Skype 4 rings the changes

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 3 Feb 2009 at 15:23

Skype has released the fourth version of its popular VoIP software, with the focus firmly on improving video and audio quality.

Among the most significant new features is the ability to conduct full-screen video calls. It's also now possible to initiate video calls from the get-go, rather than having to start a voice call and then switch to the webcams.

Skype 4 also ships with a new bandwith manager that can dynamically alter the video quality to ensure a smooth picture, whatever the connection speed.

However, anybody boasting a dual-core processor and 400Kbit/sec broadband connection can look forward to a steady 30 frames-per-second at full screen, according to the company.

The audio codec has also been revamped to offer better audio quality while "using 50% less bandwidth" than previous versions.

The interface has been touched up, too. The two pane interface has been combined into a single screen to reduce clutter, and the instant messaging interface has been expanded.

According to Skype's figures, it now has over 405 million users worldwide.