Skype Technologies shortly released its Skype Windows version 1.4, as the VoIP provider moved to add features in the wake of the recent deal under which it will be acquired by eBay.
The new release has gone live with an updated version of its Internet telephony software, adding call forwarding and personalization options to its popular Voice over Internet Protocol service. The new Skype for Windows also improves callers’ ability to set up instant messaging, group chats conference calls, file transfers, voicemail, and Wi-Fi access, Skype said.
The new version features a range of free Skype-to-Skype options as well as some new paid services. A free call-forwarding feature enables callers to forward incoming calls to other Skype users and the company said 83 percent of its Beta test users tried the call-forwarding feature and found it easy to use.
Personalized Service
The new version also introduces Personalize Skype, a customization service being managed by Qpass, a Seattle-based Skype partner. Personalize Skype offers consumers pictures to use as avatars and sound clips that can serve as ring tones or replace Skype’s default sounds. A limited number of pictures and sounds are available for free.
Qpass will handle content acquisition and billing for Personalize Skype, a service it manages and hosts. Qpass’s list of customers taking advantage of its add-on ring tones, images, and mobile games includes Cingular, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile, and Vodafone.
Windows Only, for Now
Skype’s update is currently available only for Windows users, though the company says it is working to bring the new features to its Macintosh, Linux, and Pocket PC editions.
The survey, which Skype said was independent, revealed that the service is used at least once a day by 76 percent of its callers and that 79 percent of them were interested in receiving calls from landlines. The company’s SkypeIn service enables users to receive calls from landlines for about 2.4 cents a minute.
Earlier this month, Luxembourg-based Skype agreed to be acquired by eBay for around $2.6 billion in cash and stock. The companies expect the deal to close by the end of the year. Skype advertises a registered user base of 56 million, with more than 3 million people simultaneously connected to its service at any given time.
Skype CEO and co-founder Niklas Zennstrom also released the results of a comprehensive global survey of Skype users. Skype callers are more international with 85 percent communicating with people living abroad, the firm’s announcement stated.