Yesterday Skype launched the newest version of Skype, Skype 3.8 for Windows. According to all reports, and my own experience, this version of Skype sounds better than ever before. Given Skype's ongoing efforts to sound better than a phone call, that isn't suprising.

The main improvements can be found under the hood of the audio engine. In the real world, this translates to significantly reduced background noise, less delay, fewer call drops, and fewer cut-outs -- especially when both sides are using Skype 3.8 for Windows. And if you change your headset, headphones or microphone, there's no need to mess around with sound settings. That has proven to be a huge problem for me in the past, especially when using a USB headset. Skype 3.8 for Windows takes care of this behind the scenes...at last!

They've also done something for user friendliness that seems quite socially responsible.They've hidden the user's profile image in incoming authorization requests. Some people have been using offensive images, so Skype decided to put them behind a veil. You can still see the hidden avatar if you click on it, but no more objectionable images popping in your face without warning.

Overall, I'm quite pleased with the upgrade on my end.

Download Skype 3.8 for Windows at skype.com/go/download
Technorati Tags: Skype, VoIP