Your views on Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac
It’s always great to see so much feedback on new releases of Skype, and I’m particularly excited to see your comments about the two big new features in Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac, Skype Access and screen sharing.
Dan York’s excellent video shows off screen sharing in action, and it’s worth reading the rest of his comprehensive blog post for highlights of the other additions to this beta version.
Dan expresses some frustration that things aren’t the same on different platforms:
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Perhaps most annoyingly, I am currently in a position where I am helping some Windows users get started with Skype and so I'm trying to help them with their Skype client… when mine is markedly different. It's a frustrating experience. I do hope Skype's new management can help converge the product streams so that the user experience (and technical support experience) is closer between platforms (while, yes, acknowledging that platforms have UI/behavior differences). We'll see.
This is a perennial challenge at Skype – making all of our products behave and look like Skype, and at the same time adhering to the conventions of different operating systems and platforms.
As Mac users, you (rightfully) expect Skype for Mac to behave like the very best Mac app – but at the same time you also (rightfully) expect it to act like Skype. Where the balance lies is something for our developers to work on, but as always, if you have specific feedback on how we can improve things one way or the other, please leave a comment below, join the discussion in the Skype Community or pitch in on Jira, our public issue tracker.
There’s been plenty of discussion of Skype Access, particularly the rates – comments range from the positive to the I-wouldn’t-touch-this-with-a-bargepole, but I’ll repeat my comment on Pat Phelan’s blog here for the benefit of the doubters:
The appeal of Skype Access is the fact that you can pay with your Skype Credit, and pay by the minute – [particularly] if you just need to make a quick call or send a couple of emails, you can connect for a few cents/pence with a few clicks.
For me at least, that’s where Skype Access comes in incredibly handy – definitely my favourite of the new features.
Last, you’ll have noticed that we’ve done a bit of sprucing-up of some of the icons and other bits and pieces of the interface, and our user interface researchers would love to hear what you think. You can find a selection of screenshots on Flickr, so please add your comments there if you’re a Flickr user; of course, you can also drop a comment below. And keep that feedback coming. The more we get, the better Skype for Mac will be 
I have been a skype user for a good couple of years since my family and my fincee live overseas. One thing I would ask for is for skype to run a bit kinder on the system resources during calls. CPU usually climbs to around 70% and memory usage is usually massively. This means that the the system fans often come on fairly soon after starting a call and this in turn means that the person on the receiving end of the call hears a rather loud hissing sound. Any chance something will be done about the CPU usage??
Native Screen Sharing is fantastic!! As soon as I started using it, I immediately wanted it for more than one participant!!!
It would be nice to be able to see the mouse pointer in screen sharing… Or even better something like oneeko where the viewer gets a mouse pointer to move around albeit with no control.. good for pointing at “whats this do” type things…
When is screen sharing coming to the windows version !?
I’ve very pleased with the beta. I have regular conference calls with participants throughout the world and they find the sound quality fantastic. I even gave a presentation to a conference in Berlin from my home in San Francisco. What I’d like to see is something along the lines of iChat’s theater where you can give a presentation to a group of people on skype or at least one other person at another location. This would be great for remote conferencing.
The screen sharing works great, with the caveat that the invisible mouse pointer is a definite downside. Meanwhile, the new beta version doesn’t work with my iSight external camera, even though version 2.7.0330 works fine, as well as the current version iChat.
I have to second the problem with the cpu usage. This is something that I hope can be sorted out now, as it’s killing my mac. Using skype on linux and windows hardly breaks 2-3% cpu utilization but on mac (10.4.9) it hits 70% plus and stays there!
Also for some reason, possibly unrelated skype on mac seems to send out alot of data upstream, i.e. the upstream/upload bandwidth used is about 30+ KBps. I have limited this using IPFW rules and this has not impacted call quality. The strange thing is that incoming traffic has always been low, so I can’t see why there should be such outgoing traffic from skype.
Please, please sort out the CPU usage issue though.
+1 on the CPU spiking with Skype for Mac for years. I’m finding that on video calls, CPU usage is quite high, but also noticed CPU “leaking” with chat windows open with lots of emoticons. When I close the chat windows with animated emoticons, CPU monitor goes down.
