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Microsoft launches Skype for Linux Alpha

Microsoft today announced a brand-new Alpha of Skype for Linux. The new app uses WebRTC, "which ensures we can continue to support our Linux users in the years to come."

The news has been anticipated since last week, when Microsoft promised exciting news for Linux users. After all, Skype for Linux hasn't been updated since mid-2014.

Microsoft notes that the new app will look very different from the old one. Indeed, quite a bit has changed in Skype over the last two years. You'll be using "the latest, fast and responsive Skype UI", and you'll be able to share files, photos, and videos, along with a new range of emoticons.

With Skype for Linux Alpha, you'll be able to call anyone that's using Windows, Mac, iOS and Android; however, you won't be able to call anyone using the previous version of Skype for Linux.

It's also worth noting that this is an Alpha build, which means that it's at an even earlier stage than a beta. It might not be a good idea to use this as your main Skype client.

The company also took the time to announce that anyone using a Chromebook or Chrome on Linux can now make one-on-one or group Skype calls from the Skype Web App. This too is an Alpha version.

Voice calls mysteriously began working last week. Presumably, that was gearing up for today's announcement.

You can download Skype for Linux Alpha right here, and you can check out the Skype Web App here.

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