Hurrah !
Many thanks for the work on this, looking forward to getting some of the newer features down the line - but remember not to put all the bloating crap in that the Windows people have to put up with

Does it support video?
Could you post detailed changelog, please?

Thanks for this nice version . But what about sending text messages ?? Do you think this feature will be included in next versions ?

The UI doesn't support sending SMS, but it is possible to do it with the Public API. For example here is a command-line application that does it:
http://www.oberle.org/skype_linux_tools

that's all? bug fix and a new UI? THAT'S A NEW RElEASE?!!!!!!

Thanks! I've been using 1.4 beta on Debian for a while although having a few glitches. I hope this release had solved most of those bugs.
My petition? Spanish translation of the UI. I can live without it, but it would be a lot useful to my colleagues.

Wow, really great... But what about video?? I'd expected that in a full release. Would have been more important than a new UI.

Great!
So now, when Skype is rewritten for new QT, it's time for video call support, right?

I know you can't give us any hint on release date, but could you give any comment on video progress?

Thank you so much for continuing to upgrade Skype for Linux. By focussing on Linux, you're helping yourself in the mobile world as well, since more and more mobile devices are getting Linux variants under the hood.

And on that topic, I too want video, because that means I can get a Skype videophone on my Nokia N800!

It does not install on x86_64 openSuse10.2, still needs x86 libs, maybe on openSuse10.3 it should work.

Great news, but still, I'll keep on using wengophone rather than skype.

tomasztybulewicz: It's already well under development as promised on some of my previous blog posts.

Andy.

For SMS functionality and Call Transfer, check out my Skysentials:

https://extras.skype.com/1149/view

Philipp

Thanks for the new version!!! The look and feel is awesome and more similar to mac and windows one.

But I thought groups would be enabled in the final 1.4 version, are they anywhere? I don't see them... It's a disappointment loosing functionalities in a newer version, isn't it?

It is disappointing. Groups weren't scheduled for 1.4 after 1.4 entered beta. Originally it had been hoped they would return in the 1.4 development cycle but implementation and performance woes meant it had to be shifted until we can spend more time on it.

Hopefully, making use of the Quickfilter helps most people find the people they're looking for. But I'll take your voice as a vote for bringing groups back

Andy.

VIDEO!!

Sorry to say that I'm really disappointed. I waited so long for having close to no features.
Birthday reminder and call forwarding is not what I was looking for. I just wasted my time waiting for 1.4.
Video, SMS and other features are far more important.

andypoo ... quickfilter does help if you know what're looking for, but what I really admire about contact groups is: if you want to find someone [but not someone in particular], but that someone has some limitations (for example you want to go shoping and want a friend from yuor neighbourhood, or from the city you're at now). You just click on a contact group and see if there's anyone avaiable ... it might not be hard thing to do if you have ~50 contacts, but it gets really frustrating when you have 100-300 of them ... I always miss someone if I use linux that day... (then I think "hey, why the hell didn't I contact her! .. oh... linux-skype.. " )

CONTACT GROUPS, CONTACT GROUPS, CONTACT GROUPS! That's the thing I want for skype linux.

P.S. I'd really admire a 1.5 Beta coming out with contact groups, even if it's buggy contact groups, it'd better than nothing...

Wow. You just wasted two minutes of my life. I had to read this whole thing until I realised...wait no video?!? Wasn't this all about the video that EVERYONE wants.

Instead we get...ummh birthday reminders.

With that pace maybe we could have SMS support for Christmas, groups by the time we colonise the moon (so we can group our contacts according to planet) and maybe video by @#$%^&.

Simply great. I still wonder why people even bother to visit this blog. I already made my choice and have been telling as many people as possible to move to other software that offers the same or better features since Skype clearly does not wish to pay attention to its Linux users.

nice to see a new version
anyway i dont understand why the gui looks so boring .
I use sabayon linux 3.4 and the distribution comes out with a skype 1.3.x version with a gui that looks like windows UI (with tabs) and i think it was a lot better.I dont understand why skype moved to a so boring UI.

No video and no packagesfor x86-64?

You must be joking, right?

That don't impress me much!

> 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.

