Skype introduces version 2.5 (beta)

Skype introduces version 2.5 (beta)

The popular free Internet telephony service Skype is introducing the latest version of its Voice Over IP software. The Skype 2.5 has a number of new features including improved conference calling as well as he ability to send SMS messages.

This service is expected to cost 2 cents to 25 cents and has the provision of sending messages to a mobile phone and including a mobile number to receive the replies. In addition to the 2.5 version, Skype is also debuting a social networking tool called SkypeCasts, which are being promoted as "live, chaired conversations allowing groups of up to 100 people from anywhere in the world to talk to one another". The beta version is expected to be released on Wednesday, although no release date has been announced.

Alistair Shrimpton, UK manager for Skype was confident that users of users of sites like LiveJournal and MySpace would "embrace this SkypeCast technology as an extra layer of discussion and communication". One of the main features of SkypeCasts is that the user who initiates the conference will be the moderator of the discussion. "It's really taking the popularity for written exchange over the internet and giving them the opportunity to have that discussion with audio, and live," Mr. Shrimpton said.

Analysts say that the Skype service itself is based on the principle of social networking. "The whole idea of talking on Skype is based around actual social networks - one's address book of contacts," said Charlene Li, a Forrester Research analyst. "There is this natural inclination by big communications giants to want to be the focal point for the user experience, the starting point, the way to search the web, and not just an instant message or voice communication tool."