Skype 4.0 Beta 1 for Windows initial release
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
Been dying to try this new beta, but I keep getting 1603 errors on Vista. I’ve tried the fixes posted in the forums for previous versions, but ugh.
Haven’t given up, but looking for something creative.
Looks awesome, will bug fix updates be released frequently? Is it stable enough to use in a business environment? Will installed next to the version I have now so if I have issues I can use the old for awhile?
I really liked new Skype 4, but I have some suggestions focused on new GUI:
1. Add ability to close/hide a right-side blue panel when there is no any active chat, because now Skype takes a lot of monitor’s area and it not so usefull! I prefere to not waste a monitor’s area without any reason.
2. Add ability to set a size of input message field by default in IM window. I prefere to see a big input field and not field of 2 lines. And also, to set this parameter ones and for ALL my contacts and not pass by contact-contact and set this value manually.
I like the new Skype beta, but will not use it untill Skype Casts are incorprated back into it. Works well with XP, but they have left out some features I like.
Is it possible to add support of ICQ/XMPP/WLM standarts of IM? It will allow to Skype a all-in-one IM solution number one in the world!
Oh Lord a major update! Just what me and my on-line gf needed! Since we “Upgraded” to 3.8 we have NEVER had a black telephone icon indicating a clear line. Pic quality and sound has been.. (Well lets not go there)
But looking at all the features you say this beta hasn’t got from 3.8 I think we’ll carry on regardless. You have not implemented far too many things we find just so useful.
I’ll check back to see if you have come to your senses and released a fuller featured Beta later.
Skype 4.0 beta DOES NOT support mutilple Skype instances launched under different Windows user accounts any more.
This feature disabled in 4.0Beta is very useful for many business users who have more than one Skype accounts, and want
to use them at the same time, it is also killing Skype based call center software like PrettyMay which requires mutilple
Skype instances launched to support concurrent lines.
I have reported this on jira at: https://developer.skype.com/jira/browse/SCW-773
braydencorleone: Does it mean when you wrote that the new skype does not support multiple instancies of the same account, that I will NOT be able anymore (until is fixed) to log in with my standalone skype DECT cordless telephone at the same time like on my Desktop PC?
Like this on the link
http://accessories.skype.com/DRHM/servlet/ControllerServlet?Action=DisplayProductDetailsPage&SiteID=skypeeu&Locale=en_GB&Env=BASE&categoryName=Cordless%20Phones%E2%80%A6%20No%20PC%20Required&parentCategoryName=Cordless%20Phones%E2%80%A6%20No%20PC%20Required&productID=86624900
It looks great, but i have to give “budnyatsky” right.
It takes to much space on the monitor!
So it will be great if it would be possible to close/hide the “blue panel”
Is it possible to make the “blue panle” swapable on right or left side?
installed under Vista Ultimate SP1 32bit version
Skype 4 beta now can recognise DV camera (SONY HDR-HC3) and web camera list shows that DV camera along with regular web cam. But even I select DV camera, preview does not display whatever DV camera captures.
Is there any way to make DV camera work as video input under Skype 4?
In Skype (Beta) Version 4.0.0.145, the bug described in
is fixed. Congratulations and thanks!
In Skype (Beta) Version 4.0.0.145, the bug described in
https://developer.skype.com/jira/browse/SCW-24 is fixed. Congratulations and thanks!
Well, I guess I am not the only one who thinks: “I HATE version 4.0″. Please let me stay with Skype 3.5 since its the best version for windows. Just the interface of the linux is even superior to 3.5. If you are unwillingly to slim skype down, then please offer an “light” version with just the communication capabilities:
– Stable phone-calls. Version 3.8. is crashing about 15 times a day on my maschine!
– Easy cheat with support for group chats (Version 3.5 and linux 2.0 shine in this discipline).
– High-Quality Video-Support (this is what the linux version is missing to qualify for the best skype ever!)
As some other people mentioned, the huge information area on the left takes far to much space and is higly distracting. Its good only to see the time in the country you are calling (which is an awesome feature). The new integration of the chat window is THE WORST IDEA IN HISTORY OF SOFTWARE! Even if detaching the panel, why there is a huge “phone” button. Rather use the space for an bigger input area. The messages I post are not just 2 lines long (10 lines might be sufficent, or even better scalable by the user?).
So, whom can I talk to concering this “complaint” ?
I am running windows server 2008 standard x64 2Gb Ram Celeron Dual core and so far I can use the 4.0 beta without it crashing. I will report again as I use it more…. so far so good… BTW do not use compatibility in server 2008 – IT WILL CRASH!
