The 3.8 interface was great. It was compact and features were accessible when you needed them. Never had a problem enlarging the video when I needed too.. this new interface doesn't do much but make Skype a hog on the computer screen. I like to keep Skype open sometimes while I work to chat with text or video. That won't be possible any longer as - at least in the beta as you cannot collapse the large area on the right side.

I don't see how this is an improvement for those of us that love Skype. You don't need to expose every feature up front to the user in big "toy like" interfaces... it's too imposing now when I want to have my other applications and web browser along side it to a "classic mode" for those of us that want something compact, clean and "lite".

I hope you that you at least make it collapsible.

I totally agree with the previous comment, and I can add other things that I dislike. Apart from the better quality of the video calls and the bigger avatar pictures, I can't find a single new thing I like.
Let's start with the dislikes:
Firstly, the status icons. My brain had developed a habit: green - online, grey - offline. No matter if it was with an away watch, DND sign or something else, it was green. Make sure you change it, because, I believe, everybody has developed this green-grey brain habit.
Secondly, the interface! It covers all my screen with big space for a function I very rarely need - I even don't have a webcam. I use skype mainly for chat, and occasionally for voice calls. The area on the right is pretty much covered with small bits of information put on biiig empty spaces. GET BACK THE OLD SKYPE INTERFACE. Separate user list, separate chat windows. WHEN SOMETHING IS NOT BROKEN, DON'T FIX IT. What made you discard the old video call window, even with better quality, I don't know and I don't want to know. I JUST WANT IT BACK!
Thirdly, the chat. I can't keep track of what's been said further then 4-5 messages back, because of the big empty spaces, intended for video call, covering the upper part of the chat window.
To summarize, it's ok to have a better video quality and bigger avatars, but not on the price of dramatically decreased convenience.

I agree - the screen should be collapsable to something like the old one, until you need the larger work area (which I like, but not always on - and I have a large screen)

Version 4 introduces chat in the same window with video, as if, when having a video/audio call, you often want to keep an eye on the keyboard and chat like it's 1990 again. Also, it allows you "easier control over multiple chats", as if, in real life, you often talk with 10 people about 10 different things at the same time. Version 3.8 introduced bloat/advertisement for MySpace. Version 3.5 introduced video status messages, brought to you and paid for by an petty video hosting website. Version 3 introduced unwanted browser extension, which you had to manually uninstall. It also brought a "Send Money" link to eBay, which, of course, doesn't actually go through the Skype network. People will click Send Money by mistake and then relax seeing that nothing actually happens. Version 2.5 introduced SMS, though its price is too high for anyone to care about using it. I think I'll just stick with v2.0, which still works. Do you know that the installer used to have 8 MB at the time? Two years and 30 MBs of bloat later, eBay found itself bringing money from home into what started so promising. If the captive phone numbers will ever become portable...

Thanks for these

The new window layout is clearly a contentious issue - you might like to listen to Mike's Squawk Box appearance, where he discusses the motivation for some of the changes.

Look out for an update later in the week, too, where I'll be sharing the first set of feedback results.

Here's an idea for an improvement Skype could make in the new version. Customer service that actually responds!!!

I have had my SkypeOut account blocked since June 10 with no explanation ("for my protection" bla bla bla). If you check your forums you'll see this is happening to a lot of people. And Skype CS is just ignoring us. "We will respond in 48 hours to most support requests" BULLCRAP I have waited 3 weeks. Others much longer.

Basically, as far as it appears so far, Skype has stolen my money.

I am contacting computer news sites to see if any are interested to run a story about this kind of, what amounts of theft of users money and huge inconvenience.

I guess this still doesn't make Skype application malware, but unless remedied it would appear to make the Skype company a pack of thieves.

I only wish I had the option of using an alternative. The day I do you can guarantee that my customer loyalty to Skype is now in the deep negatives.

please add a preference for "Compact Mode" vs "Full Mode"

@jjhinoz - I'm sorry that you've had to wait so long. I've brought your problem to the attention of the Customer Support team, and someone should be in touch with you soon.

I am in agreement with the above posters, and just about everyone else. If you do not allow me to have the contact list on its own, without that gigantic useless panel wasting screen space on the right, I will continue to use the old version of Skype forever.

