Skype 4.0 Beta Has Features Users Want

Skype 4.0 Beta 2 has a bunch of new improvements that users actually want, including the return of group contact capabilities and the return of the compact screen. Putting back features from Skype 3.8 seems like taking a step backward, but it’s what 300 million users want.

The option to switch back to classic compact view was one of the biggest user demands since the new layout was rather awkward and gawky. Skype 4.0 beta 2 allows you to toggle between the expanded default view, which fuses the contact list and active conversations together, and the traditional view, which puts them all on seperate windows. Besides switching views, you can also resize the elements in the program window by dragging them. And since users have been complaining about missing messages and calls, you get notified when you miss a call and when there’s an incoming message. The newfound control over the interface makes it easier for people to manage multiple conversations, although this is something Skype should have implemented from the very beginning.

Skype also intends to redesign in order to get people to place more video calls using Skype’s IM and buy Skype credits for Skype Out, the PC-to-landline calling and texting plan.

Skype 4.0 beta 2 will be available for download starting October 1.