New Version of Skype Adds Screen Sharing
Skype, the popular VOIP client formerly owned by eBay, just released a new beta version of its Windows client. The new version finally brings screen sharing to the Windows client, something which already became available in the last beta version of the Mac client in January. In addition, Skype now also allows users to import their contacts from Gmail, Windows Live, Hotmail, AOL, LinkedIn, and Yahoo.
Thanks to this update, Mac users (who use the latest beta version) can now also finally share their screens with PC users, which wasn't possible until now.
Screen Sharing
Overall, while it works perfectly well, Skype's screen sharing features are pretty basic and allow users to either share the full screen or select a part of the screen they want to share. A number of third-party developers already offered Skype plugins that allow users to share their screens with their contacts. And quite a few of these offer a wider range of features than Skype's own solution, including white-board functionality.
The image of the screen is great, as one would expect. But in order to share a screen, a voice call has to be initiated, which might not always be what you really want to do, especially if you are like a lot of us here at RWW who often use Skype for text-only chats as well. Sadly, it also doesn't look like it is possible to share a screen with a group of contacts or a Skype room. For now, you will still need dedicated screen sharing programs like Yuuguu for this kind of functionality.
More New Features
Skype also added additional support for visually impaired users who use screen reading software, as well as birthday reminders that will alert you when it's one of your contacts' birthdays.
As always, we need to point out that this is beta software and you might still find some bugs in it. Overall, though, Skype's beta releases have generally been very stable. A full set of release notes is available here (PDF).
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Screen sharing? You don't need an app for that. Just use http://Browzmi.com - It works inside the browser. Optionally you can use a Firefox extension to enhance the experience.
It's called browsing together or social browsing btw.
The easiest way to share your screen is with Glance.net. You can start up a session in 60 seconds over the phone with as many as 100 guests. You can try it for free at Glance.net, signup only requires a name, phone, and email.
Nice to see this new feature in skype. But i think people will no gonna follow this feature. Who want to share his picture with anyone else ?
In regards to your first sentence, "Skype, the popular VOIP client formerly owned by eBay..." I have to tell you that Skype is still owned by eBay. Check out http://about.skype.com/ for a fact check.
Wow, right when you thought Skype couldnt get any better!
RT
www.privacy-tools.echoz.com
"But i think people will no gonna follow this feature. Who want to share his picture with anyone else ?"
lulz. unplug your internet.
RT @andreaitis: skype adds screen-sharing for windows. good step, but not big enough: can't group share. still gotta dimdim for that.
Skype is hopelessly clueless, completely left behind.
This feature was available in NetMeeting ~10 YEARS AGO - why don't you work on your TOTAL CRAP VIDEO QUALITY and just slightly better audio instead, Skype???
Skype is a no-go, thanks to this completely incompetent loser giant called eBay. Best thing could happen to Skype is if eBay goes bankrupt or sells Skype ASAP...
I am actually very excited about this feature. I use skype frequently and I think having this additional capability without leaving to go to a different side for screen share will be fun. Sure, it maybe happening a little late in the game, but better late than never, right?
I see a lot of the above comments about other sites that already do screen sharing and think "Well, that's good and all, but..." Really, this is just a stepping stone for Skype. Just like everything else released in the past few months has been.
What else is next? They're very timely with their features.
Who knows: maybe they will be the next GoToMeeting or WebEx *Killer* with small biz and/or corporate offerings. All of this is paving the way for it.
what no linux love from skype???
I am actually very excited about this feature too,I like It.
I also want to know if it has the freebsd version?
aha
I'm excited, its definitely a cool feature to have.
thanks to this completely incompetent loser giant called eBay.
Best thing could happen to Skype is if eBay goes bankrupt or sells Skype ASAP...
i want and intrest of this software
i also want some information about this software
If you're looking for screen sharing, Take a look at http://www.showdocument.com - I think it is a complementary service to skype. It allows web meeting and document sharing with anyone in real-time all the participants in the session see each others' drawing, highlights, etc.
It is free and requires no installation.
Josh
Skype also added additional support for visually impaired users who use screen reading software, as well as birthday reminders that will alert you when it's one of your contacts' birthdays.
I’ve used some of these tools for my web meetings. Dimdim is nice. Also I think ShowDocument is a great free online meetings tool.