Skype 4.0 Beta Updated

Skype has released an updated 4.0 Beta. After having said so many times "we are listening", and "keep the comments coming", what did they change in the overwhelmingly despised new user interface? Nothing. Nada. Zip. No change. Yes, they are definitely "listening".

At the same time, they have changed the download page for their current (non-beta) version, apparently trying to make it look like their redesigned (mangled) Community pages. The changes have two significant effects:

- It no longer shows the current version number. This makes it easier for them to hide the fact that the current version (3.8) has apparently been abandoned by development in favor of the reviled 4.0 version.

- The links to other versions have been removed. This makes it extremely difficult to find and download a version for an operating system other than the one you are currently running.

I would guess that the objective of these changes to the web page were the same as for the change from the Skype User Forum to the Skype Community - reduce the number of people who use those pages. They will probably be declaring success on this in the near future, for good reason - the new download pages are truly miserable.

Good work, Skype, keep "listening". You are truly living up to your slogan: "Take a Deep Breath - This Is Going To Hurt".

jw 14/7/2008