Kudos to Skype for doing a lot of improvement for its products and services and of course, for putting Mac users first on its list. With the recent release of its latest communication software Skype for Mac 2.6, Skype is allowing Mac users the great opportunity to enjoy a new feature before making it available to Window users. Now how about that!

Skype for Mac 2.6 does not only guarantee enhanced quality and stability but more exciting features as well. One of these amazing features is the call-transfer developed exclusively for the Mac platform and ideal for families and businesses. With this feature, Mac users can now transfer an ongoing call to another Skype user on their contact list.

Unique features

In using this call-transfer feature to make a call with one of your contacts, just click the “more” button in the call window and a new option “call transfer” will appear. From there, you can click on a contact to transfer an ongoing call to another contact in your list. Screenshot is credited in making this feature possible.

Apart from the call-transfer, the updated version of Skype for Mac 2.6 also provides other exciting features that were only available on other platforms earlier such as Windows and Linux. Some of the newest offerings in this version better echo cancellation, editing of SkypeOut contact numbers, calls to Skype Prime providers and bug fixes. Users can now take part in public chats and with a chat typing indicator, they can monitor when other people are writing a message.

The Skype Prime, meanwhile, allows users to call a service provider and pay for their advice and knowledge through Skype credit.

Automatic updates can also be enjoyed as Skype for Mac 2.6 provides new features and updates without the need to check out the website of Skype.

DTMF tones are likewise available for automatic answering services while making Skype-to-Skype calls.

Birthday reminders and other notifications are handled in a unique manner.

The Skype for Mac 2.6 software can be downloaded at www.skype.com. To be able to use it, a major requirement will be a broadband internet connection. Broadband is best for this type because Mac PCs do not support GPRS for voice calls.

Other things you need include a Mac computer with G4 800 Mhz processor or faster, Mac OS X v10.3.9 Panther or later, 512 MB RAM, 40 MB free disk space on your hard drive, a microphone, speakers or headset, download drivers for your webcam and an internet connection.

Clear calls

If you’re just new to Skype, there are so many things that you still need to know about its various hardware and software as well as its overlooked standard features. If you take the time to learn more about this fast emerging technology, only then you will be able to experience Skype’s full potential.

Millions of Skype users and non-users already know that Skype is renowned for its free calls to other users and low global calling rates to landline and mobile phones. And what’s great about the calls is the excellent sound quality you can enjoy with low network congestion.

Skype also makes use of a unique routing system. It actually routes calls through other user’s computers which is considered more flexible. The application is able to solve most problems by determining the best route to the other party and switching between them. This only means less network congestion even as more people join in because while the number of users increases, the more bandwidth becomes available.

Did you even know that Skype has a call forwarding feature? This is very useful because let’s face it, you will get important calls on certain occasions when you’re not at home or at work and away from your computer. But thanks to this feature, you can easily forward those calls to another Skype account or even a mobile phone or landline to be sure that you receive them no matter where you are. How to forward a call? Just click on the “tools” menu and select “options” and from there set the forwarding number in the “call forwarding and voicemail” section.

Security and privacy risks are another issue. However, Skype makes sure that call tapping, file interception and alteration of member records are eliminated through its public key encryption system. This method encrypts communications from one computer to another to prevent interception. But apart from the built-in encryption system, Skype users can take action themselves to prevent scams and other security issues. If you want to block unknown or unwanted callers, you can click on “tools” and select “options.” While there, click on “privacy” and select the level of security best suited for you. As for individual attacks, you can block the spammer by choosing “managed block users” in the “options” dialog.

The edge

Skype still has its edge over close competitors. Apart from the free calls to other Skype users, its low call rates to traditional and mobile phones are hard to beat. This alone makes staying in touch with family, friends and business associates very easy and convenient.

Skype makes it a point to provide the best deals to its millions of users who use either the Macintosh or Windows. Mac users are a fast-growing segment of Skype subscribers now numbering 113 million the reason why they were given priority, according to Carter Adamson, general manager of Skype’s desktop products. On the other hand, Ron Okamoto who is vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations of Mac manufacturer, Apple, takes pride in the capability and security of their Mac OS X and hardware inventions like the built-in iSight cameras which he attributed as important factors in Skype’s commitment to create new products and features exclusively for Mac users. With a global internet communications company putting you first on its list, who would not be thrilled?

An earlier proof of Skype’s strong support for Mac users was the release of Skype for Mac 2.0 which allowed subscribers online to make free video calls to other Skype users worldwide using the Windows and Mac platform. The video calls are possible even without downloading any software and can be seen through the Skype window or on the full screen.