Can we please get rid of the giant blue waste of screen real estate that now hogs my window with skype 4? I understand it is useful for some things, but 90% of the time I'd just like to keep skype open while I work on other things and glance at it occasionally. As it stands right now, this is cause for reverting to 3.8.

while it is useful that the skype 4.0 can be put in window mode, I agree it is too big. The blue thing with tips, etc, should be for the first run only or a collapsible window. i started using 4.0 because 3.8 did not connect on Vista, and the tech support recommended 4.0 after having me uninstall skype totally (including registry) and reinstalling it. then telling me to test it with telnet. one of these things seemed to confuse vista about the wireless connection after restarting windows. not only this, but in 4.0, I am receiving messages from old conversations as if they are new. currenly, I wish Skype would have stayed at 3.6
and not downloaded an automatic update which seems to have messed up vista so i cannot browse the web or connect to windows update or yahoo.

My first impression : the new interface is ridiculous the sidebar is a complete screen hog and makes skype feel like bloat ware, please add a button to hide the enormous sidebar.

I think I'll stick with the old version untill skype 4 goes on a diet.

My apologies if this seems harsh, but the new Skype is crap.

Are you designing it for fat fingered disabled people? The fonts are MASSIVE and the window size is ridiculous. Where do you get the idea we want to give you our entire screen just for your "chat" application? Someone needs to be smacked upside the head for that decision.

I'd suggest you change the layout back to the original layout, or at least allow us to pop the contact list portion out to its own window, otherwise you'll get a ton of people staying with Skype 3.8. I'll personally be downgrading this nonsense as soon as I finish this post.

I have had 2 consistent problems with Skype. Sent several support requests and have received no response (other than the auto acknowledge). I was unable to find any information in the Knowledge base to solve my issues:
1. In my old Skype (3.8) the Skype screen remains minimized and I can't open it.
2. I installed Skype 4.0 Beta. Now, after dialing a phone #, if I am asked to dial an extension or enter information, I can't input it (even from the dial numbers screen).
While I'm at it: Another issue: Skype 4.0 does not recognize my Outlook contacts, unless they are Skype users. Skype 3.8 would allow me to dial all my Skype Contact.

I Did try 4.0 and i agree with everyone that the screen is way to large.I dont like the way it covers the whole screen.I like the features and the way its looking.But like i said the screen size needs to change.Another thing is its harder to find broadcast to chat,not like the 3.8 where the tabs are right there for you to see.Im awaiting the release of 4.0 but if it stays like it is right now i will just stay with the 3.8 if possible.Hope skype reads these comments and uses them for there gain.We need a smaller screen for 4.0.

I Did try 4.0 and i agree with everyone that the screen is way to large.I dont like the way it covers the whole screen.I like the features and the way its looking.But like i said the screen size needs to change.Another thing is its harder to find broadcast to chat,not like the 3.8 where the tabs are right there for you to see.Im awaiting the release of 4.0 but if it stays like it is right now i will just stay with the 3.8 if possible.Hope skype reads these comments and uses them for there gain.We need a smaller screen for 4.0.

I tottaly agree with all comments here...Skype is too big(if you could crate a switch where you could choose to use the big screen skype or the old size skype it would be better),I can not keep track of recived messages (I can only hear sound alert for the first message I recive),status icons bother me a bit...

The skype beta 4 interface is ridiculous. As far as I am concerned it is a major step backwards. I've been trying it for a month and I find navigating this thing a nightmare. Also, what a waste of screen real estate. Luckily this is a beta version and there is room for improvement.

For now I'm back to 3.8 and loving it!

Agree, glad I am not the only one who thinks Skype 4.0 is rubbish.
As for the marketing video, I am even more pissed off having watched it...

I thought Skype might actually be a bit embarressed or ashamed about their new 4.0 interface, because its so amateur, but no... infact they are proud of it, and expect us Skype users to love it to.

I don't work for Skype, and as such do not suffer from the hybrid stupidity taking place there... The new interface is crap, and if I was Skype I would outsource UI design to a company that knows what its doing.

By mistake my daughter installed on my home computer the new Skype 4 Beta version. My wife that usually is using Skype at home to call me when I'm far from home was not able to use Skype anymore.
I was far from home and I didn't understand what happened.
When I have connected remotely and I've seen the new version... Oh my God!!!

What have you done??

The interface is far from being user friendly. I've tried to see if it was worth leaving that version but after a while I decided to downgrade to the 3.8.

Actually the windows is too big. I agree with other users that you should leave the option to choose compact mode as it was in version 8.

The window is occupying a large part of the screen and there is not way to remove it.

I personally wouldn't like to install this version if it remains like this.

Please do change the interface.

Where is the place to contact you folks concerning technical issues? Where is your contact info? Where is the phone number to call for simple questions? I have looked everywhere.

