Skype 5.0 beta brings five-way video chat

Video chatting is on the rise. Yesterday, we got to take a look at Qik's mobile video chat client for the Sprint EVO 4G, and today, we get to take a look at Skype's latest development: five-way video chat.

Today, popular VoIP and chat client Skype launched a beta of Skype 5.0 for Windows, which includes a free trial of group video calling, a re-designed call view window, improved video snapshots gallery, and improved browser plugin performance.

There are a few fixes introduced with this version, but also a whole host of new bugs to deal with. The release notes for version 5.0.0.105 include a list of 87 known issues, most of which do not have workarounds yet.

We're installing the beta now, and we'll post screenshots and a review shortly.