Skype for Linux

2017: Skype for Linux 1.15

On January 18, 2017 Microsoft released update of Skype for Linux of version 1.15. To software it is transferred to use of web technologies and the WebRTC protocol.

In this version the Electron 1.4.10 platform is updated, are added:

• option for automatic start (Tools/Launch at Login)
• the possibility of start in a folded type (Tools/Launch Minimized)^[1].

The application on the screen of the notebook, (2016)

Developers complemented context menus with commands to copy/insert into a message data entry field, usual to users of other messengers. The application is supported now by autostart together with OS.

It is announced other corrections and upgrade. Despite these changes, the client is in a status of the alpha and in it there are bugs and functional shortcomings. In particular, there is no opportunity to change user names from the contact list and to share the image of the screen. For loading 64-bit packets in the DEB and RPM formats are prepared.

2016: Release of Skype for Linux

Skype for Linux - the client of VoIP-service.

On July 13, 2016 the Microsoft company announced the beginning of alpha testing of the version of Skype for Linux.

This version of Skype is processed with transition to use of web technologies for the interface and the WebRTC protocol for the organization of a communication channel. The upgraded client is created using the electron platform, i.e. - the superstructure packed into the self-sufficient application over Chromium and Node.js, in which the expanded web client is executed^[2].

Screenshot of the Skype for Linux screen, (2016)

The work on the client is not completed, not all planned opportunities are implemented:

• video calls are not ready,
• calls to external telephone networks (PSTN) are not ready,
• sending the SMS is not ready,
• there is no change of settings of the device and adding of participants for outgoing calls,
• history of calls is limited for 30 days.
• it is supported only upgraded versions of the protocol, i.e. the client can interact with the latest issues of Skype for Windows, mac OS, iOS and Android, but cannot make and receive calls from the old client for Linux 4.3.0.37.

From the opportunities which are absent in the old client, developers specify a set of icons. In this client the user interface is completely processed, there is a possibility of the organization of shared access to files, photos and video.

Support of video calls, including group calls, is planned in the following releases (releases will come out every two weeks). Clients for Linux can coexist on one system.

For loading packets in the deb and rpm format which are tested in Fedora 23 Debian 8.5 Ubuntu 16.04, by Ubuntu GNOME 16.04, openSUSE 13.2 and 42.1 are prepared. Work is checked in GNOME, Unity, MATE, Cinnamon and KDE. Packets form only for the 64-bit systems, but availability of 32-bit assemblies is not excluded further.

At the same time the company announced a full support of accomplishment of the web client of web.skype.com on the Chrome OS platform and in the Chrome browser with a possibility of commission of individual and group voice calls. Video calls, calls to mobile and fixed telephone networks for July, 2016 are not supported.

Notes