According to Skype Journal, Skype has released Skype 4.0 to Gold. The new version sports not "wideband audio" but a "Super Wideband audio codec" or what I like to call the Super Duper Weenie Wideband codec after one of my favorite hot dog joints in Fairfield, CT.
Course I haven't had a hot dog since TMC's Biggest Loser contest started. (I'm in 1st place by the way with over 7% weight lost)The Skype Garage post explains:
Starting from this version we've included the new Super Wideband Audio codec. This is our second in-house built audio codec especially designed for calls over the internet with superb quality. The Super Wideband Audio codec will help you most on lousy network conditions and when you have lower bandwidth available, although it also improves quality in normal conditions too.The codec is codenamed "SILK" and it aims to improve the audio out to 12,000Khz and has several improvements. Skype Journal covers the SILK codec benefits nicely in this post.
So if you want the Super (Duper) Wideband audio codec, head to Skype.com and download Skype 4.0. If you want a Super Duper Weenie and a Coke, head over to www.superduperweenie.com for directions.



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Tom,
I am interested in how this new codec can maintain call quality in a low broadband setting. Skype is always leading edge and I hope that this technology works. However, my real interest lies with whether or not this codec could some how be copied or re-configured so that could be used with other VoIP services. What do you think?
Frank,have a look at the last two paragraphs of my post that Tom linked above. Due to the underlying architecture of the codec software, there is potential for a new revenue source for Skype involving licensing the SILK codec. However, Skype has not made any statements about whether or not they intend to go that route. But when you can embed it in silicon, there's an obvious implication.