Skype 5 Beta Released For Windows

The Skype blog has just announced the release of Skype 5 beta 1 version for Windows. This new version introduces the much waited group video calling feature and supports for up to 5 people in group video call at a time. In addition to introduction of group video calling, Skype users will also find a re-designed call view. The new call view focuses on the ongoing call while taking away all possible disturbing factors like other conversations. And if you want to see other conversations and data, than you also have the option to do so.

If you want to use the video calling feature, than note that every other attendee of the group video call should be running this new beta 1 version of Skype 5. After ensuring that every attendee of the group video call is having Skype 5 beta 1, you can start group video calls by using the add button to first invite people into the conversation and then clicking on the Video Call button.

Skype 5

Skype group video calls like any other live video streaming service, requires a very fast Internet connection and a modern computer system that can handle the strain put forward by this feature properly.

skype 5 group video call

Group video calling feature of Skype 5 will be a premium feature that when Skype 5 final version will be out in 2010. This suggests that there will be extra pay-only features integrated into the VOIP software. Group video call feature will also be available for Apple Mac operating systems later this year.

The release notes for the release build, Skype 5.0.0.105 are:

New Features:
* Up to 5-way group video call
* Redesigned calling experience
* Improved video snapshots gallery
* Improved browser plugins performance on some websites.
* Reduced false positives on browser plugin phone number recognition.

Changes:
* Call host is not displayed anymore in the user interface
* Windows 2000 is not supported in this Beta version

You can read the full release notes for the complete list of fixed and known issues in Skype 5 beta 1 version 5.0.0.105.

You can download Skype 5 Beta 1 for Windows from the link below:

[ Download Skype 5 ]

Just a reminder that beta versions are still work in progress, so you might find the odd bug.

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