Skype just recently the first beta of their new Skype 4.0 client that is currently only available for Windows. The focus of this release is to receive user feedback to work further on the client and provide a release version after the summer. Major changes have been made to the interface which comes completely redesigned and provides fullscreen access to the features.
Skype 4.0 is missing several essential features when it is compared to the current release version 3.8 of the VOIP client for Windows. Among other functions Skype Prime, the History, Sending Contacts and Skypecasts are missing in the initial 4.0 release of Skype. A full list of features currently missing from the beta release can be seen at the Skype announcement of this version.
This essentially means that if one of the features is a requirement for your work you should wait with the upgrade until they have implemented it. The new version overwrites the old one and there is no obvious way to go back to the old version of Skype once the beta has been installed on the system.
The only possible way would be to use a System Restore Point to go back. This beta version does not allow multiple Skype instances from being launched which is unfortunate for those users who either use Skype extras that require that feature and also for those that use several Skype instances for work, home and other activities.
The window can be resized up to a point but not further than that. Looks pretty much like 800×600 on my screen taken up by Skype as a minimum which is definitely unfortunate.
The major shift in this version will be away from concentrating on phone conversations to video conversations which is unfortunate for me because I do use Skype mainly as a way to call and send messages to some of my friends.
My advise would be to forget about installing this beta client in a work environment. It should not be that problematic for most home users though who would like to test the new client. Everyone else probably fares better with the 3.8 client.
Have you tried Skype 4.0 ? What is your opinion about the software ?
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I would rather wait for the stable version!!
Horrible interface. It looks like it was designed to run solely on Microsoft Bob.
This type of UI completely alienates all existing users of Skype.
It looks like it was designed for a full-screen kiosk that doesn’t need to run any other applications. Overly HUGE fonts, lots of wasted space. Meant for big dummies who are half blind, not professionals.
Big disappointment. Thank God this is only a beta version. They have A LOT more work to do and need to re-think the direction they’re considering.
I’m not interested in video calls and interface change in that way.
I had not planned to install it anyway – I don’t like to try first betas, but from now I will avoid it as long as possible…
well, a way to try skype 4.0 exists: make it portable!
http://portableapps.com/node/246
by this way many versions can co-exist.
What is it? New iTunes? Why is it whole-screen design?
I want my little cozy bar back!
Skypecast d’nt work
For me 4.0 is better than 3.8 – completely new idea for skype. Must try for 2-3 weeks and then speak about.