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
-
Cairo Dock 3.6 Now Available for More Compositors
If you're a fan of third-party desktop docks, then the latest release of Cairo Dock with Wayland support is for you.
-
System76 Unleashes Pop!_OS 24.04 Beta
System76's first beta of Pop!_OS 24.04 is an impressive feat.
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 is Available
Linus Torvalds has announced that the latest kernel has been released with plenty of core improvements and even more hardware support.
-
Kali Linux 2025.3 Released with New Hacking Tools
If you're a Kali Linux fan, you'll be glad to know that the third release of this famous pen-testing distribution is now available with updates for key components.
-
Zorin OS 18 Beta Available for Testing
The latest release from the team behind Zorin OS is ready for public testing, and it includes plenty of improvements to make it more powerful, user-friendly, and productive.
-
Fedora Linux 43 Beta Now Available for Testing
Fedora Linux 43 Beta ships with Gnome 49 and KDE Plasma 6.4 (and other goodies).
-
USB4 Maintainer Leaves Intel
Michael Jamet, one of the primary maintainers of USB4 and Thunderbolt drivers, has left Intel, leaving a gaping hole for the Linux community to deal with.
-
Budgie 10.9.3 Now Available
The latest version of this elegant and configurable Linux desktop aligns with changes in Gnome 49.
-
KDE Linux Alpha Available for Daring Users
It's official, KDE Linux has arrived, but it's not quite ready for prime time.
-
AMD Initiates Graphics Driver Updates for Linux Kernel 6.18
This new AMD update focuses on power management, display handling, and hardware support for Radeon GPUs.