Skype 2.6 for Windows in preview; new features possible

If you're the computer-kamikaze type like me who recklessly installs betas, even alphas, on a whim, join me for a preview ride of Skype 2.6 for Windows. The preview isn't geared for the faint-of-heart as this is basically pre-beta; one of the biggest changes is the way Skype handles sound, i.e.: its primary purpose! Don't take my word for it, here's what the Skype folks say: "The changes to the audio library are significant and may make the audio part of Skype unstable during the preview period, or make it incompatible with some hardware where Skype previously worked."

New features hinted at in the change log are always subject to, er...change, but it looks like Skype is planning for updated Internet Explorer and Firefox plugins as well as URLs in the custom "mood messages" for your avatar. There's plenty more in the works, so go hit the change log while I download and install. If anyone Skypes me and I sound like James Earl Jones in this version, you'll know why...although that's a bug I might like to keep. ;)

-kct