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Skype enhances Mac free VoiP software

by Bob Crabtree on 25 July 2006, 16:32

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Skype has introduced a new Mac OS X version of its free voice-over-internet software, making it available in nine languages and adding, it says, a bunch of enhancements. These include an improved contact list; calls in windows and a chat drawer; a simpler contacts-search function; and an Easy Dialler for "straightforward" paid-for calling to landline phones and mobiles.

As well as the new software, Skype has also made available for the first time starter packs Macs. As with existing Windows starter packs, these are intended to get Mac users up and running quickly. They include a USB stereo headset with mic, a voucher for free SkypeOut minutes to call landline or mobile numbers worldwide and, of course, Skype's software.

These aren't strictly necessary, though. It's possible to download the software and run it with any mic and headset (or speakers) that work with a Mac.

The Mac 1.5 applet - currently still in beta and a 22 MB download - has a new look and feel to its main window and chat drawer that's reckoned to make them more efficient and easier to use. The new resizable chat drawer is said to simplify sorting, adding and removing chats, thanks to drag-and-drop.

Call windowsCall window


There's also improved integration with Apple’s Address Book and Microsoft's Entourage, for easier organising of contacts, plus a quickfilter search function within the Skype contact list.

The new version is said to support seven more languages than before, including French, German and Spanish (did earlier versions really not support these languages?).

Main windowMain interface

Here's Skype's own summary of the Mac 1.5 features

* Stylish look and feel: Intuitive interface designed especially for Mac to be faster and easier to use, with exclusive Mac-only features including calls in windows and a resizable chat drawer with drag and drop functionality.

Chat drawerChat drawer


* Easy Dialing: instead of having to remember specific country codes, easily call landlines or cell phones worldwide by selecting the country of choice from a dropdown menu.

Easy Dialler


* Find people to call: Easily import Apple’s Address Book or Microsoft Entourage contacts into Skype and call them directly with SkypeOut™, plus find your friends who are already using Skype so you can call them for free.

Import contacts


* Languages: In addition to English and Japanese, Skype for Mac now also comes in French, Spanish, German, traditional Chinese, Italian, Portuguese and Dutch language versions.

* Quickfilter: Find Skype and SkypeOut contacts quickly and easily by simply typing in the first few letters of a contact’s name.

* Skype Presence: Users can now be social using SkypeWeb to share their online status on websites and in emails, allowing others to see when they’re available to talk or chat from any website and blog.

Stated system requirements for V1.5 beta

Macintosh computer with G3, G4, G5, or Intel processor
OS - Mac OS X v10.3.9 Panther or newer. (The widget requires Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger.)
RAM - 128 MB
Free hard disk space - 20 MB
Microphone
Internet connection (either dial-up: minimum 33.6 Kbps, or any broadband: cable, DSL, etc.)

Those who are don't like using betas can still download the latest official release - V 1.4.0.49 of May 11, 2006 - as a 16.7MB dmg file.

Thoughts? Share them with us in the HEXUS.community.

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