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Skype For Mac 2.6 Beta Now Available

By Scott Gilbertson April 12, 2007 Categories: Operating Systems, Platforms & APIs, Software & Tools

Skypelogo
Skype has announced a new beta version of its software for Mac, which includes some new Mac-only features like call transfer, however, the Mac version of the Skype client continues to lag behind the Windows version.

The Skype for Mac 2.6 beta adds call transfer functionality and features numerous bug fixes, but unfortunately giving the red-headed stepchild a new suit doesn’t change the fact that he’s still the red-headed stepchild (no offense to red-headed stepchildren).

The call transfer feature enables Skype users to transfer ongoing calls to other Skype users in their contact list. Unfortunately, the feature is only available if all callers are using the Skype 2.6 Mac client which, for the time being, makes it of limited usefulness.

However, once the Windows client is similarly updated, call transfer should be a welcome feature.

While it’s nice to see Skype adding a feature to the Mac client before the Windows client, it’s still not as good as simultaneous updates and full cross-platform compatibility.

The Mac client still does not support Skype Prime or the business directory, SkypeFind.

On the plus side, Skype claims to have worked hard on bug fixes and call quality improvements. In the announcement release on the Skype blog the Mac team writes, “Mac users have been asking for better quality and Skype has taken action. By ironing out the little bugs that users have pointed out, Skype for Mac 2.6 Beta boasts increased quality and stability.”

A few other previously Windows-only features have made their way to Mac client:

  • Mac users can now join public chats
  • a small “typing” indicator icon now shows when others are writing a message
  • Mac users can now access any Skype Prime premium services provider and pay with Skype credit
  • The Mac client now features automatic updates without having visit Skype’s website

Skype 2.6 for Mac is a beta so the usual warning apply, but in terms of stability I find it better than the existing official client and would recommend that all Mac users consider upgrading.

Skype

Tags: Internet telephony
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