I run the Skype Beta for windows on my laptop. SO far love the service; however, have a problem with this version. When calling most companies we all encounter that automated voice direction systems. Some systems are truly voice keyed, but most systems ask one to send a numeral tone (press one to get to this menu or my favorite is press zero to get a real person). Try as I might my version does not send numeral tones.
I do remember being able to send numeral tones before. Is there some function I need to turn on? Is this function missing from the beta version? Would you send me an email?
Again, how does one call (phone) a consumer/technical rep?

gneilholm

I agree with all the opinions expressed here, although you can use skype in "compact mode" and its windows gets smaller. But the interface is still designed to make each usually easily accesible function very uncomfortable. For example, in previous versions landline and mobile phone contacts were dark grey and easily differentiated from regular contacts. Now all my contacts are almost the same. It's very tedious to search for regular phone contacts, because of this. I'm a regular user of skypeout and just for this reason will be forced to go back to the previous version. I can't imagine what could have motivated this decision. Second: what happened to the damn event log? It is getting new events that "happened a month ago" and besides you cannot view them normally anyway. Third: the new interface is difficult to navigate and some previous functionality always appear in a separate window and there is no need for that. Fourth: Skype is unable to work with firewalls, although previously it didn't have any problems. I won't change my favourite firewall just for skype's sake. Back to 3.x it is.

After I tried Skype 4.0 version, my attempt to down-grade back to ver. 3.8. was blocked with window shown writting me that I should first see if there is enough space on hard disk. VERY large space there does not help. Setup insists!
In the other words: I suppose ver. 4.0 leftovers blocked me in doing the job.
Is it some kind of protection on PC that can do such thing? Any sugggestion on how to do is wellcome. Otherwise I will have to re-format HD and re-install all stuff there. Very "free choice".

I also really dislike the new interface, the new status icons, the layout, everything. I suggest you let the users have the choice - use the new one, or stick to the old, as if they were two very customized set of skins for the same program or something. I have also switched to compact mode, but still, the old version was leagues superior. Sorry guys, we just want the old one back!

I agree, The new Skype is not very good and I am now considering chaning to google for chat.

Loads of problems:
1) cannot see call costs when calling
2) takes up too much screen space
3) Status icons are hard to understand
4) It is not as stable as previous version
5) I think it is making explorer crash (some conflict?)
6) Layout is very poor and not as professional as previous version

The new interface is very poor. I am a GUI designer for a living, and here is a tip.... SUBTLE changes over time

Most annoying:

- Skype out contacts are now Green - confusing. It looks like friends are online who aren't as I have skypeout and skype for several contacts.
- When a new chat message comes in, it is difficult to find it in the main window. Also, it is not acknowledged until I scroll down on a conversation. Why does the new message not scroll the conversation automatically? Why do I have to select the contact it came from to see it? ie why can't I just simply see it straight off as it used to be.
- Even my girlfriend who hates computers complained about the new interface!

On the plus side I have noticed better call quality (sometimes), but this is not enough. This user interface is making me consider switching to another chat/voice application.

Is there a way to go back to the previous version?

I'm with the other posters -- I was a big fan of what I had before, and I don't like what I have now. The Firefox integration stopped working on mine. I really enjoyed clicking a phone number and making the call immediately. Now I have to dial again. For that alone, I'd go back.

I just want the previous. The new one doesn't work properly! I'm really annoyed!

You can download an older version of Skype if you really, really want to

----------------
You can download an older version of Skype if you really, really want to
peterparkes My status | Monday, Feb 23
----------------

Yes, we REALLY, REALLY, WANT TO!

Have you even bothered reading all the negative comments here?

I never made any post before on any subject though I am a quite heavy and intense internet user. But the new interface of Skype made me really that much upset that I am going to express my anger in that way. I am from former East Germany and we had a slogan which says: taking over without closing in. As history shows it never worked anywhere in this world - but Skype tried to do it again! The new interface abandoned anything what has Skype made popular in the first place: a clean and easy to use interface!
As for now I will go back to the previous version. The new one offers nothing but disadvantages.

I use Skype from South America and I guess only one out of three calls to Europe works at all from here but anytime it is difficult to understand each other. I hoped this would be better with 4.0 but it is not. The 4.0 UI is so terrible. I switched back to 3 a few minutes ago and the downgrade worked without problems. So I am wating for 5.0.

I have to agree that V4 is a horrible retrograde step and that like others I have 'upgraded' back to 3.8
In the meantime while waiting for version 5 how about checking out the competition?
http://www.voip-news.com/feature/10-skype-alternatives-091707/

I have a problem with this new version of skype.
My "personalise" button doesn't show me anything!! I even try to download it again but still doesn't work!
I want to change my wallpaper like I used to do on the old version of skype.
Please help!!
tnx

I don't care how many in house developers tell us that this new version of skype is great- it isn't. It looks awkard, ugly and appears less user friendly. All the extra information is really useless- I don't need to know that my friends are male or female etc...

