Skype Puts Mac Users First With Fresh Features in New Release

Skype release Skype for Mac 2.6, the latest version of its communication software for Mac users. In addition to improved quality, stability and more features, the company has done something entirely new: for the first time, Mac users will be able to enjoy a new Skype feature before it's available to Windows users.

Skype has introduced a new call-transfer feature that is exclusive to the Mac platform. Users can now select More > Call Transfer to transfer an ongoing call to another Skype user on their contact list. This will be a useful feature for businesses and families alike.

"Mac users have very high expectations," said Carter Adamson, Skype's general manager of desktop products. "So we take the time to get things right. Whether it's quality, stability or choice of features, we try to deliver exactly what is important to them. With 2.6 we have launched a new feature on Mac first, demonstrating our commitment to this fast-growing segment of Skype users."

"The power, simplicity and security of Mac OS X and hardware innovations such as the built-in iSight cameras in most of our Macs make it easy for companies like Skype to create exciting new products and features for Mac users," said Ron Okamoto, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. "We're thrilled that Skype is offering its brand new call-transfer feature to the Mac community first."

Beyond the exclusive call-transfer feature, Skype for Mac 2.6 incorporates a number of Skype features that were previously only available on other platforms:
- joining public chats
- chat typing indicator: see when others are writing a message
- Skype Prime: call a premium-service provider and pay for their advice and knowledge with Skype credit
- automatic updates: get new features and updates without having to go to Skype's website
- DTMF tones for automatic answering services available also during Skype-to-Skype calls

Other improvements include tweaks in the way Skype handles birthday reminders and other notifications.

Skype for Mac 2.6 is available for download at skype.com. To use Skype, a broadband internet connection is needed.

About Skype:
Skype sets conversations free by providing new and easy ways to stay in touch over the internet. Millions of people every day make free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls and send instant messages using our software. Some pay a little per minute for long-distance and international calls to phones and mobiles and for SMS, voicemail and call forwarding, or they buy plans that give unlimited calls nationwide.

Skype certify and sell hundreds of hardware products from over 50 partners and work with third-party developers to create software to extend Skype's functionality. Skype has been downloaded more than half a billion times and over 196 million people from almost every corner of the globe have registered.