Skype has released the beta version of Skype 2.0, featuring many attractive enhancements compared to its predecessor, which is already familiar to computer users. 
Skype continues to impress, particularly with its engaging video calling capabilities, improved interface, and ongoing provision of free Skype-to-Skype calling services.
User-Friendly
Using Skype is the best way to experience high-quality video calling without significant investment since the service is offered for free. On the hardware side, you will need a broadband connection, a reasonably good webcam, headphones, and a microphone. On the software side, at a minimum, you need to have Windows 2000/XP installed, and to use the video calling feature, Windows XP is mandatory. Users must then download and install Skype 2.0 beta on their PC and register for a user account with Skype if they don’t already have one.
New Features
With the introduction of the find-me/follow-me feature, users can be reached from anywhere, enabling calls to ring on all phones, including mobile phones, home phones, and office phones simultaneously. This represents a significant improvement in this new version. Users can also import contacts from their address book in Microsoft Outlook and create a list of contacts who have not yet used Skype, dialing them through regular phone lines with just one click.
One of the new directions for Skype is allowing users to set up and embed links to facilitate direct Skype calls from blogs or personal websites. This feature has been expanded through collaboration with the web design company Six Apart.
With paid services, Skype adds more flexible features, including SkypeOut, SkypeIn, Skype Voice Mail, and Skype Groups. SkypeOut enables users to call directly from their PC to landlines and mobile phones (typically around 1 cent per minute, though international calls may be more expensive). Conversely, SkypeIn allows users to receive calls from various types of phones at a reasonable cost. Skype Voice Mail is a complimentary service that comes with SkypeIn, allowing users to leave messages of up to 10 minutes in length. Finally, Skype Groups enables small offices to use Skype as a supplementary telecommunications system. This service allows system administrators to manage calling services for multiple users.
However, due to Skype’s video quality being limited to about 15 frames per second, the images may not be smooth, lacking the “real-time” feel. Still, being able to talk and meet with a “loved one” for free is already quite amazing.
Minh Phúc
