TMCnews Featured Article

Skype (News - Alert) 5.3 for Mac OS X is roaring with notable improvements and updates, including compatibility with Lion, Apple’s (News - Alert) newest desktop operating system, and HD video calling.

According to a blog announcement from Skype, the newest version of Skype for Mac OS X will also work seamlessly with past versions of OS X, even all the way back to Leopard. These changes follow closely behind Skype’s recently updated iOS client for iPad support.

For Skype users waiting to get their hands on HD-quality video calling, they’ll be able to do so with Mac’s built-in webcam or by purchasing a webcam from the Skype Shop. Skype recommends trying out the Logitech (News - Alert) C910 and using an upload/download speed of 1.5Mbps.

In addition to other minor enhancements, the new version also comes packed with an updated, customizable contact list view, according to MacWorld. By clicking on a star icon next to a contact’s name, users can easily mark contacts as favorites. Lists can now also be organized by name, status, tags (or groups), or location.

At an additional cost, users can also communicate via group chat or call out to phone numbers.

Skype debuted its highly-anticipated iPad app last week, but to much disappointment to many users, was quickly pulled from the App Store hours later.

Claiming that the app’s release was premature, Skype didn’t provide any details on why the launch failed but announced that the app would be re-released in the near future. However, as of this morning, Skype-hungry iPad users were able to finally get their hands on the app, which falls a bit short, according to some reviewers. 

As for version 5.3, it can be downloaded, for free, from Skype’s website and requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 to run. To see how non-DD compares with high-quality HD video calling offered by Skype, check out a blog from TMCnet’s own Tom Keating (News - Alert).

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.

Tammy Wolf is a TMCnet web editor. She covers a wide range of topics, including IP communications and information technology. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Carrie Schmelkin