Skype 4.0 Beta

[paul]

Skype recently launched "Skype 4.0 Beta" with major change that will focus more on conversations. When you do a video chat, it really has the feeling of being in a video chat room. "Now by going full-screen, the functionality can be spread out and made much simpler. It also makes it a better video-chat client. There is a big green “video call” button now. There is picture-in-picture functionality, and you can move the thumbnail around that shows your video". Good addition, I think it would be cost effective method for video conferencing. techcrunch.com/2008/06/17/skype-40-beta-its-all-about-video/

[digitaldesperad]

This beta version is HORRIBLE.

I want to have 2 chat in 2 different parts of the window, so I can cut & paste from one to another without switching. I CAN'T DO IT.

I want to work with [Word|Excel|Solitaire] while having my LITTLE contact list on the side.

I don't want a full-screen app. I want a little app on the side of my screen, so I can Work while skype is active and not minimize.

I want to shrink the window size to the 3.8.X size. I don't want this USELESS RIGHT PANEL that is completely useless if I don't have an open chat.

Substantially: If you want to add new features like bandwith reduction or something like this, ok. But don't use this crappy new interface. It's horrible.
Substaintially #2: Don't make the "upgrade" compulsory when 4.x goes out of beta, otherwise I think a lot of customers will stop using skype and start using something more "small" on their screen.