Skype 4.0 Hits Beta

EBay-owned Skype is beta testing a redesigned version of its software that makes video a more integral part of the offering.Skype 4.0 takes video full-screen for Windows users, with bigger, easier-to-find "call" buttons and improved call management. Contacts can be imported from Outlook, Outlook Express, Hotmail and Yahoo Mail. The software also makes it easier for users to switch between audio calls, video calls, file sharing and text chats in a single conversation, according to the company. For the less technical, Skype 4.0 can detect computer settings, available bandwidth and connected audio or video devices to make getting started easier.

As of the end of March, Skype said it had 309 million registered users. It has offered video calling since late 2005.Reuters, TechCrunch