The first beta of Skype 4.0 exposed testers to a totally redesigned UI that placed increased emphasis on video conferencing. In the second beta, released today, the Skype team provided a more familiar-feeling alternative.

Based upon what seemed to be a universally negative reaction to the amount of real estate Skype's new UI required, beta 2 of version 4.0 offers the ability to switch to a window more similar to previous versions. Skype's Mike Bartlett said the team received over 45,000 comments, with the predominant issue being the interface.

Users are now given the option in the "View" tab to switch to what is called "compact view," a smaller and more traditional Skype window.

Another common complaint from users was that contact grouping -- a seemingly standard function among communications software -- was missing. It has been brought back, and renamed "Contact Categories."

This version of Skype still does not offer Mac support, but the release notes list the addition of "High Quality video support" for Logitech Vision Pro cameras, the peripheral company's only webcam for Macintosh.