The latest update of Skype (version 5.8) for Windows is now available. The update, while fixing some bugs, also brings several key new features – including full HD video calling, Facebook video calling and group desktop sharing.
The full HD video is currently supported by one camera – the Logitech C920 webcam. This is because the encoding is done inside the camera, rather than Skype. So, if you want to stream yourself in full HD, you now can – provided that you have at least 2Mbps download/upload speed.
Group desktop sharing means that you can now share a document, image or whatever is on your desktop instantly to a group conversation. This feature, however, will be available only to those with Skype Premium. Facebook video calling is also a big thing, meaning that you can now communicate to your friend even if they haven’t got Skype installed. In order to start a video call with a person on Facebook, you select the person you want and click “video call”.
Other new improvements include a Push-to-Talk feature, integration with the Bing Toolbar and hiding offline Facebook contacts.
You can read the full list via Skype’s blog.