New Skype client for Linux Ubuntu has been released. Download and install Skype for Linux Alpha, a new version of Skype for Linux Ubuntu Systems. Skype’s web-based platform enables users to make Skype calls without needing to install a plugin – directly from Skype.com.
Linux users can now use Skype for Linux and Skype for Linux Alpha together as they are separate apps. However, the notifications are not optimized between the two, so you will experience incoming calls ringing twice. At present users can see up to 30 days of conversation history in Skype for Linux Alpha. The Skype team is working work on a way for full conversation history to be made available.
Skype for Linux Alpha is not a fully functioning Skype client as of yet. Below are the features that are supported:
- One-to-one instant messaging
- Group instant messaging
- Skype emoticons
- Call forwarding
- Add friends as Skype contacts
- Start conversations
- One-to-one audio calling
- Group audio calling
- Share contacts
- New emoticons packs
It’s very different to the Skype for Linux client you use. It features the latest, fastest and most responsive Skype UI and a brand new emoticons packs. Users can easily share files, photos, videos and a whole new range of new emoticons with their family and friends.
Skype for Linux uses next generation calling architecture, using which one can call their friends and family on the latest versions of Skype on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. Please note that users won’t be able to make or receive calls to and from the previous versions of Skype for Linux (4.3.0.37).
Today, anyone using a Chromebook or Chrome on Linux can now visit web.skype.com and make one-to-one and group voice calls on top of the messaging features they get today. This again is an alpha version of Skype based on WebRTC and inherits the same features of the Alpha version of the Skype for Linux client. This is our initial step on our path to replicate ORTC capabilities beyond Microsoft Edge. As such, we want to hear feedback to help us deliver more excitement in the upcoming months.
Video calling and calls to landlines and mobiles are coming soon to Chrome browsers in Linux and Chromebooks, so stay tuned.
Download Skype for Linux Alpha
- DEB – Skype for Linux Alpha
https://www.skype.com/en/download-skype/skype-for-linux/downloading-web/?type=weblinux-deb - RPM – Skype for Linux Alpha
https://www.skype.com/en/download-skype/skype-for-linux/downloading-web/?type=weblinux-rpm
Please make sure they use at least the following versions of the Skype client in combination with Skype for Linux Alpha: Mac 7.26, Android 6.31, Windows 7.24, Skype for Web, and iOS 6.15.
Credit – https://community.skype.com/t5/Linux/Skype-for-Linux-Alpha-and-calling-on-Chrome-amp-Chromebooks/td-p/4434299