Skype, now owned by Microsoft, has released Skype 5.3 for Mac OS X, adding compatibility with Mac OS X 10.7 Lion and support for HD video calls when a sufficiently capable webcam is used. A number of other changes have reportedly been made to Skype’s user interface, but since there’s no list of changes, it’s difficult to know exactly what they are, though we did notice that the design of the contact list has changed. Given the obtuseness of the Skype interface (see “Skype 5 for Mac: A Huge Step Backward,” 2 April 2011), it’s worth reading the company’s tips and tricks page; we can guarantee you’ll learn some things you didn’t know. (Free, 23.3 MB)
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Springy Dock Tricks
If you drag a file and hover over Dock icons, various useful things happen which are similar to Finder springing. If it's a window, the window un-minimizes from the Dock. If it's a stack, the corresponding folder in the Finder opens. If it's the Finder, it brings the Finder to the foreground and opens a window if one doesn't exist already. But the coolest (and most hidden) springing trick is if you hover over an application and press the Space bar, the application comes to the foreground. This is great for things like grabbing a file from somewhere to drop into a Mail composition window that's otherwise hidden. Grab the file you want, hover over the Mail icon, press the Space bar, and Mail comes to the front for you to drop the file into the compose window. Be sure that Spring-Loaded Folders and Windows is enabled in the Finder Preferences window.
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Skype 5.3
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Did the skype/microsoft deal close?
I haven't seen anything either way, but I think it would be big news if it had fallen through for some reason.
I think it must have. I downloaded this on my parents machine yesterday and my laptop last week - nice and simple, no problems.
Just tried it just now for my desktop iMac and I now can't download without /logging in/ first - simply to download the installer/updater! No more anonymous downloads?
I declined.
Just tried it just now for my desktop iMac and I now can't download without /logging in/ first - simply to download the installer/updater! No more anonymous downloads?
I declined.
Clarification and update...
My previous comments relate to downloading the installer/updater from their web site.
I have since discovered that I can get the update from within the Skype application itself.
I know that meant that I was authenticated to them to get the download after all - the very thing about which I was just complaining. However, the subtle difference is that I accept that when I'm logged into their app. But not on a 'casual' visit to their web site.
Okay - I think that's all I have to say to the subject this time! We now return you to the InterestingBITS... :-)
My previous comments relate to downloading the installer/updater from their web site.
I have since discovered that I can get the update from within the Skype application itself.
I know that meant that I was authenticated to them to get the download after all - the very thing about which I was just complaining. However, the subtle difference is that I accept that when I'm logged into their app. But not on a 'casual' visit to their web site.
Okay - I think that's all I have to say to the subject this time! We now return you to the InterestingBITS... :-)
Someone else reported this as well - it seems that if you don't accept cookies from Skype's site, they ask you to register again. I must have done that, since I had to download manually, and I wasn't asked for any personal information at all. And, ironically, the automatic update didn't work for me again.
One thing I haven't been able to do in Skype 5 is a video chat PLUS a text chat with the same person at the same time. If I reveal the text chat area, the video goes away. If I slide away the text chat area the video comes back.
Is there a secret to doing both at once?
Thanks,
doug
Is there a secret to doing both at once?
Thanks,
doug
One big negative, unless I just can't find it: the main Skype window showing contacts doesn't seem to have a way of showing online contacts on top.
There's a column for Status; click it to sort by online status. (This threw me briefly too.)
Thanks. I just found it.
A bit of a step backwards in my opinion. There is no clear separator between "online" and "offline" - you have to scan the status column instead.
Why, oh, why...
Why, oh, why...
Just to let people know that adding money to your Skype account is not a safe option. if your account is compromised, as mine was recently, you will likely all your money and Skype refuses to accept any responsibility. They simply say that the account holder has insufficient security on their computers and wash their hands of the breakdown of what might just as easily be a breakdown of their security. I only lost £15 but I have seen reports of others who have lost hundreds of $$$. Be warned, don't give Skype your money!!