DID

Although Skype (News - Alert) users might be looking for some snazzy new features, the latest Skype update, version 4.5, instead, comes with more reliability and performance enhancements to improve upon past bugs.

Skype, a Voice over IP service and software application, was first released in 2003. It was developed as a way for users to communicate at little to no cost. The service also improved upon its predecessors by allowing users to use video, audio, and text all within one conversation. Since being bought out by Microsoft (News - Alert), the company has grown to have more than 660 million active users, and the program has become a stable in the business community.

However, most companies there have been some problems. Skype claimed it offered a secure communication service, but in 2006 a third party company found a number of security issues within the current model. After the analysis was completed, Skype officials did release a security patch to fix those issues.

Since then, the company has worked hard to keep enhancing its communication tool. As more people start taking advantage of smart devices, the need to offer a reliable application became a necessity for the communication giant. After hearing that some users were having connection issues and other problems with the mobile service, Skype released its latest fix, version 4.5.

This version is designed to help when a users loses a call. “Now whenever a call is dropped, Skype’s automatic call recovery will kick in and redial the contact for you,” said Geeks at Large blogger, Vince. “Another neat addition to Skype is the option to opt-in or out of marketing promos upon first registering in Skype through the app. The iPhone (News - Alert) now has its emergency call routed through the native dialer app rather than Skype.”

Other improvements include: reorganization of how the instant message conversation appears, improved spacing between the design elements for the iPad, and multi-gesture capabilities.

The upgrade is available for download in the iTunes store.