Skype has released their latest version for Mac, and its not in beta anymore!  It comes with a Premium Package deal, which features video calling, as well as a number of other user interface updates. Users get a 7-day free trial, and can choose between subscription plans of $4.99 for a day pass, or $8.99 for a monthly subscription.

They’ve trimmed the fat around some features, based on user feedback during beta, and that’s in a very literal sense.  Skype’s cut down the size of its windows, contact list, instant message displays, as well as pixels and white spaces, so you can see more of your conversations without scrolling up and down like crazy (who scrolls anymore?).  Skype also made it easier for users to keep track of their closest contacts by adding this feature in the Windows menu. They also brought back full screen mode during video calls (because we like facial closeups).  The overall appearance of the new Skype for Mac is more compact than ever.

While Skype is making great progress in one area, the company’s plan for an IPO was postponed until the second half of the year.  This development comes as a result of an uncertain IPO market and the appointment a new CEO. Just last August, the company named Tony Bates as new CEO, formerly holding the same position at Cisco Systems. Skype is expected to raise $1 billion in an IPO which will stand second biggest ever next to the IPO of $1.67 billion by Google last 2004.