Skype Upgrade Simplifies VoIP Video Calls
Skype is making it simpler to start up a video call and making the quality of the connections better with the 4.0 version of its peer-to-peer communication software.
Previously, callers would set up a VoIP call via Skype and then launch video if the parties had the equipment and desire to hold a video call, the company says. Now they can launch a video call right away.
The software includes a new proprietary codec called Silk that self-adjusts its sampling rate and bandwidth range to accommodate the quality of the connection, the company says. With a 400Kbps connection, the codec supports 30 frame-per-second video if users have high-quality cameras and computers with dual-core processors to support it.
The latest version includes Conversation Tabs that sort out interactions with others, person by person. So all the SMS, chat, attachments and voice mail from one person would be gathered under one conversation tab. When new messages come in while a user is away from the computer, they are automatically sent to the appropriate tab so the user doesn't have to sort them manually.
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