Skype for Linux Alpha is — finally — rolling out video calling support.
At present video calls made through Skype for Linux Alpha only work with other Skype for Linux Alpha clients.
That means if your long-distance partner or globetrotting auntie are not using Linux, you’re limited to voice calls only.
‘Video support in process of rollout’
However, a Skype representative says on the Skype Community forum that, as of version 1.16, “…1-1 video support between Linux Alpha and other platforms should be in the process of rollout at the moment, so you may try if it already works for you.”
“video support between Linux Alpha and other platforms should be in the process of rollout at the moment”
“However, always make sure to use the latest version of Skype client on the other side.”
I tried placing a video call through the alpha client to a Windows 10 Skype user and, surprise, it didn’t work. For fun, I tried to video call an Android device from the alpha client and got a similar result.
The rollout could be geographical or usage-based, so if you’ve been patiently waiting for video calling to land in the Linux alpha client, do try it out.
Although the Skype for Linux Alpha app is updated regularly development on it has, thus far, been focused on finessing or tweaking features around the edges, rather than on delivering raw, core functionality.
Given the purpose of the app is to allow communication one hopes that video calling, dialling out, and other essential VoIP features become a more pressing priority for the team soon.
Thanks G.S.