Skype, the global Internet communications company, todayreleased the beta version of Skype 2.0, the newest version of itssoftware that allows anyone with an Internet connection to make freeInternet calls. The software is designed for greater ease of use,integrated video calling, and enhanced features that allow people tostay in touch and express themselves online. Skype also announced itscollaboration with global headset and Webcam partner Logitech, as wellas partnerships with Webcam manufacturer Creative, and with weblogsoftware and services company Six Apart.
Available in 27 languages, Skype is used by people in almost everycountry around the world, and Skyping has become a global phenomenon.The latest version of the software has further simplified the Skypeinterface, making it even easier for people to see and speak withtheir family, friends and colleagues.
"At Skype we want to make talking over the Internet the mostnatural, simple thing for people all over the world to do. With therelease of our new software, it's never been easier for people to talkto one another for free, and now they can see each other with video aswell," said Niklas Zennstrom, CEO of Skype.
-- Skype Video - see your friends and family on the full computer screen or in the Skype calling window. Skype Video also includes a window to view what you look like to the person you are calling.
-- Simplified user interface - an intuitive menu with one-click access to key features and options makes it even easier for the whole world to talk for free.
-- Self-expression - broadcast your mood along with your online presence. Let your contacts know whether you're happy, sad, listening to your favorite music, available to talk or do not want to be disturbed.
-- See your contacts' time zones - before you wake up your friends, family or colleagues take a quick glance to see what time it is in their location.
-- Group your contacts - organize your contacts by grouping your friends, co-workers or family members. Start conference calls, chats or file sharing with the whole group with just one click.
Skype Video gives users free, high-quality video callingcapabilities. Compatible with almost any Webcam, Skype Video is fullyintegrated into Skype calling, and can be adjusted to providefull-screen video with just one click. After downloading Skype 2.0,simply plug in a Webcam to start using video for free. Skype-certifiedWebcams will be available from Creative at select retailers in Europeand from Logitech through the Skype Web store located athttp://www.skype.com/store.
"Logitech is a pioneer in video just as Skype has pioneeredInternet calling," said Junien Labrousse, Logitech senior vicepresident of the entertainment and communications business unit."Together we are providing a superior video communications experienceto Skype's community around the world."
Skype has partnered with Logitech to jointly market Skype videoand offer select Skype-certified Webcams including the Logitech(R)QuickCam(R) Fusion(TM) webcam and the QuickCam(R) for Notebooks Prowebcam. The Webcams come complete with Logitech(R) Video Effects(TM)software, a 1.3 megapixel sensor, Logitech(R) RightLight(TM)technology, Logitech(R) RightSound(TM) technology, intelligent facetracking and a Logitech headset, providing a complete package to beginusing Skype video right away.
Skype is also working with Creative, who introduced aSkype-certified Webcam for use with its new video-based Internet phoneservice. Known as the Creative WebCam Instant Skype Edition, this newWebcam comes with a personal headset with microphone, software and astand-alone microphone for use when several people wish to talk.
People can find Skype-certified products, such as Webcams,headsets and USB phones at www.skype.com/store, at major U.S.retailers such as RadioShack, and at select retailers in Europe.
Skype 2.0 also offers users the ability to show their availabilityand initiate Skype calls directly from a blog or personal Web site.Skype has partnered with Six Apart, to let users of its TypePadblogging service integrate Skype presence into their weblogs. Skypeusers, who use TypePad for their blogs, can indicate to visitors ontheir site when they are online, and allow visitors to easily initiatea Skype call right from the Web page. Similarly, hundreds of companiesare integrating Skype's application into their own services to providepeople with enhanced communications tools. For example, Webdialogs isalready working to integrate Web presence into its services.
Skype is the world's fastest growing service for Internetcommunication, allowing people everywhere to make unlimited voice andvideo calls for free. Skype is available in 27 languages and is usedin almost every country around the world. Skype generates revenuethrough its premium service offerings such as making and receivingcalls to and from landline and mobile phones, as well as voicemail andcall forwarding services. Skype also has a growing network of hardwareand software partners. Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). Tolearn more visit www.skype.com.
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