Back in October when we wrote about Skype introducing high quality video calling for Windows and Mac users, Richard pointed out in the comments that the Linux version didn’t even have basic video support yet. I’m sure he wasn’t the only one feeling like Skype was ignoring Linux users, and perhaps that’s why Skype got to work to on a new version. Recently Skype launched Skype 2.0 beta for Linux with the major change in this version being the addition of support for video calls. Finally, Linux users have a feature that Windows users have had for quite some time now!
After reading through forum posts from those who have tried the video calling on Linux, it sounds like they’re pretty satisfied with comments like “I love it” or “woo hoo!”. People have had no problems using it, although some have said that the camera won’t turn on by itself when you open Skype, so you’ll have to manually turn it on. If that is the biggest inconvenience with this version, I’d say it’s not so bad. And of course this video calling feature is completely free which makes it even better. The addition brings the Linux version just a bit closer to what is currently offered for Windows and Mac users.
Before you go and give it a try, just make a note of some of the hardware and software requirements:
Hardware
- 256 MB RAM
- Video card driver with Xv support
- 1 Ghz processor or faster
Software
- QT 4.2.1+
- D-Bus 1.0.0
- libasound2 1.0.12
If you meet those requirements, head on over to Skype to download version 2.0.
Source: Download Squad
Enjoyed the post? Subscribe to our feed to get a daily dose of CyberNet!
Tags: Software, Web Sites, Linux
Related Posts:
- Skype 4.0 Beta 1 Released With Focus on Video Calling
- Skype Introduces High Quality Video Calling
- Look2Skype Brings Outlook And Skype Together For Easier Calling
- Skype Releases Three New Toolbars For Office, Outlook Express, & Thunderbird
- Skype 2.0 Features Many Updates And Bug Fixes
All that I have to say is “It’s about time”
Now if they could only make the sound work…
*wawawaaaaaaaa*
I second that motion!
Too bad they couldn’t get this final version out in time for all of the Linux releases that just shipped, but then again I don’t think any of the Linux distributions ship with Skype.