Last week I downloaded the new version of voice over IP software, Skype (version 4.0) - and I am very impressed. Not only does this new release constitute a major cosmetic overhaul of the software, it also comes with huge improvements in sound and video quality.
Previously I was a sporadic Skype user and was often frustrated by crackly and intermittent voice connections. From my early experiences with version 4, this seems to have been completely fixed. I have now had about half a dozen conversations with people locally and interstate (not international yet) and the sound quality has rivalled a normal telephone connection.
Video is markedly better too. I rarely used this Skype capability before because it had poor refresh rates and often slowed down or stopped due to a lack of bandwidth. The video capability of version 4 is much smoother, has little or no delay and can operate on the lowest of bandwidths.
I am hoping that Skype 4 will give me a reason not to use my fixed phone or mobile phone for business from now on, thus saving me hundreds of dollars in phone charges.
You can download the latest version of Skype here…
Talking to 'Barrel' in Canberra on the new version of Skype
