Skype on Monday announced the “Gold” release of its eponymous Voice over IP (VoIP) communications software for the Macintosh. Skype for Mac 2.0 is now available for download.
Skype 2.0 for Mac supports free audio and video calls to any other Skype users, regardless of what platform they’re running Skype on. You can have conference calls with up to four people at a time for free and send files and photos to one another.
Skype enables users to not only call other Skype users but also make and receive calls to and from landline phones and cell phones. That service costs extra — you must register for a “SkypeIn” number to accept calls from the outside world, and purchase “SkypeOut” credits in order to make calls. The pay-to-play service also provides its own voicemail, so you can record messages when you can’t take calls, and forward your Skype calls to a landline or mobile number
System requirements call for a G4/800MHz or faster (Skype is a Universal binary), Mac OS X v10.3.9 or later, 512MB RAM, 40MB free hard disk space, and microphone. Suggested webcams for video calls includes Apple’s iSight, Philips SPC900NC or Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000.
In related news, Skype also noted that partner IPEVO has announced the release of the Xing, a Mac-compatible speakerphone that’s soon to be Skype-certified. The Xing costs $129.99.