New Skype Beta for Windows Adds Better Sound and Call Forwarding

Skype has released Skype for Windows 1.4 beta as a secondary download. The current Skype 1.3 continues to be the stable release.

This Beta version adds an improved call quality and Skype says this version is a major step forward on the call quality.

In terms of feature, call forwarding has been implemented. Users can now forward incoming Skype-to-Skype and SkypeIn calls to either another Skype Name or to any landline or mobile phone. For forwarding calls to landline or mobile users will need to have sufficient Skype balance available.

With this version users should notice a more responsive application during call initialization, thanks to some optimizations introduced.

There are several improvements to search, adding contacts, Getting Started Wizard and finding contacts from Outlook, Outlook Express and Opera address books.

Skype recommends public betas only for advanced users and for testing, with the warning of a few known issues which are being fixed before the official stable release.