Update to Skype for Linux
An update for the proprietary Skype VoIP client resolves video image display issues among other problems.
Some Linux users saw nothing but blank screens on the first beta version of Skype for Linux, although their webcam drivers worked. In a blog entry Ryan Hunt, who is the project manager responsible for development of the Linux client, explains that Skype now has the ability to let X11 draw the window (non-accelerated X11 overlay output), although X11 video output will not let users scale the image to full-screen mode.
The X11 feature helps users on systems without Xv support. Xv is the X Window system video extension. It seems that Skype needs multiple Xv ports to display its own window and one for the other subscriber. The "xvinfo" command outputs the number of ports used on a system.
Besides video output bugfixes, Skype 2.0 also outputs more debugging information at the console. This will help more technically oriented users to troubleshoot errors, while at the same time helping Skype's vendor discover where users are experiencing difficulty.
In addition to this there have been several minor bugfixes, as listed in the release notes on the Skype website. The bugfixes mainly relate to changes to the user interface for the VoIP client.
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
-
Linux Mint 22.3 Now Available with New Tools
Linux Mint 22.3 has been released with a pair of new tools for system admins and some pretty cool new features.
-
New Linux Malware Targets Cloud-Based Linux Installations
VoidLink, a new Linux malware, should be of real concern because of its stealth and customization.
-
Say Goodbye to Middle-Mouse Paste
Both Gnome and Firefox have proposed getting rid of a long-time favorite Linux feature.
-
Manjaro 26.0 Primary Desktop Environments Default to Wayland
If you want to stick with X.Org, you'll be limited to the desktop environments you can choose.
-
Mozilla Plans to AI-ify Firefox
With a new CEO in control, Mozilla is doubling down on a strategy of trust, all the while leaning into AI.
-
Gnome Says No to AI-Generated Extensions
If you're a developer wanting to create a new Gnome extension, you'd best set aside that AI code generator, because the extension team will have none of that.
-
Parrot OS Switches to KDE Plasma Desktop
Yet another distro is making the move to the KDE Plasma desktop.
-
TUXEDO Announces Gemini 17
TUXEDO Computers has released the fourth generation of its Gemini laptop with plenty of updates.
-
Two New Distros Adopt Enlightenment
MX Moksha and AV Linux 25 join ranks with Bodhi Linux and embrace the Enlightenment desktop.
-
Solus Linux 4.8 Removes Python 2
Solus Linux 4.8 has been released with the latest Linux kernel, updated desktops, and a key removal.