Skype 4.0 Beta 2 for Windows Ready For Download

[engine]

Skype has released 4.0 Beta 2 for testing today. 4.0 was a big change from the familair format of Skype 3, and for some (me included) it took away some of the features we'd gotten used to. With this update, some of those features are back, with some added flexibility.

I'm busy testing it now, so, if you fancy testing the beta

[skype.com...]

[mcavic]

The new interface is horrible. But Beta 2 gives you an option for the old interface, and it does indeed look like an improvement. Just be sure to hit View->Compact View.

[GaryK]

Is it possible to get rid of that awful right sidebar? All I want to see is the contact list.

Are there fewer dropped calls in v4? For me when I've been online for 20-30 minutes I always get cut off. Well sort of. The other person can hear and see me, but I can't hear or see them.

ADDED1: What features were removed that have been put back please?

ADDED2: Never mind about the sidebar. I see it can be hidden. :o

[edited by: GaryK at 4:26 pm (utc) on Oct. 1, 2008]

[ergophobe]

So what are the killer features that would prompt me to upgrade (let alone to the beta)?

[amznVibe]

Buy a gateway device for Skype so you don't even have to look at the interface, it's well worth the investment. You can get RJ11 boxes for skype to use any regular phone with it for like $10 now.

The dropped calls and echo is rarely the fault of the client software anymore.
The only/biggest problem with skype is even the shortest of delays (ie. 50ms) start to add up as you transfer through other systems that have their own lag like long distance calls, Google's 411 system, etc.