Skype for Linux Alpha is an early edition of a new version of Skype for Linux platform. For those running the Linux desktop, you can now use skype for linux on your machine. The interesting thing to note is skype alpha has the same look and feel as skype for windows.
Skype is the most widely used calling app in the world, hence making this a welcomed fist in the linux world.
Currently skype for linux alpha lacks some features seen on the windows version. The good news is all of the features will be introduced gradually until the final version is released. In the meantime, the skype messenger for linux is currently available in English only but plans on way to provide version for other languages.
Skype 1.17 Changelog
The latest release Skype for Linux Alpha 1.14 comes with many new features and improvements:
- Application zoom level setting is persisted
- Backslash () doesn’t trigger Skype chat commands anymore
- Formatting of pasted text is preserved (whitespaces as well as linebreaks are no longer removed)
- Improvements for sending code snippets. You can now send !! or {code} macros. Still working on support for sending XML snippets.
Skype for Linux Alpha Key features
- It uses the next generation calling architecture, which will enable you to call your friends and family. this means you can make calls to users running the laste versions of Skype for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android
- Those using Chromebook or Chrome on Linux can now visit web.skype.com and make one-to-one as well as group voice calls on top of the messaging features available to them today.
- This alpha version of Skype is based on WebRTC and inherits the same features of the Alpha version of the Skype for Linux client
How to install Skype for Linux Alpha on Ubuntu 17.04, Ubuntu 16.10, Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 15.04, Ubuntu 14.04
sudo apt-get install gdebi wget https://go.skype.com/skypeforlinux-64-alpha.deb sudo gdebi skypeforlinux-64-alpha.deb skypeforlinux
How to remove Skype for Linux Alpha from Ubuntu
sudo apt-get remove skypeforlinux