Skype 4.0 beta touts better video

Skype has revealed the new version of its online communications application, with improved video and more options for users to manage their calls.

Skype 4.0 has improved video functionality, with a much larger screen size and the ability to run an instant messaging application alongside a video call.

It also allows people to run multiple conversations without the need for multiple windows. There's a single conversations section which shows current chats which can then be accessed.

Mike Bartlett, director of Windows product management at Skype, said: "This is one of the most fundamental changes we've made in the one and a half year history of the company."

Skype 4.0 is currently available in beta form and the company is inviting people to give feedback over the coming months to iron out any issues.

Bartlett said: "When you change something dramatically, it can be quite difficult to get used to for your user base. This is an unfinished piece of work at the moment."

The other big change is around certified hardware with the application now able to automatically detect new devices -- for example headphones. Users reported difficulties when plugging and unplugging new devices on previous versions.

Bartlett said: "Over the years, we've added a lot of richness and functionality to Skype. It's no longer just a little piece of software for making free calls."