Skype 4.1 Beta Introduces The Screen Sharing Feature
Skype allows you to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages and share files with other users. A new Windows based version of the well known communication software, Skype 4.1 Beta, was just released for testing. The latest Skype Beta for Windows comes bundled with new features and an improved call quality. A notable addition in Skype 4.1 Beta version is represented by the introduction of possibility to share the screen with other Skype users.
The implementation of screen sharing technology into Skype enables this feature to be available only on a one-to-one basis, therefore you cannot share the screen with multiple users in the same time. The shared screen is viewed by your friend, but he or she cannot allow you to see the own screen in the same time. Practically, the screen sharing is possible only in one direction corresponding to a single user.
In order to start sending your screen with the desired friend on Skype, you must press the “Share” button in the IM typing area or with the help of the “Call” menu.
Other new features added in Skype 4.1 Beta are: keyboard navigation and Microsoft Active Accessibility (MSAA) support, more options to import contacts from external address books (Gmail and AOL), send contacts to Skype users with drag and drop, Skype browser toolbar improvements and graphical enhancements of the call toolbar (more information regarding the details of new features added in Skype 4.1 Beta can be found in the Release Notes document).
Skype 4.1 Beta is ready for free download from the official website. You must have the following minimum system requirements to be able to run Skype 4.1 Beta for Windows:
-a PC running Windows 2000, XP or Vista. (Windows 2000 users require DirectX 9.0 for
video calls).
-broadband Internet connection (GPRS is not supported for voice calls).
-speakers and microphone
-for voice and video calls a computer with at least a 1GHz processor, 256 MB RAM and a webcam is recommended.
-for High Quality Video calls you will need a high quality video webcam and software,
a dual-core processor computer and a fast broadband connection (384 kbps).
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