Krishna Panicker, the product manager for Skype for Mac, spoke to Macworld about these new updates and also hinted that more updates are in the works, including the possible return of multiple windows for IM conversations.

Using a shortcut key, you can now send an SMS message to any number.

Entering a phone number in the search field will now call that number.

Better support for portrait orientation when talking with contacts using Skype on a tablet or mobile device.Option to disable birthday notifications.Ability to double-click during a video conference to jump to full-screen mode.Other new and improved features to Skype 5.8: The best part about this is that only one member of the call needs to be a premium subscriber for all members to enjoy the benefits of this new feature. In addition to the already-supported group conference calls, Skype 5.8 now allows screen sharing with those groups, with a limit to groups of 10. Group Screen Sharing for Premium Subscribers: Skype 5.8 lets you choose if you want automatic updates or not simply by checking or not checking the Update Skype Automatically option. It can get annoying when you’re being bombarded with new updates. It’s easy to look through groups like Online or Family and also easy to communicate with any contact simply by right clicking and selecting from the options to call, instant message, or send SMS, files, or information about a contact.

Similar to the Skype 2 contact list, Skype 5.8 allows users to view the online status of all Skype contacts and organize them any way desired. Some of the new features in Skype 5.8 include:

It’s growing popularity is quickly leading Skype towards becoming a top choice in communication. The newest version of Skype for Mac has recently been released and fully supports Apple’s next desktop release, Mountain Lion.

Skype for os x mountain lion