Skype has video now

Video was the next obvious thing to add to Skype, so it's no surprise that the Internet telephony company has gone ahead and added it in Skype 2.0, launched today. Skype 2.0 beta is only available for Windows and, while it will work in audio mode on other windoews versions, needs XP to offer video chats (Skype is hinting that, as with previous versions of Skype, it will eventually be available on Mac and Linux). So far, video chats are only for two parties, and cannot be extended to conference calls - but if rumours are to be believed, this one is clearly on Skype's checklist for future.

In addition to video calling, Skype 2 also adds call management tools, including one-click access to key features and options; the ability to let your contacts see your mood, via emoticons; and the ability to see what time it is where your contact is, so that you don't call at an inappropriate time. Skype 2 also adds the ability to look up contacts in real-time by typing a name into the dialing field, and a Skype toolbar for Microsoft Outlook, which you can download here.

Skype 2 is available for download here.