August 31, 2004. Skype Technologies S.A., the Global Internet Telephony Company™ that offers people the ability to make superior quality voice calls using their Internet connections, today launched the beta version of Skype for Mac OS X. The software can be downloaded for free and is available immediately.
"We celebrated Skype's first anniversary on Sunday (August 29) with more than 9 million users from every country in the world," said Niklas Zennström, Skype CEO and co-founder. "Today we invite the millions of Mac users to connect with people with other operating systems and gain the benefits of 21st century voice communication."
As with all Skype software versions - Skype for Windows, Skype for Pocket PC and Skype for Linux - Skype for Mac OS X is free, easy to download, simple to use, and offers superior call quality and security. Skype users control their online presence and contact lists, and have many options to customize their overall Skype experience.
Skype for Mac OS X beta Free Features:
- Global Directory - User-built global Skype contacts directory with numerous search options and an easy add-a-contact tool
- Tracking - Call and message tracking
- Customization with My Picture image display
- File transfer - Send and receive encrypted files via Skype to others, including all Skype for Mac, Windows and Linux users
- Mobility - Log in to Skype account from Mac OS X, Windows or Linux-based PC or Pocket PC device anywhere in the world
- Security - end-to-end encryption
- Multiple Skype accounts on one computing device
- Designed and built for Mac OS with a compatible and user-friendly interface
- Instant messaging and more
Skype for Mac OS X beta includes the new SkypeOut service, offering global calling to any traditional telephone number at local rates. The service allows Skype users to pre-pay and use their computing device and Internet connection to call landlines and mobile phones anywhere in the world. SkypeOut Global Rate pricing is 1.7 Euro cents per minute (approx USD$0.02). The complete country rate sheet is available at http://www.skype.com/go/prices.
"Skype's aim is to delight people with a high quality product that expands their communications options and cost control. We have had steady and strong demand for a Mac version and are happy to deliver Skype for Mac OS X beta. We direct our development by listening to the comments and requests from Skype users. We look forward to hearing from the Mac users, who are known to 'think different,' about how we can continue to improve Skype," said Zennström.
