Skype Technologies has updated its increasingly popular Internet telephony software, adding call forwarding and personalisation options.

Skype 1.4, which launched for beta testing in August, lets you forward incoming Skype calls to another Skype name or to landline or mobile numbers. Calls forwarded to Skype names are free; calls sent to traditional phone numbers are charged at the company's SkypeOut rates, which start at 1 pence-per-minute.

The updated software also introduces a Qpass-powered 'Personalise Skype' service that allows Skype users to download pre-recorded voice clips and sounds to use as a ringtone or to customise any of the default sound events in Skype. There is also a wide variety of pictures and avatars. The launch continues Skype's expansion of its premium services following its recent announcement of Skype's Voice Services Program, which will offer callers free and chargeable content over Skype.

'Skype is committed to providing a simple, reliable and friendly communication tool. The launch of Personalise Skype now gives our users the opportunity to express themselves by customising their experience while using Skype,' said James Bilefield, Vice President of Business Development, of Skype. 'Qpass was highly responsive and able to rapidly integrate its software with our platform in a matter of weeks, allowing us to quickly bring these premium services to market.'

Unfortunately, the software update is currently available only for Windows users, though the company says it is working to bring the new features to its Macintosh, Linux, and Pocket PC editions. Earlier this month, Luxembourg-based Skype agreed to be acquired by eBay for around $2.6 billion in cash and stock. The companies expect the deal to close by the end of the year.

Skype advertises a registered user base of 56 million, with more than 3 million people simultaneously connected to its service at any given time.

BIOS, Sep 30, 05 | Print | Send | Comments (0) | Posted In Networking