Few days back we wrote about overwhelming response to Gmail calling and the growing competition in internet calling market. Skype has also joined the race by launching a new beta version for v5.0 (currently only for Windows users) which will allow users to have 10-way video calling. The previous beta allowed 5-way video calling, but it seems Skype have been working constantly on their software to reach a double figured e-conversation.
Skype said the 10-person group video calling feature is being offered as a “free trial,” suggesting users will eventually have to pay for the feature. To use the 10-person group video call feature, all participants in the call must be using Skype 5.0 beta which was launched in May. There’s also a new section called “Skype Home,” where users can read their contacts’ Moods, set profile photos and mood messages, and receive notifications. The company did not say when the feature would be available for Mac versions of the software. However, the company earlier promised group video calls for the Mac before the end of this year.
Skype’s blogger-in-chief, Peter Parkes, said: “The second beta of Skype 5.0 brings a number of changes both outside and in…It welcomes in a fresh new look, as well as increased stability and better quality when making group video calls. We’ve also added Skype Home, where you can follow your contacts’ mood messages, set your profile picture and mood message, receive account notifications and learn more about using Skype.”
New Interface
The new interface is much more streamlined than the current version 4, splitting the main window much less confusingly into two simple panes: a buddy list and the Skype Home window, from which you can edit your profile and give feedback as well. And, as always, you can bring Skype back down to a compact view if you prefer to just see your contact list.
Skype which has dominated video calling, faces new competition from Google, which added a feature to its Gmail service that allows users to make calls to phones. The announcement of the 10-person group video call feature holds a considerable significance as Skype is preparing for an initial public offering too.
I have been using Skype for last 3 years and have seen all the updates and features they have added in the past…
I really liked the Group conferencing feature and to get in touch with my team we do skype video calling once in a week..
I thank Skype team for adding feature to add more people in a conference call..
Way to go skype….