This morning Skype announced the gold release of Skype for Mac 2.0; finally a released Skype for the Mac with video support. Just in time to take advantage of all those iSight cameras built into more recent models such as MacBook Pro and MacBook. And, of course, one can now hold two party cross-platform video calls between Mac and Windows versions of Skype.
We would appreciate receiving your feedback via comments on your experiences using this much requested and long awaited version. I am working with one test case to check out this statement:
We've improved the video quality and made changes so that video calling can now work on older systems allowing more of our Mac community can use it.
The next challenge for Skype is to develop video conference calling similar to that already available with SightSpeed.
Update re Test Case: My acquaintance had attempted to use the beta Skype for Mac with his G4 800 MHz Mac - now the minimum requirement for Skype for Mac 2.0. He had reported problems with the beta version; however, on downloading the released version, we were able to establish a cross-platform Windows-to-Mac video session this afternoon with no problems - backing up Skype's statement quoted above. The biggest issue was that his three year old Mac's video camera does not provide the sharpest quality but it certainly delivered an acceptable quality for a video conversation. [As an aside, this G4 800MHz Mac does not meet minimum specs for use of SightSpeed on the Mac. On the other hand, SightSpeed's ability to do a three party conference with his two daughters in two different cities has become one inducement to upgrade to a new Mac soon.]
to make the compatibility possible they reduced video resolution on powerpc. now it's really bad even with faster systems. i had to go back to the older version. bad move.
Posted by: Y. Shulman at November 3, 2006 11:19 AM
Downloaded Skype for Mac 2.0.0.6 onto my iMac G5 desktop. Generally pleased with new look and with X-platform interaction. However, my interlocutors report that in the midst of the conversation, my voice suddenly slows down and sounds as if it goes through molasses. No change occurs with their voices.
Nothing seems to be wrong either with my Mac or with the Internet connection. All apps run normally. Any ideas? Thanks.
Downloaded Skype for Mac 2.0.0.6 onto my iMac G5 desktop. Generally pleased with new look and with X-platform interaction. However, my interlocutors report that in the midst of the conversation, my voice suddenly slows down and sounds as if it goes through molasses. No change occurs with their voices.
Nothing seems to be wrong either with my Mac or with the Internet connection. All apps run normally. Any ideas? Thanks.
to make the compatibility possible they reduced video resolution on powerpc. now it's really bad even with faster systems. i had to go back to the older version. bad move.