Skype 5.8.0.154 for Windows now available for download

Skype 5.8 for Windows: Full HD video-calling, Facebook integration, Group Screen Sharing
Skype 5.8.0.154 for Windows is now available for download. This version includes support for HD video-calling, group screen sharing, push-to-talk hotkeys, and a beta version of software that enables users to make audio and video-calls through Facebook.

Overview
Skype is software that enables you to make free calls anywhere in the world. Skype uses P2P (peer-to-peer) technology to connect you with other users. It offers several features, including SkypeOut calling from Skype to regular and mobile phones worldwide, conference calling, and secure file transferring.

You can also now share your screen with other users. Skype calls focus on video and audio quality, and secure the calls with end-to-end encryption.

In addition, it doesn't just work on Windows. Skype is also for Mac OS X, Linux and PDAs using Pocket PC, with a native look and feel for each platform. Talking, sending instant messages or even file transfers work between different platforms like a charm.

Key features
Here are key features of Skype:
  • Free Skype-to-Skype calling.
  • Free video calls.
  • Free instant messaging.
  • Call phones and mobiles, send SMS.
  • Voicemail.
  • Forward calls to a phone when you’re offline.

Download Skype
You can download Skype 5.8.0.154 from following website:

What's new in Skype 5.8.0.154
Skype 5.8.0.154 contains the changes in comparison with previous builds are:

New features and improvements:

  • Full HD video-calling
  • Support for Facebook audio and video-calling (beta)
  • Group screen sharing
  • Hide offline Facebook contacts
  • Push to Talk
  • Skype updater service
  • Bing Toolbar integration

Fixed issues:
  • Accessibility: Active call plus menu focusing was not correct
  • Calling: Seldomly in compact mode call duration was not displayed
  • Group conversations: It was not possible to add a phone number to a group which belonged to a Facebook contact
  • Options: Proxy settings in client were not disabled when proxy was set using registry keys

Full HD video-calling
Now you can make crystal clear video-calls with your loved ones or business contacts by utilizing the latest technology for Skype and Logitech, which is incorporated into the latest update to Skype for Windows and the Logitech C920 webcam.

With Logitech c920 the video encoding is done inside the camera which enables full HD or HD video quality with older computers. To enjoy full HD quality at its best, you will need at least a 2 Mbps upload/download speed.

Group screen share
Group screen sharing allows users to share their entire screen or a single application window with other participants on a conference call while continuing to stream video. To start a group screen share, choose the + menu during a call and select "share my screen." Group screen sharing is available with Skype Premium, which also includes Group video calling and live chat customer support.

Video calling to Facebook users
Now you can make video calls with all of your friends on Facebook, even if they aren't Skype users. To start a video call with a Facebook friend, select the person in your list and click "video call".

Push to Talk
Skype 5.8 introduced a "Push to Talk" feature in Skype. Many people who are playing multiplayer games have requested this feature, which allows users to set a hotkey to toggle microphone muting on a Skype call. You can set the "Push to Talk" up on the hotkey's selection under tools > options > advanced > hotkeys.

System requirements
  • PC running Windows 2000, XP, Vista or 7, both 32- and 64-bit operating systems. (Windows 2000 users require DirectX 9.0 for video calls).
  • Internet connection - broadband is best (GPRS is not supported for voice calls).
  • Speakers and microphone - built-in or separate.
  • For voice and video calls we recommend a computer with at least a 1GHz processor, 256 MB RAM and of course a webcam.
  • For High Definition (HD) video calls both you and the person you're talking to need Skype 4.2 for Windows or higher, plus HD webcams. You'll also need a high-speed broadband connection (Recommend sustained 1 Mbps symmetrical bandwidth or higher) and a PC with at least a 1.8 GHz processor.

Source: Skype Release Notes

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