Also debuting in Skype 4.0 for Linux is a new Call View, he pointed out.

Call quality has been improved, Cimmino added, as has video call quality, which has also gained extended support for more cameras.

Among the smaller tweaks and improvements in the new software are improved chat synchronization, new presence and emoticon icons, the ability to store and view phone numbers in a Skype contact's profile, and more.

A World of Alternatives

There's no denying Microsoft has been making increasing overtures to users of Linux and open source software lately--witness its recent on Visual Studio Express 2012, for example.