How to Install Skype 5.0 Beta For Ubuntu 16.04, ubuntu 16.10 and Ubuntu 17.04
Skype is a free and cross-platform application that provides users with a modern Internet telephony and instant messaging application based on the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. It is available on Linux, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS operating systems.
Features at a glance
The application offers free and unlimited worldwide Internet calls with other Skype users, an easy to use and simple graphical user interface, support for native notifications, SMS (Short Message Service) support, as well as support for prepaid phone calls.
Among other features, we can mention superior sound quality over similar products, out-of-the-box support for routers, firewalls and NAT (Network Address Translation) without requiring users to configure their network.
In addition, the program supports end-to-end encryption for improved privacy, and it’s based on the modern P2P (Peer-to-peer) technology developed by the same team that created the well known Kazaa and Joltid applications.
It’s also possible to enable the SMS functionality from the Options dialog, as well as call forwarding and voice messages. In addition, you will be able to configure your microphone, speaker and webcam devices, manage blocked people and public APIs.
Since the launch of Skype for Linux Alpha a few months ago, we have been focused on building a new experience that is in line with Skype’s ongoing transition from peer-to-peer to a modern cloud architecture. We want to create a Linux version of Skype that is as feature rich as the existing Skype on desktop and mobile platforms. Today, we’re pleased to announce that we are ready to take the next step and promote Skype for Linux from Alpha to Beta.
This update includes features that make it easier for you to use Skype for Linux for your everyday communications needs. We have been listening to you and added in some of your top requests. In addition to performance improvements and bug fixes we have added:
- Calling updates: Calls to mobiles and landlines with Skype credit, one-to-one video calls can be made from Linux to Skype users the latest versions of Skype for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac.
- Better collaboration: Linux users can now view shared screens from other Skype desktop clients (Windows 7.33 and above, Mac 7.46 and above).
- Usability improvements: Unity launcher now shows the number of unread conversations, online contacts in contact list now include Away and Do Not Disturb statuses.
How to Upgrade Skype 5.0 Beta on Ubuntu / Linux Mint :
To Install Skype 5.0 Betaon Ubuntu 16.04 Xenial Xerus, Ubuntu 15.10 wily werewolf, Ubuntu 15.04 vivid Vervet, ubuntu 14.10 Utopic Unicorn, Ubuntu 14.04 Trusty Tahr (LTS), Linux Mint 17.1, Linux Mint 17.2, Linux Mint 17.3 and other Ubuntu derivative systems, open a new Terminal window and bash (get it?) in the following commands:
Download package :
wget https://go.skype.com/skypeforlinux-64-alpha.deb
Install skype package :
sudo dpkg -i skypeforlinux-64-alpha.deb
