Mac users get first dibs on Skype feature


27 Aug 2007

Mac users will for the first time be able to use a new Skype feature before it’s available to Windows users. They will be able to avail of a new call-transfer feature exclusive to the Mac platform when they download the new Skype for Mac 2.6 software.

Apple Mac users will be able to select More > Call Transfer to transfer an ongoing call to another Skype user on their contact list, a feature Skype said would be useful for businesses as well as families.

Along with the exclusive call-transfer feature, Skype for Mac 2.6 incorporates a number of Skype features that were previously only available on other platforms, such as joining public chats; chat typing indicator to see when others are writing a message; Skype Prime to call a premium-service provider and pay with Skype credit; automatic updates; DTMF tones for automatic answering services available also during Skype-to-Skype calls. Other improvements include tweaks in the way Skype handles birthday reminders and other notifications.

“Mac users have very high expectations so we take the time to get things right,” said Carter Adamson, general manager of desktop products at Skype. “With 2.6 we have launched a new feature on Mac first, demonstrating our commitment to this fast-growing segment of Skype users.”

“The power, simplicity and security of Mac OS X and hardware innovations such as the built-in iSight cameras in most of our Macs make it easy for companies like Skype to create exciting new products and features for Mac users,” said Ron Okamoto, Apple’s vice-president of worldwide developer relations.

“We’re thrilled that Skype is offering its brand new call-transfer feature to the Mac community first,” he added.

By Niall Byrne