?? Dont want to sound too negative but surely those input ways told you that the top list of features included eg Video and Groups? I almost gave up on Skype for Linux when the groups went AWOL and the only reason I havnt so far is that I was hoping Video communication was right around the corner. Guess the laugh is on me :-/

apart from video support, which is causing my sister to switch back to win because it's missing in the linux version, what about a gtk version ?

stefanhuszics: Please see my comments above with regards to groups.

As for video, as we noted from the beginning of 1.4 development, 1.4 was written from scratch to provide a base to develop video and other new features.

These grandiose features are being worked on right now, but were never planned in the 1.4 version itself, as I believe we blogged about already. Right now, we're right on track where we expected to be.

Andy.

lol, so no video!great news, linux people who wants video can change application to have video as skype will never add this feature before 2024 i think.There are many open source programs with video around.
Think about this words: " ...never planned in the 1.4 version itself... "

fdmarco: Or maybe think about these words: "1.4 was written from scratch to provide a base to develop video and other new features."

If you want to look on life so pesimistically, by all means, live miserably.

Andy.

Hi,

QT 4 obviously has better better and is a more advanced tool. However, as a Debian amd64 user I would like to have 64 bit binaries at least in dynamic or static .tar.bz2 packages.

The new firefox-style 'downloadmanager' is a step back, IMHO. I receive lots of files belonging to lots of work-related projects. They all should end up in their project-related subdirectories.

On the old skype, I was offered the possibility to select the destination directory.

Now incoming files are downloaded without asking to a fixed directory, forcing me to open a file manager and moving the file to the right place.

So, to achieve the desired result I have to perform more actions, taking more time. A clear sign the usability has gone down.

Developers, PLEASE don't make your app more 'usable' by handing responsibilities to some other app. Take the entire workflow of the user into consideration, not only the actions performed on your little island/app.

Hi e.hensema -- we have already considered your situation, and the prompting of directory for each file accept will be given as an option in a future release. This is already planned.

In the meantime, you can right-click on the file accept box and use the "Accept File to..." or "Accept all files to..." which will prompt you for a directory to save the file before it starts downloading (similar to the old behaviour).

Thanks,
Andy.

I don't know if it's possible to implement, but "file droping into chat" would save tons of time for me... searching for each file with dialog box that doesn't even contain "bookmarks"(favorite directories) [and I have no idea why is that, because file manager in Ubuntu does that by default] is a time desease ... hope you're planning to implement that

Thanks!
Auris

P.S. I have developed some little applications with C++ for 1 year in university, and I know how important it is to have this "base" of code RIGHT. Because if you don't look into the future by coding the base for the program, the code will mess up when new, not predicted, features will have to be implemented, you then have to go back change everything, or just get around things (which makes everything buggy, and the futher you go, the futher it gets complicated), performance also drops...

So what I wanted to say is that I understand what the developers are doing right now (why there are so few new features) ... keep up the good work

sorry for third post in a row, but...

I know that probably it's just me, but I'd rather like skype to have all these small features (like above mentioned file trasfer issue, better groups and other), which makes it FAST and EASY to use, than have a video with the linuxSkype that is now (and possibly wait for half of year for that, and another half to have it useable, and yet another year for skype to have everything I want apart from video)

Thank You for reading

Hi -- you can drop file(s) into the chat input area and this will send them to the chat.

With regards groups, there is an interim workaround mentioned in the forums here:
http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic=98800&st=0&p=449367&#entry449367

Maybe it would be better to move this discussion to the forums aswell. It's a little easier to chat there There is a 1.4 release post here:
http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic=98589

Andy.

Glad to hear all of that, but I won't be happy until the linux version has video! That is all I really want, and I think it is what most people want right now.

Great! But where is italian translation????

Andypoo, first let me say how happy I am to see continued evidence that the Linux team lives! Thanks for the release!

> Right now, we're right on track where we expected to be.

With the understanding that software development timelines are rarely kept, plans change, blah, blah, blah, it would give your Linux users boundless joy if you posted this timeline somewhere. Should I set up Ekiga? Will Skype video be out in less than a year? Who knows? Statements about being on track are suspect because we don't know what the track is or whether you've ever held to it before. A real timeline would be very exciting, as would the occasional report saying "we had to push video4linux2 support out 3 months because of this problem..." or whatever. Why? Mostly this: it would demonstrate good intentions and respect for your users.

By the way, I rather like the fact that you fix bugs before adding features, but nor am I immune to feature envy.

Again, thanks.

