Skype launches VoiceMail service and new Skype 1.3 for Windows

Skype has officially launched the Skype Voicemail service, previously available in beta. The Skype Voicemail is the company's second pre-paid premium offering.

Customers with Skype Voicemail can leave unlimited Voicemail messages for all Skype users when they are unavailable or offline, and can receive Voicemails from any caller. Unlike standard voicemail systems, Skype Voicemail also allows customers the flexibility to send pre-recorded voice greetings to any other Skype user, regardless if the recipient is also a subscriber to the service. SkypeIn beta customers from the eight countries in the beta test can also receive Voicemail messages from ordinary fixed or mobile phones. Consumers can personalize Skype Voicemail, set their answer preferences, customize their greeting and receive messages up to 10 minutes long.

Skype Voicemail subscriptions are available for EUR 5 (US$7) for 3 months or EUR 15 (US$19) for one year. Orders may be pre-paid with a credit card or via PayPal or Moneybookers at the Skype Store.

Also new is the the latest Skype for Windows v1.3, incorporating feature improvements, including enhancements for importing new contacts to contact lists, as well as a more customizable user profile area. Skype v1.3 allows users to populate their Skype contact lists from desktop applications including MSN, and auto-populate exact matches from Microsoft Outlook. Skype for Windows also offers an enhanced visual experience with streamlined user interfaces and improved notices about client upgrades and premium services. New animated emoticons give instant messages more expression.

SkypeOut, the first premium offering from Skype that allows Skype users pre-paid calling to any traditional and mobile phone number for local rates, has earned more than 1.5 million paid users since its launch in July 2004. All Skype premium services, Skype Voicemail, SkypeOut, and the beta version of SkypeIn, are compatible with the latest versions of Skype for Linux, Mac OS X, Pocket PC and Windows platforms.

The company has reported more than 42 million registered users increasing by approximately 150,000 new users a day.

Source: geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=4650

Skype seem to have a good future for those looking to invest.
Says short sighted and astigmatic me