!

Read the full release notes and find out more about the release over on developer.skype.com

Today we released an updated Beta version of Skype 2.0 for Linux with Video. Download it now

Many historians foretold of the moment when X would mark the spot on a map. Today, I can happily tell you that we have found the X on our development roadmap, and underneath lies a treasure previously unattainable to some - Video.

In less metaphoric terms, this means that our users who experienced a 'black' window if they didn't start video first in a call will now be able to see.

And in slightly more technical terms, we've added support for non-accelerated X11 overlay output to the client, in addition to the already well-supported Xv overlay output method.

Another requested feature of this release is debug output on the console for video-related errors, which should help some of our technically-minded users isolate problems related to video capturing and overlay output.

As usual, there are a slew of bugfixes included so please read over the full release notes for more details.

A great time is upon us. A time of change. A time of revolution.

In the past, we have struggled in a world of glass panes and fruits. Forbidden from seeing the world around us. Denied the possibility of showing who we are. But today, our eyes open. We're not afraid to see, and we're not afraid to show ourselves.

This is a time of excitement. And a time to share our happiness, our sadness, our anger and our love. For video has arrived to Skype for Linux.

This release is not just a revolution for us in Linux, but a revolution for the Skype world at large. No longer are we, the people of Linux, prevented from socialising in the same way as our peers.

So join us. By downloading Skype 2.0 beta for Linux today.

Read on developer.skype.com for more technical information about this release.

Following in the footsteps of the Great Cucumber and The Salad Sandwich comes Panacea, the Greek goddess of cures. That's the codename for our latest Linux release, which went public today as Skype 1.4 for Linux.

We're very proud of our shiny new release and highly recommend you give it a shot. We tried our best to create a client that you will enjoy. Which is why it's been written by long-time Linux users for Linux users. And we had our team of turtleneck-wearing designers work hard on the lovely interface you see today. The latest version took its shape based on the feedback and bug reports we get from you via the blogs, forums and our public bug tracker.

Skype 1.4 for Linux is all about creating a solid foundation on which we can build upon. It's super-easy to install with packages that are designed and tested for your distribution. We've made calling much easier and the interface much clearer. And we've introduced some great features such as the new streamlined file-transfer manager, birthday reminders and call forwarding, so you can take that Skype call when you're away from the computer.

Finally, make no mistake about it: under the hood, Skype 1.4 for Linux has the same great audio quality and solid Skype technology that exists in Skype 2.6+ for Mac and Skype 3.2+ for Windows.

Enjoy!

Hello again! Here we are with your fresh Salad Sandwich. Sorry if the lettuce around the edges is a bit cold, but we've had it in the fridge for a couple of weeks (yes, this release came a little late). Fear not, however, as it has not gone stale. This sandwich includes a whole bunch of changes, even more than the first beta release.

First up, animated emoticons have been improved greatly and now perform better than they did on any previous Linux Skype release.

Equally important however, are changes to the audio volume level handling. Skype will now attempt to automatically adjust your microphone capture volume if it detects that you're too loud or quiet during the call. Along with these changes also came better support for some USB audio devices that run at non-standard bitrates.

Some other useful features to boot in this release are the ability to start Skype minimized, hide offline users, and Quickfilter searching through historical events. We also now have proper RPM packages for SuSE and Mandriva.

There really have been a huge number of feature enhancements, changes and bugfixes in this release, so I strongly suggest reading the full changelog for details. A number of people will notice their bugs in the public bugtracking system fixed. If you know of a bug that still isn't fixed, please be sure to check for them. If they exist, vote/watch the bug. If they don't exist, create them. You can also discuss any issues you're experiencing on our forum.

Download Skype 1.4.0.94 - Salad Sandwich

The releases continue to roll out nicely, and another few weeks after the last Alpha update, here we are with our Beta, the Great Cucumber!

Visit the download page

This release is also a milestone for us, as it is the natural successor to Linux 1.3 and is the first time we've created packages for 1.4. You can also find it via the public download site, so everybody is invited to enjoy the goodness of 1.4.

The big news of this release is the support of glibc 2.3 systems. What this means is that Skype 1.4 will now run on some older systems without upgrading the base system. This includes a fair few distributions out there, based on the feedback we received from 1.4 Alpha.