This is a big waste of power and battery (since millions keep Skype open 24 hrs a day), so please try to optimize this soon, if possible…
@kamalesh1 interesting – I can’t say I’ve noticed it, but perhaps I just don’t use enough emoticons. I’ll pass this on to our engineers and I hope they’ll be able to sort it out
The three different versions of Skype are a disaster. Sure you want some platform integration, but 99% of the differences between Mac/Windows/Linux versions of Skype are not due to any sort of desire to fit into their respective platforms.
Each interface has a completely different way of organizing things, which makes them essentially similar in name only, and that’s a product of using three completely different GUI toolkits, and then having apparently no common vision for the UI at all. What a mess and waste of developer resources. Each team does their own UI experiments instead of actually trying to come up with something that works well for everyone (after all, users are users whether they use OSX or Windows). A different platform does not justify a completely different UI.
@pherthyl I agree that there are certain things which make Skype Skype, but there are certain conventions which apply on a platform-by-platform basis. We believe that Mac apps should behave like Mac apps – that doesn’t mean they should be different to Windows apps just for the sake of it, but Skype for Mac should definitely feel like Skype for Mac
I usually nitpick UIs on behavioral elements rather than appearance issues if I’m going to nitpick, but I much preferred the old toolbar icons. The new ones are bland, severe, and poorly differentiated. They seem at odds with Skype’s otherwise colorful, friendly brand. I recognize that the style is probably lifted from Safari’s style, but Skype doesn’t need to get out of the way of content as much as Safari does. Mail (with its big, colorful toolbar buttons) seems a better source of inspiration. My 2¢.
I’m having a hard time finding a forum to report Beta defects, so I’ll report here. If you open the history list, select all items with cmd-A, then hit delete, skype hangs.
please make an option to sign out of other sessions of Skype, it is impossible to use on multiple accounts!
That would be nice to see in Linux
@peterparkes
“I agree that there are certain things which make Skype Skype, but there are certain conventions which apply on a platform-by-platform basis.”
Yes, but these are minimal. You want some basic widgets to look native, you want integration into the global menu bar, and integration into notifications like Growl. Not a big deal at all, and something that a toolkit like Qt could do 90% of.
“We believe that Mac apps should behave like Mac apps – that doesn’t mean they should be different to Windows apps just for the sake of it, but Skype for Mac should definitely feel like Skype for Mac “
Sure, I totally agree, but the interfaces are completely different on OSX, Windows, and Linux. No way can you convince me that those differences are because of an attempt to fit into the underlying platform. Those differences are because there is no vision and no attempt to create one great interface and one great set of features, instead of 3 different ones that range from good to mediocre.
I don’t buy that at all.
“I agree that there are certain things which make Skype Skype, but there are certain conventions which apply on a platform-by-platform basis.”
Yes, on mac you just have to match the aqua style, and take care of the menu bar.
The mac version open too many windows, much more disapointing than the windows version.
It use too much CPU
For no apparent reason Skype started to crash on our Macs today. It can’t even start properly, the startup sound is cut short and then it breaks down. Re-install cured the problem until the first incoming chat message which did send Skype crashing again. Tried to go back to 2.7 – same thing. And same thing on two Macs used by different people, one under Tiger, another under Leopard, different types of Macs too. Interestingly, on the third Mac we have Skype continues to run ok – for now.
Any help?
I am so frustrated that skype no longer works on either of my macs–10.3.9 or 10.4.11. Why not? I’ve tried redownloading, but the icon merely flickers when I click on it, and never opens or starts.
Teresa M
I would like to see the option to add phone numbers to a contact, as in the Windows version Mobile, Home etc. Also there is no uniformity in the call buttons. One is white on green, another black on green. Same with Chat buttons. One is white on blue, the other black on blue.
Beta for MAC
1) Please give me the option to ‘Hide local video’ (like ichat does).
2) Need the option to one way video chat if only one person has a camera (like ichat does).
3) Screen Sharing is only useful to me if I can control the remote machine (like ichat does).
