Skype 4.0 Finalizes Video Chat, Bandwidth Improvements [Downloads]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/gmCwr1zmYs8/skype-40-finalizes-video-chat-bandwidth-improvements

Windows only: Skype 4.0 is officially out, and it features all the really big video windows and Outlook and problem-reporting tools from last year's betas. It also beefs up Skype's handling of bandwidth.

The biggest jump noticeable, at least for users of the official 3.8 version, is the window real estate given to video chat and IM chats, and the general overhaul given to the app's skin and look. Skype's standard two-pane video chat has been traded in for a picture-in-picture layout, but that can be changed by dragging out your own video thumbnail.

Skype also touts a new audio engine and network manager, Silk, that uses half the bandwidth to provide audio and tries to save it from stuttering when Skype notices your connection slowing down in the background. The video engine purportedly does the same type of save-the-call moves when your bandwidth drops off.

Skype 4.0 is a free download for Windows systems only. Skype hounds, are you noticing better audio quality and fewer glitch-outs? Liking the new look of video chat? Tell us in the comments. Screenshot from Skype.

Skype 4.0 for Windows [via Download.com]