Test drive the new version of the chat tool
Platform : Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista
Type: freeware
Manufacturer: Skype
Size: 23.6MB
Rating: 3
Verdict:
Skype has received a visual makeover, but whether this is an improvement, is
up to you to decide
System Requirements:
When it comes to making free calls across the internet using Voice over IP
technology, Skype is certainly leading the pack. With almost 26 million people
having downloaded the software, Skype is the most used free internet
application.
Developed by the people behind the file-sharing service Kazaa, Skype offers
free internet telephony with another PC user as long as both have the Skype
software.
Of course, you're not limited to making calls, either. If you can see another
Skype user online, you can request a text-based chat, in the same manner as you
would through Windows Live Messenger or similar applications. If they're not at
their desk, they will see your message as soon as they return.
This is the second beta preview of the forthcoming Skype 4. New features in
beta 2 include a compact mode, so you can reduce the size of the user-interface,
if you only want a quick text chat with a friend or colleague. Alerts are bigger
and brighter and you can now sort contacts in to categories.