Microsoft Releases Skype For Linux 4.2, Has Bug-Fixes

[phoronix]

Phoronix: Microsoft Releases Skype For Linux 4.2, Has Bug-Fixes

Microsoft has finally done the Skype for Linux 4.2 update, which rolls in a bunch of bug-fixes but still doesn't put the Linux Skype client on par with OS X or Windows...

http://www.phoronix.com/vr.php?view=MTM3NjM

[mark45]

From what I gather WebRTC is a new competing solution to Skype by allowing a web developer to create relatively easily web-based skype alternatives, right?

[Ericg]

From what I gather WebRTC is a new competing solution to Skype by allowing a web developer to create relatively easily web-based skype alternatives, right?

Pretty much, maybe not encrypted (it could probably be done, just i dont think mandated by the standard), maybe not screensharing, but voice calls? video calls? Yes

[smitty3268]

Pretty much, maybe not encrypted (it could probably be done, just i dont think mandated by the standard), maybe not screensharing, but voice calls? video calls? Yes

Skype isn't as encrypted as you think. MS decrypts everything on their servers, although it it's good enough to keep your average neighborhood script kiddy out. (See recent Ars article for details).

WebRTC is still in major flux and has a long way to go before it will actually be able to compete with Skype, but yes that's the general idea of where it's heading.

[Detructor]

careful with skype. It's eavesdropping. -> http://www.h-online.com/security/new...e-1862870.html
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2013/May/78

[GreatEmerald]

Google Talk (XMPP) already exists and fills that niche. The problem is that most people are using Skype, and you can't persuade them to go use Google Talk instead...

[RahulSundaram]

Pretty much, maybe not encrypted (it could probably be done, just i dont think mandated by the standard), maybe not screensharing, but voice calls? video calls? Yes

Screensharing, filesharing etc is actually there in WebRTC. When it becomes more mature, we will have real competition in our hands again.

[Detructor]

Google Talk (XMPP) already exists and fills that niche. The problem is that most people are using Skype, and you can't persuade them to go use Google Talk instead...

huh? I thought they removed XMPP from GoogleTalk?

[droste]

huh? I thought they removed XMPP from GoogleTalk?

It's now called "Hangout" and is using their own protocol.

[RahulSundaram]

It's now called "Hangout" and is using their own protocol.

Well, not quite. XMPP for client to client is still supported for text chats and this is an important piece for interoperability with other clients like Pidgin and Adium. What has been dropped is server side federation. Unfortunate, but not the end of the world.