More good news - emoticons are back! Yup! Animated and static emoticons are back in Skype for Linux. By default, animated emoticons are currently disabled due to some CPU usage concerns, however you can re-enable them in the Options dialog.

Also, we have a new feature for the Linux platform. Call Forwarding! If you have SkypeOut credit, you can now setup a phone number to have calls forwarded to when you are not at your PC. The cost of the call being forwarded to you is charged at Skype standard rates. Skype does not need to be running for call forwarding to take place, making it ideal whilst travelling.

We've also finally cleaned up all the serious issues affecting Qt 4.3.0 adoption, and now that Qt 4.3.0 is stable, Skype 1.4 is also ready for it.

We're still committed to regular updates, and you should see an updated beta within the next month with even more bugfixes, so keep those bug reports coming in and discuss if you're having any issues on our forums. After the next release, our direction will become extremely focussed on a much requested feature, video! Stay tuned!

Visit the download page

Continue reading "Skype for Linux 1.4 Beta: The Great Cucumber" »

Well, here we are a few weeks later and as promised, we have another release for you.

This is an update to our Alpha release, and includes a few features missing from the first release as well as numerous bugfixes.

Some of the highlights of this release (with regards missing features from 1.3) are the ability to create a new Skype account, Emoticons in Chat, Dialpad, Technical Call Info, and access to the Skype API via X11 and D-BUS.

You can also find in this release the first birthday reminders on the Linux platform, which not only tells you about birthdays today, but also for the next couple of days, giving you a chance to plan some last minute gift ideas and celebrations for your friends.

A number of bugs reported have also been fixed, but we want to ask you to keep those bug reports coming via our Jira development system. This bug reporting system allows you to keep track of bugs that affect you personally. You can also watch bugs and be e-mailed about comments and changes of bugs.

We've also worked around some of the problems affecting Qt 4.3.0 early users, however we should still note that there are still some outstanding issues related to usage of Qt 4.3.0. Unless you need to upgrade for other applications, we recommend sticking to Qt 4.2.2 or a patched version of 4.2.3 for now.

Stay tuned! There'll be another release in another few weeks with more changes and fixes, as well as a couple of new features.

[Download Skype for Linux 1.4 Alpha](https://developer.skype.com/LinuxSkype)

> Patience is a high virtue.
> -- Chaucer.

> To all our most faithful users.
> -- Berkus & Andy.

We're again close to our mother nature birth cycle - nine months between 1.2 and 1.3 and seven months between 1.3 and 1.4. But this early born is an Alpha version, so we will take our two months to make it a real cute baby.

A few sad things before we jump on. This release doesn't have the much anticipated Video and SMS functionality, and there is a reason for it. As our regular readers know, 1.4 is a big rewrite. And it took us some time to learn new things and get them done right. About two months more than we expected, which is not too bad for the software industry. We learned a lot during these months and are happy to provide you with our best ideas, solidly implemented.

The release cycle has also changed and beginning with this release, we expect to release a new version every few weeks until we go Gold, and then some more. We're also seeking more of your involvement too, our users. There is a [public bugtracker](https://developer.skype.com/jira/browse/SCL), where you can report bugs you found and check their status. Of course, before Skype for Linux becomes beta version you should be prepared to take some risks when running it, as it may break things and probably will. But you wanted the bleeding shiny edge, didn't you?

More bright news - this Linux version is on par with Windows 3.2 and Mac 2.6 releases with regards to audio quality. Better device detection, ALSA plugins support and overall improved audio quality was our primary aim for this rewrite (not counting the obvious UI improvements).

There are several other things I would like to direct your attention to, for example, the new File Transfers window. I will highlight most interesting of them in following blog posts, with screenshots and tips.

After this release has passed into beta stages, our next goal will be to implement video features, and this is not too far off. This is radio SKYP, stay tuned for more fun!

You can get the new version via the link below. The page contains a few things you really want to know about this release, so please read it carefully.

We MEAN it. Everyone says "Yeah blah-blah, who reads manuals?", but if you want your Skype to be alive and healthy - read up the documentation and follow the advice.

[Download Skype for Linux 1.4 Alpha](https://developer.skype.com/LinuxSkype)