Over the past few days two communications software releases have brought new capabilities to Mac owners. And sounds like it's very timely from what Mark Evans reports on the new MacBooks.

First Skype has today released Skype for Mac 2.6 Gold, the first Skype client to offer a Call Transfer capability:

Users can now select More > Call Transfer to transfer an ongoing call to another Skype user on their contact list. This will be a useful feature for businesses and families alike.

Features that are already available in other Skype clients include:

• join public chats
• chat typing indicator: see when others are writing a message
• Skype Prime: call a premium-service provider and pay for their advice and knowledge with Skype credit
• automatic updates: get new features and updates without having to go to Skype’s website
• DTMF tones for automatic answering services available also during Skype-to-Skype calls

Download Skype 2.6 for Mac Gold here. Release Notes.

For SlingBox fans also released recently was SlingPlayer 1.0 for Mac, allowing Mac owners to view their home cable TV service from anywhere on the Internet, provided they have purchased any of the SlingBox products. The SlingPlayer includes a full emulation of your cable box remote control on the Mac:

With this software release, Slingbox owners can now view their television directly on their Macintosh computer screen. With full remote control, they can watch content from their home entertainment system whether from cable, DVR, DVD and even a full range of Apple entertainment products including: Apple TV®, Front Row, iPod® in Apple's Universal Dock® or iPod in an iPod Hi-Fi™.

The Mac ecosystem evolves and builds more momentum. But, to paraphrase an familiar battle cry, when can we expect to see Call Transfer in Skype for Windows??

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