2006-06-15 - The new Skype 2.5
Skype just released the new addition of its software. As part of the new software enhancements, registration is simplified for new
Skype customers, and dialing traditional phone numbers is more intuitive, making calls to landlines or cell phones anywhere in the world, easy and affordable. Features such as improved conference calling offer better voice quality.
Simple prompts while Skyping allow users to adjust how they manage their internet connection to ensure they have the best possible call quality. Other new functionality includes built-in, localized payment options, in over 15 currencies.
Here are some more details:
• Easy Dialing – instead of having to remember specific country codes, easily call landlines or cell phones worldwide by selecting the country of choice from a dropdown menu.
• Payments in
Skype – payment is now built into the
Skype software, making it simpler to buy
Skype credit, SkypeOut minutes, ringtones from artists like Madonna and more.
• Send Short Message Service (SMS) Messages – send a one-way SMS message to any mobile phone number in the world by selecting a SkypeOut contact, entering a mobile phone number or selecting a
Skype contact’s mobile phone number in their profile.
• View Outlook Contacts – quickly view Outlook contacts in
Skype and call directly using SkypeOut, a call from
Skype to traditional landlines or cell phones.
• Improved Conference Calling – instantly see who is talking on a conference call as the participant’s picture flashes when they begin to speak.
• Shared Contact Groups – easily share contacts with friends and family and help them connect with other people; bring groups together with just one click of a button to start a group chat or conference call.
• Simplified Registration – create
Skype accounts in one simple step.
• Automatic Updates – receive an automatic prompt to download the latest
Skype software any time the product is upgraded.
• Call Quality Management – lets users adjust and manage their computer environment and internet connection to ensure they have the best possible call quality.
In addition the software will have something called Skypecasts which are the
voice communities concept I have been talking about for months. Up to 100 people can communicate at one time on any topic. A host can take control of the call and can mute or eject people as the see fit.
Bloggers can schedule Skypecasts and link to them from their sites, so visitors using
Skype can click to join discussions instantly, without leaving the blog site.
Skypecasts can be promoted on any website using simple HTML snippets. All live Skypecasts are available in preview form at skypecasts.skype.com.
< view the archives