Skype 2.0 Adds Video

Golygydd Max writes "Skype is showing that there's life after the eBay purchase. Techworld reports that the company has just launched the beta of Skype 2.0, having added video to its telecommunication software. The company is already lagging behind the likes of AOL and MSN in offering this, but Skype must be hoping that the size of its user base will help it - its store is to start selling videocams almost immediately." The LA Times has a review from a 2.0 beta tester, if you're interested in a hands-on look.

Large user base?

[Jotii]

I don't see how Skype's "large user base" is going to help them to counter Skype lagging behind MSN. Aren't MSN's and ICQ's userb ases way larger?

How does it perform on Linux?

[bogaboga]

I am no Skype user but would like to know how Skype is doing on the Linux platform. I know they had a QT/KDE client. Any reviews?

gimme gimme gimme

[DaPoulpe]

A multi-platform Video Skype and you got yourself something way cooler than Msn nor Yahoo Messenger largest user base or not.

Does it work with 3G phones ?

[terminal.dk]

Unless it works with the 3G video phones all kids between 15 and 25 years old are buying these day, then it is just 15 year old tech in new cans.

Full skype-in / skype-out to 3G phone would be the ting to move it to the next level.

(I live in Denmark)

Skype-integrated eBay?

[digitaldc]

Since eBay now owns Skype, maybe they should integrate this video technology into eBay so you can get a video of what you are purchasing.

This would help when buying big-ticket items on eBay. The ability to view a house or piece of property on video would probably increase the interest and sales.

Please fix linux support first

[geirt]

I have been using skype on linux for a while now, but the Linux support is getting worse.

Skype does not support ALSA, causing all kinds [skype.com] of [skype.com] weird [skype.com] problems [skype.com]. There is a bug [skype.com] in skype that require a restart after any voice call (it does not close /dev/dsp after use). These problems should have been fixed a long time ago.

I am actively searching for a better solution.

Re:Mac (and Linux) users

[el_womble]

I expect Mac and Linux support are a bit of a way off, but after seeing Jake2, my faith in Java has been renewed... why not create a Java client?

Instant cross-platformy goodness (all be it wrapped in proprietary Sun licence badness)

If they can render Quake 2 at 260 fps then video at 15fps has got to be easy... doesn't it? Just make sure its rendered in jogl and joal rather than evil Swing. The one sticking point I can see is getting the data from the camera in Java... any thoughts?

 

Re:Mac (and Linux) users

[Matlo]

Actually, there is this java program Mercury that allows video chat and that is compatible with MSN messenger clients. Pretty neat, it works on Linux and Windows.

http://www.mercury.to/ [mercury.to]