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Skype has announced the release of Skype 2.8 Beta, which the company says includes new and advanced features such as Skype Access and screen sharing.

"The goal of the major new features in Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac is to makes Skype easier to use everywhere," said Scott Durchslag, CEO. "Skype Access is perfect for those times when you need to make a few Skype calls or send some instant messages or emails while you're on the go, and screen sharing is a productivity tool that enables collaboration between two parties, regardless of their location."

Skype Access allows Skype users to single click connect to any of the more than 100,000 Boingo wifi hotspots worldwide. The price to use Skype Access to connect to a Boingo wifi hotspot is based on a flat, global rate of €0.14/$0.19 per minute (€0.16/$0.22 VAT inclusive), which will vary based on currency.

Also, the new screen sharing function in Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac enables you to show others something you are working on or to explain how to do something. However, the feature is not fully available when sharing between Mac, Linux and Windows users.

Editor's note: Um, 22¢ per minute is a horrible price. That is, you could probably walk into a convenience store wherever you are and get a prepaid international card with lower rates.

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