Skype for Linux 2.1 Beta out now
By
Berkus on August 26, 2009 in New betas and releases.
I'm excited to announce that after almost two years of silence Skype for Linux team is proud to present a first beta of the new, shiny Skype for Linux desktop 2.1.
What's new in this release:
- Skype's SILK codec for outstanding quality with negligible bandwidth usage,
- HQ video support,
- PulseAudio support,
- SMS send support (*Sending SMS requires available Skype Credit),
- Contact groups,
- Contact labels, or tags, for easier contact organization,
- Chat window improvements (typing notification, message editing, s/geeky text/replacement/, new emoticons),
- Nicer contact list with mood messages and video capability icons,
- Nicer tray icon.
More details can be seen on the release notes page. (PLEASE READ ABOUT THE KNOWN ISSUES THERE - will save you some time)
Coupled with this release is an updated action_handler script by our long-time betatester Philipp Kolmann. You can see the details on how to configure your favourite browser here.
Give the version 2.1.0.47 a go and send your feedback to our JIRA, comments to this post and to our forums.
As this is a public beta we are eagerly awaiting your constructive feedback. Enjoy!
- The Linux Team.