Skype usually works where ichat only has a 50% chance of working (a plus for Skype)
Thanks
I hope you’re listening!
Jim
Hey– I too suddenly lost all functionality of Skype 2.7 and 2.8 on G4 and G5 Macs running Tiger 10.4.11. For no apparent reason, that we can determine, one day it worked and next day nada. Weird stuff like double clicking on a contact makes all contacts disappear and no chats or calls can be started. Can’t quit the program or close windows, have to force quit. At least Skype is working on it they had me send them terminal and console error logs etc. So I hope they can get it figured out! We’ve done lots of troubleshooting and reinstalling both versions with no results.
At least two other people here andybrandt and treetwig seem to be experiencing similar issues. I’d like to hear from others that have had this suddenly happen.
I would like to see a way to show the video of my face while sharing my screen, simultaneously, not either or. I find it somewhat dry to hear a voice paired with a screenshare. It is also easier to share a powerpoint while someone is seeing your mouth moving. This might exacerbate the CPU problem though.
I’ve never used the Windows version of Skype, so I have no idea what the differences are. Previous posts seem to only be complaining about the apparently major differences between UIs depending on OS. Well, my complaint, granted, is a blind complaint, as again, I am not familiar with non-Mac variants of Skype. But, it’s a complaint I have far too frequently, for *any* multi-platform app. That would be the we-Mac-folk-are-second-class-citizens complaint.
When we’re at v2.8 Beta, and Windows is at 4.0 Official, how would you expect us to feel? What wondrous 4.0 features are we missing out on? The rare company that takes great pains to keep *all* platform versions equal gets automatic respect from me. My memory’s a bit foggy, but it seems to me that in Skype’s early days, you *did* keep your Mac releases on par with PCs… Macs have twice the market presence we did when Skype debuted (slap me if I’m wrong, there). Yet we still find many needs either lagging, under-supported, or entirely unsupported (like Nokia connectivity software for Mac, the continued lack of which really annoys me, as I’m on my 3rd Nokia, and iSync Tiger doesn’t support my phone). When’s the Skype For Mac 4.0 Beta due, eh?
@outstretchedhand – interesting idea, and a good point about richness. You may be right on the CPU front, but this is definitely something we can think about including in a future release.
@jaytrotter 2.8 Beta includes two features that Windows users don’t even have yet – screen sharing and Skype Access And our engineers don’t stop working, so there’ll be another new version of Skype for Mac coming out before long.
PULLLEEEEAAASSSSEEEE fix the insane CPU usage when using Skype video! Playing 1080p videos use less than the low-res skype video chat. When I do Skype video the fans kick on and the CPU hits 60 or 70 percent… What is wrong here?!
Other than that, we love Skype 2.8beta… Please fix CPU, thank you!
@danboarder if that’s happening with the latest beta, please give me a shout and I’ll put you in touch with one of our troubleshooters.
Like Andybrandt tweetwig and suecampbell, my skype has been crashing as soon as I start it up for about a month now. I simply can’t get it working anymore on my Mac. This is ever since I updated my version, to the Beta version, I think.
What can I do? I really want to communicate with so many people around the world!
@orlynur please make sure you’re using the latest beta – at what point does Skype crash?
i would like to see a mute button for messages. I listen to music through my laptop’s lineout to speakers and it gets very loud. I have to bring down the music volume so much before the skype sounds become less annoying and acceptable. I want to be able to do this simply through skype without needing an extra software or skript.
Thank you!
The new Skype 2.8 beta doesn’t even launch without crashing. It is worse than its predecessor.
My experience with the previous 2.8 beta was not as bad. It worked, but always crashed on incoming calls until the caller tried multiple times and I relaunched it exactly 3 times. Every time on the 3rd launch it would resume normal behavior, but sometimes crash with no apparent reason.
Going back to 2.7 did not solve the problem, so I have been happily using 2.6 for the time being.
When I saw the post about 2.8 I tried it, but the result is that upon hearing just a portion of the launch audio sound effect, it crashes immediately. Every single time.
In short, 2.8 sucks.
