Skype Beta 2.7 Updated for Leopard; Better Video
Skype is one of my favourite applications on my Mac. It allows me to make calls to phones anywhere in Canada and the US for a low price every year, and it is also an easy way for me to call people, through video or voice, whether they are on a Mac or PC. I was disappointed to find that Skype was quite buggy on Leopard. It would crash constantly, and there were many firewall issues. All of these issues rendered Skype unusable on Leopard, and it was uninstalled from my system.
Finally, the good folks at Skype have released an update. Although the update is not complete, they have released a very-stable beta version. The new beta touts complete Leopard compatibility, and new 640 x 480 video resolution on Skype video calls from computer-to-computer. This is a very welcome upgrade, as Skype is now able to compete with iChat in the A/V chat space. There is still no multi-person video, but the quality of Skype video chats have drastically improved.
Although the new Skype is still in beta, it is remarkably stable and drastically better than any other version of Skype on Leopard. There are no more Leopard bugs, and finally Skype fits into the Leopard environment. As for the increased video resolution, it is slightly noticeable, but still far behind iChat on the media front. I would recommend the Skype 2.7 beta to any Skype users using Leopard.
Now I just need a recommendation from somebody for a good Skype phone to plug into my Macbook. I have two already – both early generation, both USB. Don’t like either of them.
Any ideas gratefully received.
thanks
If you have bluetooth on your computer, any bluetooth headset (for cellphones and such) will do. I’ve been recommended Cellpoint’s Flamingo from other skypers. Check out a review at
http://reviews.cnet.com/bluetooth-headsets/cellpoint-flamingo-bluetooth-wireless/4505-12523_7-31309324.html
I’ve been using Skype 2.6.0.182 (what the auto-update routine will install for you if you let it) without any problems on Leopard. FYI for those leery of running beta software.
Yeah, it seems to vary between systems for me. Mine was very problematic, while I know others who had 2.6.0.182 working perfectly. Your mileage may vary.
I wish people would warn you when they are taking screenshots
Haha, anyway, Skypes video is nice. I’d use it if I needed to interact with Windows users as well, but iChat in Leopard is my favorite.