Skype 6.0 Launched For Mac And Windows

Skype 6.0 is the latest iteration of the popular VoIP software franchise that has been launched for both Windows & Mac platforms. Skype 6.0 comes with the support for Facebook and Microsoft accounts, to sign-in to the software. This implies that new Skype users need not create a fresh account to use the service and they can sign-in using their existing Facebook or Microsoft account.

The latest upgrade in the software follows the acquisition of Skype by Windows (for $8.5bn) last year. Microsoft wants to make the VoIP app to work cohesively with its products and a lot of integration is taking place. This upgrade also comes ahead of the official launch of Windows 8. The huge user base of Skype would bring many benefits for the Windows platform going ahead as Microsoft integrates Skype with its product better.

Skype 6.0 has major focus on integration with products from Microsoft. Skype now has feature to import IM contacts from Hotmail, Windows live messenger and Outlook. You can now IM your contacts from these platforms using Skype. Skype also communicated that they are working on feature that allows video and audio calls/chat to Windows Messenger through Skype desktop application. This feature should be out in a few weeks time.

The user interface (UI) has also been refreshed and is now much simpler and has a less cluttered look. For instance, the ‘online user’ counter has been removed from underneath the Skype contact list to simplify the UI and allow more contacts to be seen in the list. The interface for SMS and instant messaging sections has also been refreshed. Skype will now show you all your previous profile pictures, when you wish to change your profile picture. This will allow you to pick an old profile picture, if you want.

Skype 6 application for Windows includes support for additional 6 languages, namely Catalan, Croatian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovenian and Thai. This takes the tally of languages supported by Skype to 38.

For Mac users, the biggest upgrade is in terms of Retina display support. This will improve the user experience for Mac users and will allow them to make good use of higher resolution screen. Mac users also get option to open multiple chat windows at a time.

With Skype 6.0, Microsoft is integrating Skype with its different products and is looking to improve the features of the VoIP application as well. Clearly, Microsoft wants to leverage Skype to the maximum to take its full advantage.