@dennisburnham I’ve contacted you on Skype to get some more details
It would be great if the mac version of Skype could look and operate like the windows front end, as many of us use both platforms.
So far my Skype (Beta) version is working well on my Intel iMac with Leopard. but I find it rather “Cluncky” after using the latest windows version on my work Laptop.
I see no reason why Mac & Windows Skype cant look identical, please endeavour to make them look and operate the same as the windows latest version.
Thanks.
Ok, so in the past I used skype on my windows, and now that I have a new mac I use it on that, but it would be much better if some of the options like games were on both versions so that I can play from my mac and with my friends who have it on windows…
is it just me or are some of the emoticons (like makeup) missing from the mac version….. weird
PLEASE fix the Mac CPU drain as quickly as possible. I am supposed to log in as a “virtual” employee for hours on end and we just assumed that Skype would be up to the task. But my fans are on and my computer is hot all day.
I AM FRUSTRATED! I downloaded the newest version Skype (2.8.0.722) for Mac OS X and now the video does NOT work! I can neither view others OR be seen my others during a Skype call. With the older version of skype the video worked flawlessly, but this “new, updated” version, there is NO video AT ALL!
Yes my cam turns on and I can see myself, but the person I’m talking to cannot see me, nor can I see them!!
This new version SUCKS!
I am unfortunate to have downloaded the skype 2.8.0.722. When I could not be seen or heard anymore and lost all my contacts, I found out that my excellent external webcam isight bought with Apple store is not supported by the skype beta version because it is firewire. Macam driver recommended by skype does not support my webcam either. So I am without Skype and would have to buy a new webcam. I would prefer my old one and the 2.7. version of skype. havauem
I am unfortunate to have downloaded the skype 2.8.0.722. When I could not be seen or heard anymore and lost all my contacts, I found out that my excellent external webcam isight bought with Apple store is not supported by the skype beta version because it is firewire. Macam driver recommended by skype does not support my webcam either. So I am without Skype and would have to buy a new webcam. I would prefer my old one and the 2.7. version of skype. havauem
I am unfortunate to have downloaded the skype 2.8.0.722. When I could not be seen or heard anymore and lost all my contacts, I found out that my excellent external webcam isight bought with Apple store is not supported by the skype beta version because it is firewire. Macam driver recommended by skype does not support my webcam either. So I am without Skype and would have to buy a new webcam. I would prefer my old one and the 2.7. version of skype. havauem
If you could get it to work with built-in isight that comes with most macs, that would be great. I don’t want to buy a whole extra webcam just for one application.
The new version has a horrible ‘bubbles’ quality to the sound when it’s played back. It’s very disturbing and distracting.
iMac 24″, Snow Leopard, Skype 2.8.0.851 (final)
The 2.7 sound, imperfect as it was, was much better overall.
After spending almost $300 on Skype for the Unlimited World plan and additional credits, I have to say, I am fairly disappointed with it.
There are huge latency issues when forwarding calls from my virtual number to my cell phone.
Additionally, there are similar latency issues using only voice (video disabled) to make and receive calls (to phones) using Skype software on my Macintosh computer.
Although I appreciate you are catering your software to a broad spectrum of people, the PAY services should be tip-top, first and foremost.
Your company shouldn’t be worrying about bells and whistles when you have the possibility, at a core level, to compete with major telephone carriers in that heavily established and lucrative market.
Unfortunately, I feel like I sunk a good amount of money, into a lemon.
Is there anything being done to resolve the issues I mentioned?
hi
i agree with pherthyl and i really dont understand why should it be different with the different platforms. i just recently changed to mac and im sick of these “we are apple and not MS and we have to do everything different” bullshit. so if u ever use skype with a different platform and u got used how to do why should u change everything? the design could be different but why have to be the whole app?
Anyway this is a free app and i have to appriciate that we can use it! and i also bought credit to call mobile or landline and actually it worked for me good. u have to set ur mic and other settings proper, u have to have a good connection and it could be smooth to use…
so thank u, and please find some common way to improve this app for the users who dont want to suck because people with God complex ! anyway we are free to choose!!!
bye
anyway let me ask if the apple leash the skype developers to do it differently?