Cheers!
-Ben

Hey Skype Linux team, great job. Don't let the complainers (who have probably never written a line of code) get you down. Keep up the great work and release the video version when it's ready.

Works fine with ubuntu feisty fawn. Great version. Waiting for video version.

Waiting for video version.

quando la video conferenza?

where is italian translation?

I think we can't blame the skype developers, that a new version of qt came out, it's not their fault that qt 3 and 4 are not compatible. Just think about it- soon there'll be a new version of KDE - KDE 4, and it took many years to rewrite whole graphic environment from qt 3 to qt 4. Skype would be the one application which written in qt3 (I know that wengo in on qt4) But I wonder what tool it is used in Windows' version of skype? also qt? I think that programming on Linux is harder than on Windows, isn't it? so we have to be more patient.

Video, video, video,video, video,video, video,
Video, video, video,video, video,video, video,
Video, video, video,video, video,video, video,
Video, video, video,video, video,video, video,
Video, video, video,video, video,video, video,
Video, video, video,video, video,video, video,
Video, video, video,video, video,video, video,
Video, video, video,video, video,video, video
please

@bwpearre
video with ekiga already works great. Audio quality is not very good but it works. I guess it only needs some audio codec adjustment.
http://wiki.ekiga.org/index.php/Which_programs_work_with_Ekiga_%3F

I personally don't really care that much about video support.
But my clients do, always when I'm installing Ubuntu or other GNU, they ask "I assume it works like in Windows? Voice calling and Video?"
Although it would be nice feature...
What is the problem there? Using v4l is not hard at all, you can use shared libraries and since your code is closed, why not use the same video codec here?

I am completely stalled by the lack of video on skype..skype is working on it, I understand, but.....please make it a higher priority..englishdon

Ok, no Video for now, but can you give us at least when we can expect video and sms support...

we are not asking for skype cast and better design :/ there things are importante to us

If i want smilies, better looks etc i'd use windows.

But I use linux. Hello.. I dont care about how it looks
just give me my god damn video ive been waiting for for so many years.

*sigh* newbs

Take my comment as a vote for Contact Groups. I've got contacts from all around the world and I like to keep them organized, for instance, in timezones or so.. It's so fun to watch they become green and grey as day and night get there. And it's much easier to find them where you expect them to be..
groups groups groups!

I vote for the video support as well! And of course x86-64 packages!!! And give us a timeline, even if you can't follow it as expected...

from an optimistic point of view... sounds great that u have the required foundation for Video on Linux...

When will it be ready?

Hi, Such a great job with 1.4 But where is the video ..

This version works great. My personal wishlist for 1.5 beta:

1. GROUPS!
2. Some polishing of Drag&Drop (I was unable to drop a file onto person in the main skype window. I have had to open chat first, for example)
3. Video support (we all want it

I am using Debian and I am getting strange error when I am trying to use scim input method.

skype: symbol lookup error: /usr/lib/qt4/plugins/inputmethods/im-scim-bridge.so: undefined symbol: scim_bridge_client_imcontext_imengine_status_changed

Forgot about that. Yes video conferencing is priority.

Don't know if that's just my setup, or not. I upgraded my Ubuntu to 7.10 a few days ago, and now Skype started to misbehave for me. Basically, it starts, but then it freezes and I have to wait quite a lot of time (10 minutes? 15?) for it to unfreeze. Perhaps a separate binary for Gutsy would solve this problem?

Darn, seems like this is actually a sound-related problem. Is it possible not to make Skype freeze when someting's wrong with audio?

any chance to see video ever?

Hiya, I'm really liking the new Skype, the call quality has dramatically increased since the previous release, though I do have one quibble about a feature that has been removed. I really liked being able to have the history generated as a html file in my web browser, any chance of it making a comeback?

Is this a joke ?
How long will it take to add video support ? Another 5 years ?

I've been using (and paying for) Skype for years on my Windows machine. Like MANY others, I jumped on the Linux Train when Feisty came out. I maintained a dual-boot for the sole purpose of accessing a Skype app with video support. Now that Gutsy is here, I am happy with and convinced by all that Ubuntu/Linux has to offer and will be completely removing Microsoft from my computer. Since Skype cannot provide what so many fervent and dedicated users are demanding, I have been forced to look elsewhere for my VOIP needs. Ekiga comes pre-installed and does what I need. If only the simple requests for a developmental timeline were answered, I could possibly wait for Skype 1.5 (or 1.6, etc.). But I have been uncomfortably left in the dark. I want to wait and continue using Skype but I have been waiting for too long already.

