Skype releases version 3.1 for Windows with Skype Prime Beta

Skype has announced Skype 3.1 for Windows, introducing SkypeFind and Skype Prime (Beta), two features that give people new ways to share knowledge with one another.

According to the company these new additions take Skype beyond simple voice and video calls into new markets where access to expertise and knowledge are essential commodities.

Relying on its community of over 171 million registered users worldwide, Skype wants SkypeFind to be a community-generated guide that lets users rate, review and log their favorite businesses.

Also launched today is the Beta release of Skype Prime. This service is a new marketplace which brings together those people who have expertise or knowledge to sell with others who are seeking advice and happy to pay for it. Skype says Skype Prime is in the very early stages of its lifecycle.

Skype Prime facilitates how people and small businesses sell and share their expertise and knowledge on Skype. The new feature gives people and small businesses the opportunity to charge for their expertise and reach potential customers all over the world provided they are using Skype 3.1 for Windows. The "experts" can determine their own per minute or one-off fees. Skype Prime fees are paid using PayPal and subject to a 30% charge by Skype for using the Skype Prime service.