Skype has released a beta Mac version of its popular VoIP communications software.

Skype for Mac 2.0 gives Mac users the ability to make free video calls to other Skype users regardless of whether they use a PC or Mac.

Apple Mac users can now enjoy one-on-one video calls, viewed within the Skype window or on the full computer screen. The software connects seamlessly across Windows and Mac operating systems and offers users free video calling regardless of platform.

This means that Mac users can connect with and view friends, family and colleagues using PCs without downloading any additional software.

"Our community is made up of both Mac and Windows users. We couldn’t be more excited to bring these two groups together, literally face-to-face," said Stefan Öberg, vice president and general manager, Desktop & Hardware for Skype.

In order to make video calls Skype for Mac OS X 2.0 requires a Macintosh computer with Mac OS X v10.3.9 Panther or newer, a G4, G5, or Intel processor running at a minimum of 800 MHz, 512Mb RAM, 40Mb free disk space, and a broadband internet connection.