Macworld: Apple users gain more Skype functionality

Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac readied for launch at Macworld

Rosalie Marshall, vnunet.com 06 Jan 2009

Apple Mac users will be able to enhance their Skype functionality from Wednesday with pay-per-minute Wi-Fi access and screen-sharing capabilities, according to new reports appearing ahead of the annual Macworld conference.

Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac OS X will provide Apple users with breakthrough Skype functionality that Windows users have yet to receive.

According to reports, the pay-per-minute Wi-Fi access will be provided through hotspot company Boingo, but the user will have the charges deducted from credits uploaded to their Skype account, rather than paying a monthly fee to Boingo.

A screen-sharing feature will also allow users to share portions of their screen with their contacts.

In related news, mobile voice calling service Truphone is to carry new support for Apple Skype users which will allow them to import their Skype contacts into the Truphone application, used on the iPhone and iPod Touch, and chat with them from the Truphone interface.

The Truphone client on both devices will show who is online with its built-in presence functionality. Instant messages sent from Truphone are free of charge when in a Wi-Fi environment.

Also at Macworld, iPhone users will gain access to a new application from Soonr that will bring cloud computing to the iPhone. The application adds extra functionality to the iPhone and allows users to access documents on the move for the first time.

A free version is available today from the Apple App Store with expanded versions offered through leading mobile operators.

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