New version of SKYPE - terrible -- back to previous version

Hi folks

In the race to "simplify things" - newer versions always seem to get worse - and the new SKYPE for Windows is horrible -- why do new developers hate menus -- loads of us are still using "Old fashioned computers" with nice large screens rather than tiny mobile phones and menus are helpful.

Please developers don't simplify stuff TOO much so it becomes almost impossible to use !!!!! and don't abandon the idea of Menus. !!!! We don't always all work 100 % full screen - especially if large monitors and a few concurrent appls running.

I've re-installed the old version - skype for desktop (classic) which is still available

How to install older version skype 7 - Microsoft Community

Much simpler to use -- all the features easily available from menu bar and just works




Cheers
jimbo

swarfega said:

The menu is now on your avatar rather than a separate one.

Hi there @swarfega -- stuff is missing like video calls etc etc --it's probably all there but so much less intuitive to use - I'm sticking with the version I've installed until it won't work any more.

For some reason also the new version won't let me make any video calls -- no prob with version I've got and it's easy to switch between headphones / speakers / temporarily mute conversations / video etc.

Audio seems better too on the old version -- not sure if that's just "guess" but it does seem to work better.

Linux version also OK - works like the screenshot I've given above for Windows . Haven't tried Android version yet though.

Haven't got any Macbooks or iPhones so haven't tried that platform yet.

Cheers
jimbo

swarfega said:

Perhaps the reason why video calls is missing and it wont let you make them is related to a wider issue.

Hi there @swarfega

Might be a Windows problem but I've installed several times and still can't get any video either in or outbound from SKYPE on the new version -- old version functions 100% correctly both in and outbound (although not sure callers want to see my ugly mug at 07.30 GMT in the morning !!!)..

Running W10 X-64 Pro with latest update on Real hardware (not VM) - HP envy laptop i5 Intel. Decent built in webcam (which works fine on other applications so no driver issues there) and microphone --could be a bit better but that's hardware and built in is more convenient than a separate piece of kit - for a laptop certainly.

Laptop webcam is HP truevision HD and the audio is Realtek HD audio. Also works on Intel display Audio when using external monitor via HDMI->speakers.

I'll try switching the webcam / mike combination I've got connected to a Windows tower desktop to see if that works later

Cheers
jimbo

Sounds like privacy setting to me. Have a look in Settings > Privacy > Camera and see if Skype is allowed to use the camera. These settings only apply to the new apps not old Win32 programs like the legacy Skype.

Just FYI if your laptop is old (I have i5 with original Intel HD graphics from 2010) I find new version causes BSOD due to graphics drivers (which I can't update as there aren't any). The Skype legacy (and web access) work fine.

Hi there
the old version allows me to select video device, new version fails to find webcam at all --(that's on a new desktop type computer with external web cam / microphone). So new version fails or has defects on 2 out of 2 computers tried it on, old classic version worked on 2 out of 2 computers !!!


If you want the old classic version look for program SkypeSetupFull.exe use the drop down to choose skype classic.
Note versions here for Linux too. again select drop down -- pre-built binaries for .deb and .rpm package managers if your Linux distro uses those.

Download Skype | Free calls | Chat app

Cheers
jimbo

I realize what I am to say is off topic. I apologize for that.
I would just like to know .......
1. What do you think about Hangouts ?
2. Why do you prefer Skype instead ?

jimbo45 said:

Hi there
@davidhk

Probably Hangouts vs Skype is a bit like Audi vs Merc Vs BMW -- take your pick of the bunch -- SKYPE works out cheaper if you use the paid bits and integrates with Ms office (outlook) easily for work (Lync plugin) --should do as it's now owned by Ms.

I also like the idea that I can have an optional skype phone nr (extra cost but cheap) which can be a number from around 63 countries and calls to that number can be made at very low international rates - useful when travelling say outside areas like the EU who have lowered standard roaming rates - skype calls when travelling are really cheap if you use that facility. SKYPE also forwards calls to your mobile (optionally in the settings configuration ) if someone calls you from their computer and you aren't at yours.

Not sure if Hangouts can integrate with Outlook.

Note also SKYPE can work with Linux too as well as android etc -- doesn't mention it in the link I've included but the Beta app works fine on Red Hat / Centos distros.

I use skype as an alternative to bothering with using mobile / desktop phones when at a computer - costs nothing from computer to computer - and if people aren't on it you can still call their mobile or landline - it's so much better with decent mike and computer speakers than using a phone even when it's on speaker -- plus it's easy for conference calling etc with optional video --good business meeting tool.

Besides I'm not a great fan of Google and who knows what they do with the information they glean.

You might like to browse this though for comparisons :

Google Hangouts vs Skype 2018 Comparison | FinancesOnline

Cheers
jimbo

Thank you very much for the in-depth comment.