I have a Linksys CIT-200 Skypephone and is impossible to make video calls in Skype 4 only voice calls. So, I have uninstalled the beta version and I hope you make a better interface in the future, you cannot forget that many and many users have a Skype fone.
I think what we need in global communication software is the ability to make calls and video conferences in regions where the internet connection still very low and telephone calls very expensive like in Mauritania.
It is a big waste of monitor… please, let me close the right side…
i like the new beta, but i agree with others that we should have the option to hide the right side. i like it set up like a standard IM client. also, i would love to see instant messages pop up in possibly a tabbed window instead of inside the skype window itself. also, i am not sure why, but the skypeout numbers in your buddy list are now green, and makes it hard to quickly differentiate them from your online skype contacts. having them be blue worked well before. thanks for the beta of whats to come though, seems to be working fine for me so far on 32bit vista home premium!
Until the screen real estate is able to be changed I can’t use it – sorry.
All previous Beta versions of Skype have been completely functional with respect to the previous versions. This Skype version 4 Beta has significant functionality missing.
With this in mind, this version should therefore be labelled a “technology preview” and not a “Beta”.
When will a fully-functional version 4 Beta be available?
Why skype is not working on conference video calling….
its very necessary that if i am in a conference call with few people,i cant send or receive video in the conference…
if 3 of our family members are at different places and want to see each other at the same time…there is no way to do this….kindly put this feature in the skype 4 version…PLEEEASE…
i occasionally solved this problem by having voice conf on skype and video on yahoo msgr…but ymsgr really sucks with just 1 frame updates in 10sec…or sometime even worse…but skype vodeo just rocks…but its sad that its not available in voie conf calls…
kindly look into this..
Thanks.
I think I’m going to switch back. my 85-year-old mother uses the speed dial and it doesn’t display it on on on my Skype user list with this new version.
I don’t understand why the new version of Skype don’t have Skypecast. As a user of Skype, I use the fee-charging feature of Skype and Skypecasts as well. I use the fee-charging feature to call my friends who are all over the world. However, I can’t call them anytime because of the time difference, but sometimes I have the urge to have a conversation with someone. And the Skypecast feature has helped me to meet my needs and I was able to meet new people and make new friends. I can’t believe that Skype is getting rid of the Skypecast feature. I strongly recommend that you guys don’t get rid of skypecast in the newer version on Skype.
Please make skype able to run as a service. Thank you.
Just thought I’d share.
HOW TO REDUCE THE CHAT SCREEN SIZE: I do agree the new GIANT screen sucks. Click on View from upper menu and choose “Compact”…. now you’re back to your old style IM interface.
http://carolinaregion.blogspot.com/2008/12/beta-testing-skype-40.html
Skype needs to be able to be run as a service. Based on comments above, I’d agree that screen interface needs to be modifiable to be a straightforward simple presentation that takes up a minimum of screen realestate. Thanks
Please add irc chat style again.
This is NOT a beta release. It is alpha release and a poor one at that. Bring in the added features that attracted me and my business associates to purchase accounts. We need speed-dial and multiple instances. And I need to be able to log into Skype on my desktop as well as on my U3 stick at the same time. Frankly, I removed Skype 4 as soon as I noticed the high ratio of absenteeism. I also informed my customers to stay away. Sorry… you’ll learn as all other software companies have (except brain-dead Microsoft) that screwing with what got you there will quickly deal you a deathblow. * Suicide IS against the law *
I installed Skype 4.0 on my windows 7 beta machine. The new skype installs great and works…until I try and use it with my CIT200. I don’t know if this is a skype 4.0, win7, or linksys driver problem. Needless to say, I uninstalled skype 4.0 and installed 3.8. My CIT-200 now works with skype. Except that I have to load CIT200 manually at startup, it doesn’t automatically load as before in XP. Since there are really very few skype cordless phones available, and I believe the CIT is one of the most popular it would be nice if it worked really well with Skype!
Everthing in this new interface is large and distracting – while the actual chat boxes are designed and placed such that it takes effort to concentrate on it…the design is similar to what would be done in a marketing application where the information content of the page is secondary to product advertising. The icons are inferior to those of the previous version. Is it possible to revert back to the visual style of the previous interface? I am interested to know the rationale for the current design…it certainly violates most all of the design precepts that I use successfully in my professional career. Again – can one revert to the previous interface ? Thank you, James
Hi since downloading Skype 4.1.0.130 i find it works well with my faithful windows XP except that is for the few misables which you have already mentioned in a earlier blog.One small point, i would like to have the small icon back on the start bar which as dissappeared for some reason and i can not get it back.
we were doing a video conference this morning with 4 of us and there was no video just voice. one of the members in the conference call said he was charged for voice call. i was under the impression that video conference was free. how many people can be in a video conference at the same time?