Skype for Mac 2.8 Beta offers screen sharing

Good news for Skype users. Skype has announced the availability of Beta 2.8 for the Mac, which offers two huge new features: Screen sharing and WiFi access for a MacBook or MacBook Pro via "Skype Access."

Screen sharing works via the Skype video channel, of course, and allows for a complete view of a participant's screen. For now, only a Mac may act as a source, though a Linux or Windows machine can view its screen. File transfer is also possible, though a lot of detail wasn't available on this.

The other major feature, Skype Access, offers WiFi access for a MacBook or MacBook Pro via any Boingo access point. These include McDonald's, hotels like Marriott and Hilton and more than 500 international airports. Skype Access will run you $0.22US (€0.16) per minute using Skype Credits.

While we haven't had a chance to play with it yet (we're a bit distracted by a little trade show today), the pitch from Skype sounds interesting. Let us know if you give this a try.

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Source: http://skypejournal.com/2009/01/skype-for-mac-28-beta-launch…

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Good news for Skype users. Skype has announced the availability of Beta 2.8 for the Mac, which offers two huge new features: Screen sharing...

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stevejball

I just bought a mac, I was told a the apple store skype will work with a mac, however I was not told it has limited features. I talk to my kids on my old pc and enjoy playing a simple game of checkers. Now after getting my mac I find I cannot play games. can anyone help

March 15 2009 at 11:23 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

PhilipSolutions

skype 4.0 does have mute and unmute toggles. goto Tools> Options > Advance Tab > HotKeys > Mute microphone.

Hope this helps.

February 19 2009 at 6:56 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Almir

I just love Skype it just seems like an Mac app :)

Will definitely check this feature out!

January 06 2009 at 7:51 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

MrDanko

When there are keystroke combos for muting and unmuting calls, I'll be set.

January 06 2009 at 3:10 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Johnny

Can I screen share mac to pc and/or pc to mac? If so, that's convenient.

January 06 2009 at 2:53 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Navin

Just so you know, IPEVO control center crashes with this beta version.

January 06 2009 at 1:30 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

jbdc41

2.8? The windows version is on 4.0 beta and we don't even have an iPhone app! Step it up, Skype!

January 06 2009 at 1:20 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

4 replies to jbdc41's comment

merc669

My wife and me use Skype quite often for communicating with our son and daughter both overseas. The video is especially good where we are able to talk and see our granddaughter when she is awake. Otherwise we call her home or cell in England.

January 06 2009 at 12:37 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Freak Mojo

I've never tried Skype for the one reason I read that it actually uses your system for it's bandwidth for other users. Kind of scared me off the whole thing.

January 06 2009 at 12:20 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to Freak Mojo's comment

Rob

I believe that is only true if you open up a certain port on your firewall. Since most users do not, it really is not an issue.

January 06 2009 at 12:59 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Jash Sayani

Wow! Interesting features coming to Skype.... Will check it out.

January 06 2009 at 11:57 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply