Skype gets quality updates

IP telephony firm Skype has improved call quality, and ease of use

The Skype internet telephony client has been updated.

The new public version of the IP call software follows a public beta release early last month, and includes a few new additions. However, the new additions will be significant for anyone looking for more reliability, quality and ease of use from the service.

Skype 3.8's main improvements are "under the hood" according to Skype's internal blogger, Villu Arak. Arak explained that the quality of calls had been greatly improved owing to changes in the technology. "In the real world, this translates to significantly reduced background noise, less delay, fewer call drops, and fewer cut-outs" he added.

Others changes relate to the usability of the platform, for example, should you need to change the client device used with Skype, such as the headphone or microphone, these can be switched over easily with no need to any settings or configuration changes.

A less technical update relates to the caller display function. Recognising the risk of offensive material being displayed within a profile image as part of an incoming authorisation request, Skype has elected to block these, choosing instead to leave the decision to the end user, "We decided to put them behind a veil" said Arak.