Skype 4.2beta and Skypephone SkypeOut released
1/10/2008 at 10:05
It’s a big day for Skype, at eight o’clock this morning they unveiled the latest Skype 4.2 beta software which vastly improves over the original beta released in June. There’s a classic view for those who prefer the earlier 3.8 version of Skype, along with a more Windows like tabbed view for contacts and conversations.
A host of new features including the ability to group contacts, for those with a large number of messages coming through Skype say there’s better notifications and alerts. There’s also the ability to resize the Skype window, and any section within Skype to give more space e.g. for video or chat messages.
It’s not just on Windows that Skype is changing, the Skypephone from 3 is getting SkypeOut enabled from today. 3 will be pushing software upgrades to all of their Skype enabled handsets today with new calling packages, (the most expensive of which costs £7.99) allowing users to call mobiles or landlines anywhere in the world via Skype.
This is a huge step forward, with other mobile providers attempting to limit VOIP on mobiles, even over WiFi, 3 have taken a brave step in fully embracing Skype.
The big question is do you really need a land line for running an eBay business any more? With Skype on your desktop and on your Skypephone you’ll be able to make or receive free calls anywhere there is mobile coverage.
northumbrian says
11:07 am on 01/10/2008
With Skype on your desktop and on your Skypephone you’ll be able to make or receive free calls anywhere there is mobile coverage.
that means most of Scotland wont be available
Chris Dawson says
11:28 am on 01/10/2008
#1 I was going to stop at “anywhere” but I put the last four words in just for you
northumbrian says
1:35 pm on 01/10/2008
gosh thanks
Nick says
7:32 pm on 02/10/2008
I love Skype. This is awesome!
Hedley_Lamarr says
10:13 am on 03/10/2008
Has anybody updated their Skypephone 1 yet?
I’ve had a look on the 3 website but cannot see anything.
Hedley_Lamarr says
10:33 am on 03/10/2008
Found it now:
Mobiles and landlines outside the UK only so not as good as it sounds!
Calls to landlines and mobiles abroad via Skype now available on 3 in the UK and Ireland
Beginning in October, anyone using a Skype enabled 3 mobile phone in the UK and Ireland, will be able to go beyond making Skype-to-Skype calls and sending instant messages. People will now have the opportunity to use their 3 mobile phone to call landlines and mobiles abroad using Skype.
3 will enable this feature, named ‘Call Phones Abroad’ in two waves.
The first wave will begin on the 1st and 2nd October with the new feature enabled on the 3 Skypephone S2 and compatible Nokia, Sony Ericsson and LG phones.
The second wave, planned to begin on 20th October, will enable Call Phones Abroad on the original 3 Skypephone S1.
Our goal is to enable the new feature on all compatible devices by the end of October.
Call Phones Abroad allows people to use their 3 mobile phone to call landlines and mobiles abroad. Domestic calls are not supported. In a nutshell, if you’re in the UK you can call any other country in the world apart from the UK, but if you up sticks and head to Italy, for example, you can use Call Phones Abroad to ring back to the UK.
Call Phones Abroad is available to both 3 Pay As You Go and 3 Pay Monthly customers. You will need Skype Credit to use Call Phones Abroad. When you make a call the charge will come from your Skype Credit, not your 3 account or PAYG credit.
For more information please visit:
joe bloggs says
4:12 pm on 27/10/2008