Linux seems to be getting some real good attention these days. First Pidgin gets an update ^[1] that featuring support for video calls and now the guys at Skype seem to follow the league.

^[2]Skype 2.1 Beta for Linux came out this week. Users of the popular VoIP application on the Linux platform had been demanding video support since like ages. They may rejoice now as this Beta release features native video call support, among several other features.

What are the showstoppers?

• High Quality Video support (640×480 at 30fps)
• Support for PulseAudio
• SMS sending support
• Typing notification in chat (Example: Jack is typing…)

Improvements in Skype 2.1 Beta

• Enlarged tray icon, also showing number of missed events.
• Updated ALSA device detection, nicer to USB headsets
• Birthday reminders are now displayed 24 hours before birthday
• Calling phone numbers of a contact can be done using context menu
• Warning dialog when cancelling file transfer

Skype 2.1 Beta is available for most major Linux distributions, namely Ubuntu 8.04 and 8.10, Debian Lenny, Fedora 9 and 10 and openSUSE 11

Download Skype 2.1 Beta For Linux ^[3] | Read the Release Notes ^[4]

Please note that this is beta software and is still undergoing development. Do not expect butter-smooth experience and stay prepared with your airbags for crazy accidents. Srsly.

[Via ^[5]]