This is a backwards step

too much information is making new skype look horrid. Especially for those who do not use webcams. Thank you for letting us pick an COMPACT view option, under "view" menu.

But still, we need an option of choosing color of application, because this default color is really bad.

When your contact is typing something - chat contents move UP and DOWN because of appearing pencil. That pencil is an useful thing, but u should move it in the upper part.

And the last thing - u could get rid of BIG GREEN "call" button in chat session, because there are plenty of ways to call your contact without that button,and it's just taking lots of space.

I'm sorry for my language, and cnstruction of sentences, It's just that new skype scared the hell out of me. hope of improvements.

best luck

This new version is horrible. I get sick when I have to use it. It's so difficult to differentiate the status of my contacts. Almost everything is green and I have to really concentrate to see if someone is online or not. I will try to go back to v. 3.8 if possible.

the new skype 4 STILL is lacking in so many features:
- colour font for chatting
- ability to enlarge MY chat window so I can MY video better!! its still too small)

also: the new colour coding makes it VERY HARD to work out who is online or away or busy etc... before it was very plain and simple. now its way over complicated. I am definately downgrading.
and PLEASE DONT EVER FORCE UPGRADES (like windows live), coz you will force many people to hunt for alternative ways to chat online and they will find others that are skype compatiple.

Help, I need tone dialing from the keypad to dial an extension, it used to work well on the old version. Thanks for any help you can give or I'll be a x user without this feature. Thanks

Skype should let users decision which skin/layout the want to use. I dislike the new version very much, please give me back my old Skype Skin!

Hi All

I believe you understand how much you loved something only when you lose it.

First I was thinking it was an innocent update, maybe even something nice and promessing...
After only 3 minutes with Skype V4 I was madly in love with the previous version...
After one day working on such an unfriendly interface (in comparison with Skype V3 which was really really friendly, efficient and practicle), I am now quite upset at you...
I was worried to get stuck with the new version for ever

Anyhow, I believe I am happy now. Thanks to PeterParkes, I CAN DOWNGRADE... YES I CAN...

Version 3 is just great. Nonetheless, you now make me concerned that is not going to evolve anymore and that it will soon be out of age, obliging me to switch to the new Version 4.
If this would be the case, I believe I will look for another provider... There must be a company out there that is as good as the old Skype...

Please kindly keep on upgrading Version 3 on a regular base and offer your client the free choice between the Version 3 and the Version 4...

Finally and reading the comments of this post, I would suggest for you to drop the new version and to try to simply improve the old one...

I am worried you are currently losing time, money and even maybe friends

Best

Version 3 Lover...

Hi All, me again...

As per Skype advise, I took a deep breath and I made it through the evil Skype V4...

I am now back to my wonderful and professional world of Skype 3, along with my nice little shamrocks...

My love is back and it feels just like home...

See you and good luck to you all,

Skype 3 Defender

@tdennin you can find the dial pad in the call window - make sure you're using that, rather than the Call Phones pane.

Pls give as the old interface. And why are the old cool skins removed? Only update in long time i really have hard time using. Pls give as the choice to have everything as it was.

yesterday I created a partition on my HDD so I could install Windows 7 beta after I got the new OS installed I started getting my programs back, Skype being the very first thing I downloaded and was very shocked to install it to find that it was not my skype anymore it is now this HUGE BULKY application with a load of functions I will NEVER use. At first I thought ok I will check the options to see if I can customize the application, when I couldn't find a option to get the old look and old functions back I came here to see if I was missing something. Well now I know I'm not missing anything its just that the application has become crap. so first thing I did was REMOVED the large bulky useless application and transferd my 3.8 onto the new drive/partition yeah there are a few problems cause 3.8 isnt for windows 7 but I would rather take my chance and so far W7 works fine with 3.8. so if you do not want people to go back to AIM,MSN,YAHOO,ICQ then you will bring back the look and functions of 3.8, I know if I'm ever forced to update to the new 4.0 and its still the same as it is now I will go back to Trillion pro.

I have been a Skype user for years, but version 4 is hideous. A nightmare for those with less than A1 eyesight. It also seems to make everything else unstable. I've warned my friends to give it wide berth and reload version 3.

Back to the drawing board I think.

Is anybody from the skype team going to answer any of these concerns. 4.0 is bad bad bad.

