• Screen sharing improvements
• New 'getting started' experience
• Small changes to the call controls
• The 'Call Phones' button has been moved
• Updated 'Click to Call' browser plugins
• In call advertising
• 'Skype Home' UI improvements in compact mode
• Share your thoughts about this new version on our Support Network or in case you see the odd issue then please report it to us on our public issue tracker.

• 'Share screens' improvements
• New 'getting started' experience
• Small changes to the call controls

Screen sharing improvements 

We have improved the way you start and control screen sharing during a call. When you start a 'Share screens' session there is now an introductory message where you can select to share in full screen mode or in a window. You can also select which window or monitor to share, in case you have more than one available

New getting started experience

We have improved the first time set-up experience for new Skype users. The new getting started process walks you through a number of easy steps to help set up Skype, so it's working as it should - including setting up the webcam, checking the audio and adding a profile picture, so it's easier for your friends to be able to find you on Skype.

Changes to the call controls

As part of the call controls the call monitor now automatically appears when you switch to another window or application, while you are on a call. The call monitor is a small neat widget that shows the live video call and basic call controls.

Moved the 'Call Phones' button

In Skype 5.6 for Windows we have merged the Call phones and Account buttons into one, at the top of the window. We have also added some of the account information straight into the Call Phones page.

Updated Skype Click to Call browser plugins

In this release we have updated our Skype Click to Call browser plugins. We have added support for Firefox 7, improved Outlook Web Access and introduced an auto-update feature.

In call advertising

In this release we have introduced in-call advertising, which will appear to some of our non-paying customers, during Skype audio calls. Users who have either Skype Credit or any of our subscriptions will not see advertising. Users have the option to hide the ad while on the call by simply clicking on the "Close ad" button.

Skype Home improvements in Compact mode

We have revised how Skype Home behaves, so now it does not open when you start up Skype in compact mode.