Skype Toolbars: Extending the 'Outlook' for Skype Adding to the Arsenal of Skype Add-ons Forrest Stroud
Skype Toolbars are the latest releases in the arsenal of add-on tools designed to enhance and extend the basic calling features of the extremely popular Skype internet telephony software. Skype Toolbars add to Skype's functionality by providing quick one-click access to Skype from apps like Internet Explorer and MS Outlook.
The toolbars recognize phone numbers and Skype Names on Web pages so that you can call them simply by clicking on the names or numbers. They also make it possible to call and chat with existing contacts, change your online status for Skype, search using Google and Yahoo, and see how much SkypeOut credit you have left.
Currently, beta releases are available for both Internet Explorer (5+) and Microsoft Outlook, with Windows XP and Windows 2000/2003 supported in both toolbar editions.
The Skype Toolbar for Internet Explorer is a streamlined toolbar that doesn't clutter your browser with the typical over-abundance of options and buttons so common in other browser toolbars. A Google searchbox (Yahoo and Enrino are supported as well) complements the Skype buttons and drop-down selection boxes for your Skype Contacts and potential contacts on the current Web page. Options for opening Skype, changing your Skype online status, and configuring the toolbar are easily accessible as well.
The Skype Toolbar for Outlook brings all of your Skype and MS Outlook contacts together in one handy place, making it quick and simple to call Skype contacts who email you or to make SkypeOut calls to your Outlook contacts who aren't on Skype yet.
Users can also call Skype Names and phone numbers written in emails, tell when Outlook contacts are online, start instant message (IM) conversations to follow up emails, and add a Skype Me button (for others to click to call you) to your email signature via the Outlook toolbar.
The Skype Toolbar for Outlook works with versions of Outlook from 2000 onwards on both Windows XP and Windows 2000/2003. Currently, there is no version available for users of Outlook Express.
Overall, while the toolbars are still in beta release, each already adds value to its respective application and together are likely to be must-have downloads for regular users of Skype. Our only quibble at this point is the lack of toolbars for alternative browsers like Mozilla Firefox and Opera.
