Skype adds Video to Net Calls

Beta version of Skype 2.0 is out and it lets you do much more than having a voice conversation over the net with inbuilt video calling and other enhanced features.

"At Skype we want to make talking over the Internet the most natural, simple thing for people to do all over the world," said Skype chief exec Niklas Zennström.

"With the release of our new software, it’s never been easier for people to talk to one another for free, and now they can see each other with video as well," he said.

Other features of Skype 2.0, which can be downloaded for free from Skype.com, include clearer menus and a Skype toolbar for Microsoft’s Outlook e-mail program. The toolbar allows people to click to make Skype calls while working in Outlook.

The upgraded Skype software also features "mood indicator" software that allows users to let their contacts signal whether they are happy, sad, listening to music, available or busy and other phone personalization features.

While there is a list of Skype-certified compatible Webcams from Creative and Logitech, the folks at Skype report that the video feature is compatible with almost any Webcam on the market. After you’ve downloaded or upgraded to Skype 2.0, simply plug in a Webcam and you can start using the video feature for free. There’s also an offering from Creative: The WebCam Instant Skype Edition, a new Webcam plus headset with microphone.

The new Skype video features have been designed as an integrated component of the new Skype client. With just one click you can switch from the small image seen in the "calling window" to full-screen video (in case you are worried about a bad hair day, you can also click open a window to view what you look like to the person you are calling).