Skype 2.0 Brings Video Calls to Linux
Skype, the free VoIP software, has left beta status and advanced to stable Version 2.0.
The beta version released in November last year was the first to offer Linux users video calls, given appropriate hardware.
Since the release of the initial beta version, the Skype developers have added a whole bunch of new features to the software, including a login function for the command line ("--pipelogin"), improved handling of incoming and outgoing calls using a click-and-hold button, and translations into various languages. The stable version adds a call cost per minute counter for calls to international phone networks (SkypeOut).
The new version also adds more privacy, giving users the ability to decide whether to automatically accept calls. The Release Notes have a full list of changes.
The proprietary Skype software can workaround most firewalls and NAT routers. The software supports several voice codes (SVOPC, AMR-WB, G.729, G.711); free telephony is available between Skype users. Calls to international phone networks are billed. Besides VoIP, Skype also provides Instant Messaging functionality.
The stable Skype 2.0 for Linux is available for downloading for all major Linux distributions as of now.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Debian Unleashes Debian Libre Live
Debian Libre Live keeps your machine free of proprietary software.
-
Valve Announces Pending Release of Steam Machine
Shout it to the heavens: Steam Machine, powered by Linux, is set to arrive in 2026.
-
Happy Birthday, ADMIN Magazine!
ADMIN is celebrating its 15th anniversary with issue #90.
-
Another Linux Malware Discovered
Russian hackers use Hyper-V to hide malware within Linux virtual machines.
-
TUXEDO Computers Announces a New InfinityBook
TUXEDO Computers is at it again with a new InfinityBook that will meet your professional and gaming needs.
-
SUSE Dives into the Agentic AI Pool
SUSE becomes the first open source company to adopt agentic AI with SUSE Enterprise Linux 16.
-
Linux Now Runs Most Windows Games
The latest data shows that nearly 90 percent of Windows games can be played on Linux.
-
Fedora 43 Has Finally Landed
The Fedora Linux developers have announced their latest release, Fedora 43.
-
KDE Unleashes Plasma 6.5
The Plasma 6.5 desktop environment is now available with new features, improvements, and the usual bug fixes.
-
Xubuntu Site Possibly Hacked
It appears that the Xubuntu site was hacked and briefly served up a malicious ZIP file from its download page.