Skype for Macs gets a facelift, and call transfer

Stuart Corner
Thursday, 12 April 2007 10:45

Your IT - Home IT

Skype has announced a new, beta, version of its software for Macs, but despite being the first to get a call transfer feature, functionality is still well behind the Windows version.

The main enhancement in Skype for Mac 2.6 beta version http://www.skype.com/download/skype/macosx/is a new call transfer feature that makes its debut on the Mac version. It enables users to transfer ongoing calls to others on their Skype contact list. It wil be incorporated in other versions later.

A range of other features previously only available on Windows have been added. These include:
- the ability to join public chats;
- a chat typing indicator users can see when others are writing a message;
- the ability to all any Skype Prime premium services provider and pay with Skype credit;
- automatic updates the ability to get new features and updates without having to go to Skype's website to download;
- DTMF tones for automatic answering services are now available during Skype-to-Skype calls.

However version 2.6 does not support the new Skype Prime feature which enables people to offer their services via Skype, and receive payment, or the new business directory, updateable by Skype users.

Also, Skype says that "by ironing out the little bugs that users have pointed out, Skype for Mac 2.6 beta boasts increased quality and stability. And as Skype understands that even small things like handling birthday reminders or other notifications are important for Mac users too, we spent a lot of time streamlining the small stuff in this version."

It adds, "there may still be a few bugs to kill, but Skype is already working hard on bringing you the super Skype for Mac 2.6 Gold version soon."