I am pretty happy with the state of Skype for Linux since the release of version 2.0. However, since it has been several months since this release, I am wondering what is coming to skype to linux in the near future (i.e. what are the devs working on) and when we can expect the next release?

My wishlist would be (in order or importance):

*Integrated pulseaudio support (so that skype can share the soundcard with media players for example).

*SMS

*Call Recording / Podcast Support

*Gnome Integration (so when I click to send a file, the window that shows up to select files uses my gnome-theme).

I know the middle two can be done with addons, but it would be nicer to have them included in the official Skype program.

Top of my wish list would be for Skype to actually work on Ubuntu 8.04 and other new Linux releases. At least let's have it working on its own - I don't care about sharing a sound card with other sound programs. That's an unnecessary luxury.
Gervase

Umm... It works just fine on 8.04 for me and about a dozen other people I know. Perhaps you have an unusual setup? Your issue may be related to pulseaudio which is in fact number 1 on my list.

I doesn't work for me as well.

Oh, I have a VERY unusual configuration, now I remember it... I have 64bits Ubuntu 8.04.01 !..
Guess what, 90% of PC they sell now are 64bits.

So n°1 in my wish list is definitely :

- Compile a 64bits version of Skype !

Well, anyway... I am still curious to hear from the developers about what is planned....

Skype for Ubuntu works with QT 4.2, but Ubuntu 8.04 ships with QT4.4. This produces a major usability bug:

https://developer.skype.com/jira/browse/SCL-385
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=795676

Unless you use the static version, you're out of luck. I expect Skype to keep up with the version of QT that pretty much all recent distro ship (v.4.4). Having "one fits all" deb package for all Ubuntu's isn't going to cut it.

Nick

I hope the next release will include the firefox extension because I find it very useful and it's actually unavailable on Linux.

I've been confused in the past by the claim that Skype doesn't share sound devices. I have never had any trouble hearing Skype ringing, beeping, nor calls while playing music. Of course, volume all adjusts together, which is not perfect, but pretty minor for me (since I turn off music when I'm taking a call). Is that what you mean?

Debian Sid, 2.6.26, ALSA, Intel Corporation 82801H...

Hmm, that is not the case for me. When I am playing music in banshee/totem the skype sounds are not heard. Perhaps this is because my other apps use pulseaudio (hardy) and skype is using alsa...

I have one question: Why you have to run a soundserver like pulseaudio? There's one Sound-API in Linux, ALSA, which all programms should use. ALSA can mix sound and share soundcards itself with the right configuration (you should google for dmix/dsmooth), so there's NO NEED for a soundserver.

So I think, the fact that Skype just supports ALSA is ok and it should not support other useless APIs

Well, it seems that most of the distros disagree with you because they are switching to pulse...

Anyway, I am still hoping one of the developers will comment on what features are being worked on. I miss the old linux skype blog...

http://share.skype.com/sites/linux/2008/09...am_updates.html

OOOOH OOOOH, Mr. Kottah (vinnie barbarino)

Okay vinnie, what's the answer (Mr. Kotter)


It will work this time. [cue laugh track]

developers, come on, life is short!!!!!!