I've been a SKYPE user practically since Day One. I've brought a lot of friends and colleagues on board. The Service has been GREAT over the years.

But this new SKYPE is hugely frustrating and disappointing. Worse thing that the design team could have done in my opinion. I'm an experienced user and I'm pulling out my hair... PLEASE go back to the the older type interface.

What use to be easy to use tools are now elusive and almost impossible to figure out for the average person without spending a ridiculous amount of time. Just try to do a simple task like delete old voicemails. I'm really hesitant now to get my friends to even put SKYPE on their machines.

The new Skype is a huge step in the WRONG direction !

Thanks you.

Tony Bonanno

Please, please, please give us back the option to change what skin/interface we want to use! I have been reluctant to get Skype v4 and now I want so baddly to switch back to v3. I like how the v3 had a big "toy like" view to it. The buttons were easy to find and it was user friendly. It took almost 30min to get v4 looking the way I wanted it to and another 30min trying to find the option to switch the skin, to find out that there wasn't one. Please give us back the ability to change the ugly light blue background around.

cyberbrat12

What can I say that hasnt been said above - in a nutshell - take a step back - this is crap

Bring back the old interface! I just want a little chat window. At least let me "disconnect" the chat window to a smaller window. I'm likely to uninstall and get the old version. I have told others to not upgrade.

Ok, so after further digging, I found the "Compact View" under the view menu (not sure how I missed that). It's much better, but you have to tweak the window sizes a bit to get it to all work like you're use to.

We use skype a lot for text chatting, and sending lots of text at once. The new annoying chat windows make it impossible to send text file contents as the width is too narrow. It doesn't matter how big I make the window, the text area doesn't grow - why would anyone want this behavior???
Please can we have some common sense? If I maximize a window, surely it means I want to have a bigger view of what is important, not empty space!

I just installed Skype 4.0 - I hope somebody reads this (and not to bang on the same can) -- IT'S BAD.

Many skype users prefer Skype because it is not AIM or Yahoo Messenger or the ever-indestructible microsoft messenger. Skype has always been much more capable, and more refined. This new version seems like the classical case of design by software engineering committee. A note to the manager: applying latest GUI widgets to a program does NOT automatically make it better.

Now more specifically:

- What's with the color coding in the contact list - why online contacts and skypeout contacts are both green? There many more primary colors other than orange and green. I understand the rationale behind the new color scheme: green = "can call anytime", yellow/orange = "shouldn't call", (without any regard for anything else). Does the developer think that Skype users are THAT DUMB? Where is Pavlov's lamp, buzzer and the gastric juices collector? Come on...

- The chat window has been downgraded hugely... I have a 30" LCD monitor that has 2560 pixels across. Why is the text area always small? And why are the time stamps on the right? Vertically my screen happens to be 1600 pixels tall - so I see 30+ messages easily... and I a need to carefully track which time stamp goes with which otherwise there is no way to tell. I understand there was an effort to "clean up" the GUI elements. So where is my mouse-over that highlights the time code? Nothing but the good old selection cursor, I see...

And for those strange people that regularly try to paste a page of text or code into their Skype chat windows - bug off! These are for "hi grandpa" sort of messages, not for normal text! Nobody ever uses Skype for text.

Now, in the Contact pane, why on Earth does is need to keep reminding me that of the native language of person I am chatting to? It's great to know when you just meet someone... but this particular person has been on my contact list for 3 years and happens to be my sibling. Yes sir, I believe I AM aware of the fact that they can speak English... ah... I see... this is in case _I_ forget, got it!

And now the voice call window - where are my sound level meters? Where is my keypad? Oh that's a separate window... great. So now instead of a nice clean schema with one main window and a few supplementary chat windows I need to have all there other ones including the one with the keypad. Great.

Back in 1992 I got windows 3.1. It was fantastic! I could open 10 calculators and 5 notepads and all these other windows and it would still all work - hooray! Unfortunately, it is now 2009. Extra windows are not a crowning technological achievement.

Now onto more constructive comments - there are many improvements that can be made to skype - new ways of connecting, delayed messages, asynchronous conversations, pop-up chat windows for specially priviliged users, and so so many more wonderful features.... built-in screen sharing, rich chats, file docks for work in progress that sync automatically... but, alas, I am still reminded hereby that my sister is female and speaks English. Keep up great work!

Time for new software management?

Come on...

Forgot to mention - eBay went through a similar dumbization with the new search interface a couple years ago, welcomed by a similarly widespread "boo". It's still there.

Don't hold your breath. Welcome to eBay. Would you like to buy a new soap dispenser today?