Skype Updates With Call Forwarding, Ring Tones

Skype Technologies has gone live with an updated version of its Internet telephony software, adding call forwarding and personalization options to its popular Voice over Internet Protocol service.

Skype version 1.4, which launched for beta testing in August, allows users to forward incoming Skype calls to another Skype name or to landline or mobile numbers. Calls forwarded to Skype names are free; calls sent to traditional phone numbers are charged at the company's SkypeOut rates, which start at 2 cents per minute.

Personalized Service

The new version also introduces "Personalize Skype," a customization service being managed by Qpass, a Seattle-based Skype partner. Personalize Skype offers consumers pictures to use as avatars and sound clips that can serve as ring tones or replace Skype's default sounds. A limited number of pictures and sounds are available for free.

Qpass will handle content acquisition and billing for Personalize Skype, a service it manages and hosts. Qpass's list of customers taking advantage of its add-on ring tones, images, and mobile games includes Cingular, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile, and Vodafone.

Windows Only, for Now

Skype's update is currently available only for Windows users, though the company says it is working to bring the new features to its Macintosh, Linux, and Pocket PC editions.

Earlier this month, Luxembourg-based Skype agreed to be acquired by eBay for around $2.6 billion in cash and stock. The companies expect the deal to close by the end of the year. Skype advertises a registered user base of 56 million, with more than 3 million people simultaneously connected to its service at any given time.