Skype has released a new version of its eponymous VoIP client for Linux. Downloads for the various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Fedora, and OpenSUSE, can be found at this page are being found. With version 4.1, Skype aims to reduce the Linux client’s lag compared to the other desktop versions. For example, you can now sign in with a Microsoft account and chat with Windows Live Messenger users. In addition, improvements have been made to the user interface, it is easier to have group conversations and several issues have been fixed. More information about the changes in this release can be found in the release notes.
New features in Skype 4.1 for Linux are:
- Sign in with your Microsoft account
Starting to use Skype has never been easier. Just sign in with your Microsoft account and you are ready to go. After signing in with your Microsoft account, you will have all your buddies from Messenger, Xbox, Hotmail and Outlook.com available in Skype, making them easy to communicate with. If you already have a Skype Name, then you can merge the two and enjoy streamlined communications inside Skype with all of your friends on these services. - Instant Message with Messenger
Now you can IM with your friends with Messenger straight from Skype. This is the first native Linux solution that allows this. - User interface tweaks to improve the experience
We have tweaked the user interface a bit to improve the experience. The tweaks include:- Hotkey “d” added to invoke dialpad during Skype-to-Skype and conference calls
- Pressing ESC will now exit full screen call view
- Notification of unread messages in the middle of the call
- Differentiate between local and remote holding of call
- Implemented support for secondary logins
Now you can run more than one instance of Skype on Linux simultaneously. Just add the “– secondary” command line option to launch a second client. - Easier conference calls
We have fully implemented support for the /golive command in Skype for Linux to enable you to more easily host conference calls. Read more about this feature here. - Support for Skype URIs on Web sites
Web site developers can build Skype URIs into their pages to initiate Skype chats and calls right from their web pages. These URIs are now supported by Skype for Linux, so when someone surfing the Web clicks on a contact list that contains Skype names or phone numbers, the URI will automatically launch Skype for Linux and initiate a call to the specified target.
Resolved Issues:
- Video: Video sometimes froze when switching to HD
- API: API returned incorrect values for command “Search Activechats” SCL-875
- Generic: Skype had invalid .desktop file. SCL-816
- IM: Contact names with special characters were not shown properly
- Voice message: During voice message greeting Skype showed that microphone was muted
- Generic: Debian packages failed Lintian check
- Group conversations: It was not possible to add phone contacts to group conversations
- Screen sharing: Starting screen sharing while a call is on hold crashed Skype
- Calling: Call hangup sound was played incorrectly when call went to voicemail.
- Calling: Ringing sound was played always to default audio device, not to user selected ringing device.
| Version number | 4.1.0.20 |
| Release status | Final |
| Operating systems | Linux, Linux AMD64 |
| Website | skype |
| Download | |
| File size |
29.20MB |
| License type | Freeware/Paid |