Paul Jacobson

For those who don't know yet, Skype 3.0 has been released for Windows (the Mac version is still at version 2.0 although the beta of version 2.5 is available for those willing to try it out).

Skype has had some pretty cool features since the Windows version went 2.0 (or thereabouts) and this version takes all its connectivity options a little further. The public chats feature looks pretty interesting (I am not sure whether this is a new feature for Skype or has been in previous Windows versions). It is a bit of a return to the chatrooms of a few years ago:

Skype Public Chats are like normal chats but they're public, which means anyone can join. This makes them a great way to meet new people who share your interests. Skype Public Chats can be promoted on blogs, websites, in emails and of course in Skype mood messages. When you see one you're interested in, just click on the link to join.

If you can't find one you'd like to join, simply create your own. There are lots of different ways to use Skype Public Chats. You can have open watercooler chats where anyone can come and talk, or you can have press conference-style chats with lots of listeners but few talkers, or entirely closed chats where you will approve each joiner before they can read the messages or topic. Don't forget to promote the public chat or you'll be left talking to yourself.

Are you using Skype 3.0? What are your thoughts?