The new version for Mac, Skype 5.0, is available in beta and features a series of improvements that allow users to call, IM and SMS online as well as offline contacts and the group video calling, a feature expected to gather an increasing number of users. At the same time, the open web pages, documents or photos are provided with a Skype mini toolbar allowing users to mute or hold the conversation. Skype 5.0 offers the possibility to browse the messages archive, leave messages for offline contacts and quickly rejoin calls in cases of short Internet connection issues.

Skype’s introduction of the 5.0 version comes as a response to FaceTime, firstly featured on Apple’s mobiles and now featured on Apple’s netbooks also. Skype has been making important advancements in terms of updates and new integration for platforms like Android and Facebook.

See here for more details, and here for a video demo.