We test drive the latest Skype for Linux
Speak to Me

© Lead Image © mark adams, 123RF.com
The old Microsoft gave the cold shoulder to Skype for Linux, neither updating it nor equipping it with new features. The new Microsoft promises to do better, with a brand new alpha prerelease version of a Linux client for the famous telephony tool.
Skype [1] has been around since 2003, and Microsoft took over the service in 2011. The free program supports instant messaging, IP telephony, video conferencing, data transmission, and screen sharing. Skype versions for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone are also available. Even though Skype uses a proprietary protocol, and it is not considered secure, it has remained the leading IM and telephony solution for many users, partly because it is available for all major operating systems and platforms.
Linux users, however, have been out in the cold since 2014. The last version of Skype that runs on Linux (Skype 4.3 for Linux) only supported 32-bit architectures, and many Linux users experienced problems getting it to work consistently. Skype 4.3 for Linux installed on many Linux distributions with a modicum of effort, but it was missing important features such as video conferencing. On July 13 of this year, Microsoft announced a new alpha version for the Linux desktop in a blog post [2]. Microsoft's newfound affection for Linux was evident in the announcement, which stated, "This release reaffirms our commitment to an important group of people – the Linux community."
Version 1.2.0.1 of Skype for Linux is still in an early stage of development. Many features haven't been implemented yet, but you can already experience some important improvements, such as a faster and more feature-rich Skype UI. Microsoft says it released the alpha version to get feedback from the community, so we decided to start it up and try it. We tested the new Linux client on Ubuntu 16.04 (Unity) and openSUSE Leap 42.1 (KDE Plasma), and we also phone-called Windows, OS X, and iPhone users.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.