Looks like the Skype team really don’t want to lose their share on instant messenger and voip market, and keep strengthen their position. The new version of Skype, v1.4.0.47, which is somehow labeled BETA, adds so many new interesting features. From 21 new emoticon, ringtone manager, to call forwarding. Several bug also have been fixed. Really a huge upgrade since the last version posted here, v1.3.0.65.

Skype is a software that enable telephone conversations via the Internet. Calls to other Skype users are free as well as calls to regular telephone and mobile telephone numbers all over the world are at a low rate. Apart from that, Skype also able to act like a normal instant messenger software, by sending a text message to other Skype users around the world in real time.

What’s New on Skype:

• bugfix: fixed a problem in p2p network protocol
• Feature: 21 new emoticons
• Feature: My Pictures: possibility to choose pictures from Expressive Content
• Feature: RingToneManager for Expressive Content of audio files
• Feature: API notifications for contactlist selection and focus
• Feature: Call forwarding
• Feature: Contextual tool tips
• Feature: Multilingual EULA
• Feature: Possibility to disable file transfer
• Change: Improved Search and AddFriend functions
• Change: Getting Started Wizard: new layout
• Change: Profile: month names are translatable
• Change: Import Contacts: new layout and process improvements
• Change: Improved Emoticons
• Change: API: Allow sending voicemail to myself
• Change: Skype client can now be maximized
• Change: New Korean translation
• Bugfix: Some optimizations during call initialization, should be a little more responsive now
• Bugfix: Import Contacts: mass authorization is back
• Bugfix: Skype does not start for some users
• Bugfix: API: support expressive content files SET RINGTONE and AVATAR
• Bugfix: API: enchance GET RINGTONE to report status
• Bugfix: Prepopulate Skype Test Call Service on new user’s Contact List

[ Download Skype for Windows BETA v1.4.0.47 ]