SKYPE 4.0 BETA 2

Cheap Voice, Video Chat Gets Better



In response to feedback from 50,000 testers of Skype 4.0 beta 1, the company has made interface changes and fixed some bugs in this Beta 2 version. When Beta 1 launched, many users objected to its much larger main window. This time around, Skype developers have attempted to address that with a compact option; they have also changed the way contacts are grouped and made notifications stand out more.

The newest beta features the same streamlined installation as previous versions, and the process doesn't require as much personal information as SightSpeed's install does, but the download is bigger-23.6MB versus 8MB. The large main window is still the default in Beta 2, but now you can choose Compact Mode, which splits the program's main window into two smaller windows.

The new version also cuts down on scattered windows by including instant messaging at the bottom of the call window. The less-crowded new interface also makes controls such as volume and video settings more visible. Placing calls is very similar to that of the previous versions. When I talked with a person in Bangladesh, the audio quality was quite clear, though with occasional gaps. Conversations over Skype-Out—which you need to reach people who don't use Skype—sounded clear, though not quite as clear as a calls over a landline.

To receive calls from non-Skype users, you'll need a Skypeln account ($20.25 for 3months or $67.50 for a year). Video calling is also slightly better. Although this Beta version contains some glitches and missing features, it is nonetheless stable and usable overall.—Michael Muchmore

PC Magazine February 2009