Filed under: Macworld, Software, Internet Tools
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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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ivan Brezak Brkan said 11:55AM on 1-06-2009
Finally, reasons to turn on Skype again. :)
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Jash Sayani said 11:57AM on 1-06-2009
Wow! Interesting features coming to Skype.... Will check it out.
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Freak Mojo said 12:20PM on 1-06-2009
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.
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Robk said 12:59PM on 1-06-2009
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.
jbdc41 said 1:20PM on 1-06-2009
2.8? The windows version is on 4.0 beta and we don't even have an iPhone app! Step it up, Skype!
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CongoZombie said 2:24PM on 1-06-2009
Yeah! And windows is only about to be on version 7, but Apple are on OS version 10! That means that it is 3 better LOL.
Version numbers mean nothing. They released skype for OS X after the windows version, hence less releases.
Mixed Ape said 2:37PM on 1-06-2009
I suppose your better than jbdc40? jbdc39?
jbdc41 said 3:15PM on 1-06-2009
Yeah, right, version numbers don't mean anything, but the freaking features that come with new versions do. I would love to start using the high quality video calling that Windows Skype users have been enjoying since its 3.0 release.
mmm said 10:00AM on 1-22-2009
iphone.app - fring
Navin said 1:30PM on 1-06-2009
Just so you know, IPEVO control center crashes with this beta version.
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Johnny said 2:53PM on 1-06-2009
Can I screen share mac to pc and/or pc to mac? If so, that's convenient.
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MrDanko said 3:10PM on 1-06-2009
When there are keystroke combos for muting and unmuting calls, I'll be set.
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merc669 said 3:56PM on 1-06-2009
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.
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Almir said 10:13AM on 1-07-2009
I just love Skype it just seems like an Mac app :)
Will definitely check this feature out!
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PhilipSolutions said 6:57PM on 3-05-2009
skype 4.0 does have mute and unmute toggles. goto Tools> Options > Advance Tab > HotKeys > Mute microphone.
Hope this helps.
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stevejball said 9:25PM on 3-16-2009
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
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