Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
In some ways, Skype's latest offering takes a step back, but in many, it's a jump forward. In version 4.0, Skype's VoIP app for text, audio, and video calls refocuses on Skype's core competency (and most formidable challenge) of delivering high-quality audio and video calls over the Internet. A new sound engine and bandwidth manager helps keep calls clearer and more stable as talkers reach out across the world, using the spectrum of high- and low-end equipment. The improved sound and video quality were notable in our tests.
Many of Skype's secondary features remain in version 4.0, like conference calling with up to 24 people, IM, history-viewing, file-transferring, and games. Yet some users may decry that public chats have been temporarily omitted, IM isn't terribly interactive, and the Skypecast partyline throwback has gotten the kibosh. Others may chafe against the new interface, a larger block that consolidates the classic two-pane look into a single window. Foreseeing this, Skype has made it possible to split them into two. The new organization places contacts and conversation on side-by-side tabs, and that is surely appreciated.
Anyone who's interested in talking for free should give it a try. For international callers, this program is a no-brainer solution for slashing the long-distance bills.
Skype 4.0 for Windows:Publisher's Description
From Skype:
Skype is software that enables you to make free calls anywhere in the world. Skype uses innovative P2P (peer-to-peer) technology to connect you with other users. It offers several features, including SkypeOut calling from Skype to regular and mobile phones worldwide, conference calling, and secure file transferring. Skype calls have better sound quality than your regular phone and are highly secure, with end-to-end encryption. Improves video quality for video calls.
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 1,879 votes
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Current version:
2.6 starsout of 14 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"This version has no longer log-on / off time stamping!"
Version: Skype 4.0.0.226
Pros
Easy to text chat.
Cons
Calls to lan/mobile line are still very expensive! Am using VOIP Buster for calling.
Summary
Only limited usefulness.
Would like to download older version. Which version has the log on/off time stamping?
Thanks! -
"It sucks big time"
Version: Skype 4.0.0.226
Pros
Keypad doesn't work. Can't do extension numbers, so what good is it? 3.9 was a lot better, but now we're stuck with this turkey. Can't download 3.9 anywhere.
Cons
Keypad doesn't work when a call is in progress. Can't do extension numbers.
Summary
Fix the keypad. It worked with 3.9, doesn't work with 4.0. Can't do extension numbers!!!
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"Clunky, losey interface, dial pad doesn't work"
Version: Skype 4.0.0.226
Pros
NOTHING, THIS VERSION IS TERRIBLE
Cons
EVERYTHING. THE OLD 3.8 WAS MUCH BETTER. OBVIOUSLY THE SOFTWARE GUYS WERE ON DRUGS WHEN THEY CAME UP WITH THIS PIECE OF GARBAGE
Summary
ITS ONE SIMPLE ANSWER. NOT USER FRIENDLY!!
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"It is what it is and nothing more"
Version: Skype 4.0.0.226
Pros
It works and setup is not to bad.
Cons
The time lag for the voice is distracting to the MAX.
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"a step backwards: no chat; confusing screen"
Version: Skype 4.0.0.226
Pros
I have not found anything I like about this new version (4.0.0.226) that would offset the loss from what was in the 3.8.0.115 version.
Cons
4.0.0.226 is a huge disappointment. Where's the chat? Just try to find an explanation in the help menus. The screen is much more confusing and less intuitive than in the 3.8.0.115 version.
Summary
I was a great supporter of Skype for a couple of years, but it seems they are actually degrading in terms of design and customer support. Some of the responses are nonsense, and if there is a billing problem, just kiss that money goodbye. I got many of my friends involved and now am embarrassed with the "improvements" Skype has made.
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"Stable and free app."
Version: Skype 4.0.0.226
Pros
Works well for me. Maybe I'm lucky but on all of my systems it is very stable. I often use it for conference calls. Pretty cool :-)
Cons
can't find any yet.
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"It Sucks......like a ****."
Version: Skype 4.0.0.226
Pros
Nothing...................
Cons
It ***** up the system, My browser crash frequently after installing this ****. And also, i was trying to do a system restore but i was unable to do so, I thought it was the work of AV but no it was this ******* Skype.
Summary
IT SUCKS.
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"I feel abused"
Version: Skype 4.0.0.226
Pros
In general my limited experience with an older version on my previous laptop with Windows XP gave no cause for complaint. With 4.0.0.226 on my new laptop (Vista) I was equally satisfied at first until the telephone number phenomenon started.
Cons
At first the superimposing of a Skype button on telephone numbers in emails and websites was annoying. Now the button has gone and any telephone numbers I put in an email disappear after a couple of seconds, as they do on websites. Frustrating!
Summary
I have uninstalled Skype 4.0 because I couldn't even write a telephone number in a BT Yahoo email without it disappearing after a couple of seconds. In my case the disappearing numbers (also on visited websites) were exclusively telephone numbers, clever old Skype left Fax numbers untouched. At least the Skype button they had been originally super-imposing on all my telephone numbers (while offering to phone this number with Skype) has disappeared, but as I mentioned to the detriment that it is impossible to communicate a telephone number in an email without it disappearing. Who are these people looking over my shoulder to see if I'm writing a telephone number? What version of Skype might I download that doesn't have this intrusion? Could someone also advise on trustworthy sites to download. I tried to download an older version from oldapps.com but was redirected to some 'registry helper' site.
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"an average kind of VoIP better than ym"
Version: Skype 4.0.0.226
Pros
good video quality
good voice quality
user-friendly features
amazing extras featuresCons
no public chat ( which i really hate about it)
confusing screenSummary
It has it's own cons and pros but i hope that skype will upgrade it's version to be more better especially in terms of its public chat
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"absolutely great"
Version: Skype 4.0.0.226
Pros
fast good picture
Cons
It makes me look my age - all wrinkled and greeen - like my money
Summary
GREAT thank you
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