Ekiga 4.0 offers a fresh, open source Skype alternative - murphyconst1993

Old users of Ubuntu Linux Crataegus oxycantha already be conversant with open source Ekiga, which used to equal the default on Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) node in that touristy Linux statistical distribution, but late last calendar month the telephony software program got a major update.

Arriving some three years afterward the premature publish, Ekiga 4.0 — also known A "The Triumph Release" — is now available, oblation a fresh fresh Skype alternative for users of Linux and Windows alike.

"This is a major exit with many major improvements," wrote the computer software's developers in the announcement sunset week on the project land site.

Here's a rundown of some of the highlights.

A spic-and-span user interface

At the circus tent of the list of the changes in Ekiga 4.0 is a "completely new" interface, the developers say, featuring an improved roster, a separate call window, and improved chat and accounts Windows. The screenshot above offers a taste of the spic-and-span Graphical user interface.

Ekiga 4.0 likewise offers quicker inauguration than its predecessor did, and the software's GNOME 3 desegregation has been reinforced with better notifications and removal of the tray icon.

A new PulseAudio plugin has been added to Ekiga along with newfound sound codecs such American Samoa SILK — which is used by Skype — G.722.1 (also known as Siren 7), and G.722.2 (a.k.a. GSM-AMR Wide band). Bran-new H.264 optimizations have been added as well.

Rounding out the list of key unaccustomed features are call auto-answer, partial bear for handling multiple video streams, landscaped audio accuracy on select sound cards, and a variety of serviceableness and interoperability fixes.

Highly interoperable

Microsoft has openmouthed many in the Linux community away continuing to update Skype for Linux, and of course we directly have offerings including Google+ chat and hangouts and Google Talk with video As well.

Still, Ekiga brings with it all the many benefits of open source software in addition to support for both the Academic session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and H.323 protocol, making it highly practical.

Ready to try this latest new loose? It's available as a free download connected the project site.