Skype for Linux now is available as snap, the universal Linux app packaging format, with easy install and automatic updates.
“London, UK – 1st February 2018 – Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, announces today that Skype is now available as a snap, the universal Linux app packaging format. Available as of today, the release means that Skype can deliver its communication service to a wider range of Linux users, including millions on Ubuntu.“, it’s announced in Ubuntu Insights.
For Ubuntu 16.04 users who’ve never installed a snap package, first install snapd daemon in terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T):
sudo apt-get install snapd snapd-xdg-open
The snap package can be installed directly from Ubuntu Software. At the moment, it’s skype 8.14.0.10:
You can also open terminal and run command to install the snap:
snap install skype --classic
And the snap automatic updates itself when a new release is out and published.
To launch Skype, search it from application launcher (may need re-login) or run command:
/snap/bin/skype
Uninstall:
To uninstall the snap, either use Ubuntu Software or run command:
Microsoft announced the next generation of Skype in preview for Linux a day ago.
The new Skype Preview, version 8.5, is released to unstable channel in official Skype repositories. It will receive regular updates and eventually becomes the new Skype.
The new Linux client is going to get the same features as the Windows and Mac versions for the first time, so that is the reason for changing the client version number.
Starting today, the next generation of Skype is available in preview on Linux shortly after it was introduced for Windows and Mac. It’s not yet complete and we need your feedback. We’re committed to providing a Skype experience you love, enhancing the way you talk, text, and experience the world—all from the comfort of your desktop.
Skype Preview delivers most of the great features of our next generation mobile experience but is specifically designed with desktop in mind, to take full advantage of the larger screen. Skype Preview puts chat front and center—making this the most expressive Skype ever. You can also do more together in group calls, with real-time screen and photo sharing.
The official download link for Skype Preview is available at:
For those who want to keep updating the new Skype in preview, add the unstable repository via following steps:
1. Open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T, and run command to make sure ‘apt-transport-https’ is installed:
one-to-one VIDEO CALLS support from Linux to Skype for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac.
View shared screens from other Skype desktop clients
Unity launcher now shows the number of unread conversations
online contacts in contact list now include Away and Do Not Disturb statuses.
How to Install Skype 5.0 for Linux in Ubuntu / Linux Mint:
The new release can be installed from the Skype apt repository, simply open terminal from Unity Dash, App Launcher, or via Ctrl+Alt+T shortcut key and run following commands one by one:
1. Make sure you have ‘apt-transport-https’ installed by running command:
