Skype for Linux Alpha and calling on Chrome & Chromebooks

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We want to make it easy for anyone to connect on Skype. Today, we’re pleased to announce the launch of the Alpha version of a new Skype for Linux client, reaffirming our commitment to the Linux community.

 

Please join at 14:00 UTC (7 AM PDT) today, as we’ll be hosting a 2 hour Q&A between Linux users and our engineering team to welcome Skype for Linux Alpha. The new version of Skype for Linux is a brand new client using WebRTC, the launch of which ensures we can continue to support our Linux users in the years to come.

 

As you may have guessed by the name, Skype for Linux Alpha is not a fully functioning Skype client as of yet. We’re sharing it with you now as we want to get it in your hands as soon as possible, so we can continue to develop the new version together. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll notice that it’s very different to the Skype for Linux client you use today. For example, you’ll be using the latest, fastest and most responsive Skype UI, so you can share files, photos, videos and a whole new range of new emoticons with your friends.

 

Pantalla de conversación de Skype para Linux Alpha

Pantalla de conversación de Skype para Linux Alpha

Help us develop the new Skype for Linux experience

 

We can only get better with your feedback. As we develop this new version of Skype for Linux, we need you to test, provide feedback and help us prioritize features. You will notice that with the Alpha version of Skype for Linux, which uses our next generation calling architecture, you will be able to call your friends and family on the latest versions of Skype on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, but you won’t be able to make or receive calls to and from the previous versions of Skype for Linux (4.3.0.37). Please do provide here on the Linux board as much feedback as you can on Skype for Linux Alpha, so we can continue to improve call quality and reliability. And please make sure to use the label ‘LinuxAlpha’ so we can easily collect the feedback from the board.

 

Pantalla de llamada grupal en Skype para Linux AlphaPantalla de llamada grupal en Skype para Linux Alpha

But that’s not all!

 

A couple of months ago, we announced plugin free calling using ORTC on Skype for Web, Outlook and Office Web Apps using Microsoft Edge. ORTC makes it possible to make free voice and video calls on Skype without needing to download an app or browser plug in – so it’s really easy to get started on Skype.

 

Today, anyone using a Chromebook or Chrome on Linux can now visit web.skype.com and make one-to-one and group voice calls on top of the messaging features they get today. This again is an alpha version of Skype based on WebRTC and inherits the same features of the Alpha version of the Skype for Linux client. This is our initial step on our path to replicate ORTC capabilities beyond Microsoft Edge. As such, we want to hear feedback to help us deliver more excitement in the upcoming months.

 

Video calling and calls to landlines and mobiles are coming soon to Chrome browsers in Linux and Chromebooks, so stay tuned to the Skype blog for upcoming updates.

 

These are exciting times for the hundreds of millions of people that use Skype on the computer – with theSkype for Universal Windows Platform app Preview well underway for Windows 10 users and our investment in ORTC and WebRTC technology bringing you the very best Skype experience, we’re looking forward to the future!

 

We’d love your feedback, so please share it with the product team using the label ‘LinuxAlpha’. We’re listening and responding!

Download Skype for Linux Alpha DEBDownload Skype for Linux Alpha RPM
By downloading and installing Skype for Linux Alpha, you agree to the terms of use and privacy statement.
Update:

Don’t miss out on our help article for Skype for Linux Alpha covering available and upcoming features as well as common questions.