@joshzam: although the wait for video has been long, the next alpha release should be released this year and it will have video capabilities. I am saying this based on my readings of the developer's comments made on the subject.

Hi there, I'd translated this version at catalan, but I cannot add it to my skype, what's wrong?

http://213.98.143.33/projectes/skype/skype_ca.tar.gz

here you have the file.

Whilst I appreciate all the work that goes into these releases I can't help but feel its a step back.
Really sad to see now Grouping and am not keen on the interface at all.
I liked the Contacts, History and Dial tabs.
Is there anywhere I can download the old version from ?

Actually, the concept of split contact list and history hasn't really changed all that much. You can even toggle between them with Ctrl-E, and use Quickfilter on both, so this is somewhat an improvement.

Not having a dialpad tab is a bit of a change, but it fits with our new call window layout, and is easily accessible by clicking the Call ordinary phones button which is on the main screen.

The new interface grows on you, but I agree, the change is pretty dramatic. It took me a few weeks of usage to really get comfortable, but now I can't go back.

The grouping feature will be back in future. However the very functional Quickfilter helps a lot in the meantime, and you can also enable a quasi-groups feature if you check out my forum links above.

I'm afraid for licensing reasons, we can no longer distribute the old version.

Andy.

I feel that I have just been mugged. I want to send sms messages to someone and I don't want to get a mobile. So I purchased some skypeout credits and tried to send an sms message from skype. After a lot of mucking around I emailed the support desk asking for help. What did I get "The current version of Skype for Linux does not offer sms feature." Now they tell me after happily relieving me of £10. No signs on the credit purchasing screen, oh sorry, my ESP must be switched off. Bah! Pity I can't seem to get Java working either or I would use Cardboardfish instead.

andrewstreetiw: Please see the above posts with regards to SMS support. There are a couple of 3rd-party utils which run over the API to offer you access to send SMS' from Skype.

Andrew.

VVVVVIIIIIDDDDDEEEEOOOOO !!!!

The linux version of Wengophone (a skype similar software) has the support for video and sms.
Just do it.

It's really disappointing to have no video
i bought a webcam because i thought that it was sure that skype for linux has webcam support

Video Support?????

Still no Video support. Video calls is one of the few things that could make me run Windows. Please add Video soon.

NO video again??
Ok, let's let it clear and stop cheating on us...
The amount of costumer using linux is minimal comparing with others O.S.
They just don't care about Skype development when is concern on linux, definitely is not a priority market for them!!
Revising these posts above im paying attention to different alternatives... Wengophone, Ekiga... anything else?

I'm using Debian Etch with an AMD64 and am not happy so far!

The pre-compiled version is for i386 so I -can- install it using force but it complains about QT4. If I use the static copy it complains about libsigc-2.0.so.0. The latest stable version for Debian Etch AMD64 is libsigc-2.0.17-2 while Skype 1.4 requires libsigc-2.0.2.

I'm not willing to install unstable/testing packages on my system, nor do I think I should have to, just to get Skype working. I would prefer to use an old version but there's no link to archives on the download page.

Not impressed...

Having done a smidgen of development myself, I can empathize with the development team and the challenges that they face.

That said, skype for linux appears to be the skype's red-headed stepchild - destined to be long neglected and not supportive of the features that skype's legion of users have come to expect.

I for one am flabbergasted - not to mention seriously dismayed - at the lack of contact groups - I have over 400 contacts in my skype contact list - do you seriously expect me to group them only alphabetically? As my windows groups classify users into discrete customer groups, this is ****** SERIOUSLY F'ING IMPORTANT ******

And no SMS. Huh? This one certainly isn't rocket science.

Skype should take a cue from other multi-platform apps such as VLC (runs flawlessly on Windows, Linux, and Mac) as well as Firefox, Opera, etc. and release a product that offers the exact same feature set no matter which platform it's running on.

Sadly, until that happens, skype for linux will remain an "also ran" application - promising, but certainly not ready for prime-time use.

Are there any plans to release power-pc architecture binaries? Or just i386?

(debian lenny on an older mac mini)

Thanks,
mike