Hasta La Gadget!

Skype is pushing out an updated version of its VoIP app that plugs the glitch potentially sending instant messages to random recipients. The new app is available for Windows, Mac, Linux and Windows Phone, though only certain versions of Skype for those platforms are actually affected by the issue, Skype now says. However, the general recommendation is to upgrade.

“The hotfix addresses an issue that occurs only when a user’s Skype client crashes during a Skype IM session, which may in some cases result in the last IM entered or sent prior to the crash being delivered to a different IM contact after the Skype client is rebooted or logged in as a new user. Although we cannot determine precisely how many users may have been affected by this error, we believe the number is small given the very specific circumstances under which the error occurs” Skype

The four affected clients are as follows:

• Skype 5.10 for Windows
• Skype 5.8 for Mac
• Skype 4.0 for Linux
• Skype 1.2 for Windows Phone

However, those using Skype 5.9 for Windows, Skype 2.8 for Android and Skype 4.0 for iOS are not affected. The update also includes a minor fix for those running Skype on FAT32 formatted systems, where they could not save received files to their drive.

You can download the new version of Skype here.

Skype patches messaging bug is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Earlier today, we finally got word from Skype concerning a bug that some users have been plagued with since June. The bug occasionally sends IMs between two contacts to an unintended third contact, which of course brings up some very valid concerns about privacy. Aside from saying that a fix will be rolled out within the next few days, Skype kept this morning’s statement on the bug brief, but this evening it’s being a little more specific about the bug, and it turns out its occurrence isn’t all that random.

Apparently, messages are only forwarded to a third contact when the Skype client crashes during a conversation. When that happens, the “last IM entered or sent prior to the crash” will then be sent off to that unintended third contact, which could result in a pretty dire situation if that most recent IM was about them. Hearing Skype describe it, the bug sounds like it isn’t necessarily unavoidable, but it also isn’t random, so at least there’s that.

In its updated statement, Skype also shared a list of which clients are impacted by this bug: Skype 5.9 and 5.10 for Windows, 5.8 for Mac, 4.0 for Linux, 4.0 for iOS, 2.8 for Android, and 1.2 for Windows Phone. If you’re using one of those clients, you’re instructed to download the latest client once you’re notified that an update is available, as that will likely include the fix you need to prevent this from happening again.

So, we’ve made a good bit of progress with this bug today. Not only does Skype say it’s working on a fix, but it also told us which specific clients are affected and what exactly needs to happen for the bug to rear its ugly head. Like we said this morning though, it’s still probably a good idea to choose your words carefully while we wait for this update, otherwise they might end up being seen by exactly the wrong person.

[via Skype]

Skype elaborates on instant message bug is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Skype has acknowledged a bug that is affecting users in pretty much the most horrifying way possible. Instant messages sent over Skype are being sent to random contacts—even contacts you’ve never connected with before. More »

Only a handful of Skype users have reported this problem over at the support forum, but what they’re complaining about is pretty hair-raising. They say that, following an update in June, instant messages have repeatedly and unintentionally been forwarded to random people in their contact lists. In other words, third-parties are seeing stuff they were never meant to see, which constitutes a serious breach of privacy. Skype now tells us it’s aware of the issue and is working on a fix. Here’s the official response in full:

“We are aware that in rare circumstances IM’s between two contacts could be sent to an unintended third contact. We are rolling out a fix for this issue in the next few days and will notify our users to download an updated version of Skype.”

[Thanks, Kuldar]

Filed under: Internet

Skype confirms ‘rare’ bug that sends messages to unintended contacts, promises fix soon originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 09:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Do you use Skype every single day, whether it is for work as you operate remotely from your office, or for you to communicate with a loved one, where you are both separated by thousands of miles? Regardless, having the latest update to your software is more or less a good thing at all times, although there were instances in the past where Murphy decided to strike and go amok with the latest software update (not talking about Skype in particular). There is a new update available for Skype now, targeting Windows and Mac versions.

We will see the Mac version bumped up to 5.8, while those rocking to Windows will see their version number hit 5.10. Nothing really fresh has been thrown into the mix, although there will be generic bug fixes thrown into the mix in addition to unspecified enhancements that ensure the apps will continue to run smoothly. Have you made your respective updates already, and how do you find the experience?

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Skype for Android passes 70 million download mark, Skype for Windows Phone gets updated with minor fixes and enhancements,