If you’ve got a Mac with a built in iSight camera (and most Macs come with those, now-a-days, except for a Mac Mini or Mac Pro), then you’ve more than likely got Skype installed.  It is probably one of (if not THE) most popular way to communicate with friends and family over the internet. Skype to Skype web and video calls are free.  Its an awesome way to stay in touch, especially if you have relatives that live quite a distance away from you.

Upgrade now or later to Skype 5 for Mac?

I’ve got Skype 5.0 Beta installed on my MacBook.  Recently, I got a notice from the app that the gold version of Skype 5.0 has been released.  The program offers the following new features and functions:

• Group video chat (meaning video chat with more than 1 person at the same time)
• Tweaked instant message display to reduce whitespace, allowing for more conversation to be visible at once
• Relocated contacts monitor to the Window menu to make it easier to find
• Brought back full-screen mode for video calls
• Introduced easier one-click access to show and hide chat while on a call

The group video chat is now part of a premium service that costs $4.99 for one day, or $8.99 for the month.  The Premium package also includes customer support calls. Skype had indicated that the feature wouldn’t be free forever, but you can still try it out for free for seven days if you’re a new user.