Skype has come with a brand new beta release (version 2.5) which adds many more functionalities to the current version of the famous software that is revolutionizing the way people voice communicate on the web.

Photo credit: Share Skype

Skype 2.5 BETA for Windows finally introduces the long desired capability to send SMS to any mobile phone at very competitive prices.

The new version also facilitates integration between Microsoft Outlook and Skype, by enabling contact sharing and one-click calls from the popular email client interface.

Skype's most valuable and unexpected feature is the one that allows users to set up social spaces in which they can hold free online meetings with up to 100 participants.

Here the details:

SMS sending

The amount paid is 20 cents because as soon as your message goes beyond the max number of characters allowed Skype automatically splits into multiple SMS charging you accordingly.

Skype 2.5 now enables you to send SMS to any mobile phone in the world: this is a long time desired feature and it is very cheap too. Sending an SMS to USA and Canada costs 12c, to UK is 10c, Japan 7c, Italy 12c (currency is US dollars).

To send SMS you only need to right-click on the contact name and select "Send SMS Message" (in this case, your contact must have indicated his mobile phone number in the profile). You can also send SMS by clicking on the "Tools" menu and by typing the recipient's number in the proper field. The recipient doesn't need to be a Skype user.

You can set Skype to display either your Skype nickname or your mobile phone number in the sender field. The latter setting enables you to show your number and get replies directly to your mobile device. Skype 2.5 also allows you to receive alerts within 24 hours if the SMS fails to be delivered.

It is possible to send the same SMS to multiple people by simply selecting recipients and clicking "Add". Note that you will be charged normal rates for each SMS that you send.

In order to send SMS you need to have enough SkypeOut Credit. Skype 2.5 also changed the way you buy credit for your SkypeOut: you will not be pointed to the website anymore, as you can purchase your credit directly from the SkypeOut menu.

Check out Skype SMS rates to all destinations.

SkypeOut easy dialing

This release also improved the dialing function for SkypeOut calls; you can now select the country you want to call to from a dropout menu. Skype will automatically display the dialing code for the selected country and you will only have to fill in the phone number with area code.

Social space creation

Skype 2.5 BETA supports the creation of social spaces for different groups with integrated conference calling and group chat features. This new functionality is called "Skypecasting" and it enables users to set up free conferences with up to 100 participants. Host users are provided with the ability to moderate these online meetings and have full control over the audio microphones of each attendee.

Through this valuable feature, users can decide to set up e-learning sessions, distance conferences and online communication channels having full control over these presentations.

You can join existing Skypecasts by browsing the Skypecast directory available on Skype's website. There is absolutely no cost both for hosting Skypecasts and joining them.

Microsoft Outlook contacts direct dial

This beta version also enables users to view and call Microsoft Outlook contacts within Skype and vice versa. Skype 2.5 automatically creates a group for Microsoft Outlook contacts, allowing you to get in touch with them by clicking on the contact groups list.

Moreover, once you have installed Skype 2.5, open your Microsoft Outlook and you will notice a new toolbar below the main menu. The Skype bar allows you to start a text chat, a voice call or a traditional phone call with the currently selected contact. Your Outlook contacts are only stored on your local computer where Outlook is running, thus meaning that they are not saved in Skype's centralized contact list.

Shared groups functionality

With Skype 2.5 you can create groups, easily share contact details and introduce friends. If you want to create a shared group you need to first create a contact group and make sure you checked "Show Contact Groups" in the "View" menu.

You can become part of a shared group even if you don't have contact groups enabled but, in this case, you won't be able to rename or leave the group.

Editor's comments

The introduction of SMS messaging is a long-awaited feature. Outside of the cost considerations I find this truly useful, handy and simple enough to use that I prefer it over using my mobile to SMS someone when in front of my computer.

The SMS feature could be further improved by allowing users to more easily customize their contacts profiles to add names and mobile numbers in an effective way.

Microsoft Outlook already enabled the use of a popular free Skype add-on named Skylook, which allows users to automatically record Skype audio conversations and text chats and save them in Outlook. The new Skype doesn't yet record audio conversations but adds further useful extra functionality and integration with the most popular Windows email client software.

Skypecasting is certainly the most impressive among the new Skype features: users are now allowed to go beyond their present limitation of five people maximum in a voice conference, as they can now set up and promote free meetings with up to 100 participants. For more information on Skypecasting please see MasterNewMedia recent review.