Fri 3 Mar 2006
Maxxuss (of OSx86 hacking fame) has done it again…
Recently, Skype and Intel have announced a deal that would limit Skype’s functionality on all but specific Intel processors. Currently, Skype 2.0 offers 10-way conference calls only on Intel’s latest dual-core CPUs, while other chips, including all AMD chips, will only allow for 5-way conference calls. It is argued that only those Intel dual-core CPUs meet the requirements - which would imply that no AMD CPU is fast enough.
Now, what are these requirements? Is there some kind of micro-benchmark built into Skype which measures the processing speed? Or does Skype look for a specific hidden CPU feature? As the details on the patch reveal, the code logic behind the limitation is quite simple:
If it’s a CPU with “GenuineIntel” branding and has at least two cores, then allow 10 users; else limit to 5 users.
Simple is also the patch. Actually, only three bytes have to be modified to cancel the limitation. (But since the code for this check is encrypted and thus hidden, the patch does a little bit more.)
3 Responses to “Unleashing 10-User Conferencing in Skype 2.0”
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March 5th, 2006 at 3:29 am
What could possibly be so important that you can only use half the maximum number of people? And last I checked, AMD processors were way ahead of Intel in terms of performance. Has anyone tried the patch and proceed to make a 10 way call? I want to know how it turns out…
I think it was rather lazy of them to restrict it like that. Not only because of how easy it was to get around, but because people can figure the limits of their system out for themselves. If you tried to make a 6 way call and it crashed your computer, then you go, “ok, i probably shouldnt do that.” And you will stick to 5 and under.
And think about the future. Lets say we agree with the programmers of skype and AMD processors and non dual core intels cant run 10 way calls… What if in the near future AMD makes a processor that can handle it? Now they have to go back and change their code in order for people to use it.
The link seems to be broken, or at least Firefox thinks so. Is there anywhere else to get the patch?
March 5th, 2006 at 12:24 pm
It’s obviously a move by Intel to have Skype run exclusively on Intel’s higher-end CPU’s; as if people are going to be stupid enough to say “Durr, I need to go blow $400 on a shitty CPU to use Skype’s 10-way calling feature, durr!”
I remember using a program awhile that caused any program running (including the Windows OS) to detect my AMD as a Genuine Intel chip…are such progs not around anymore?
March 7th, 2006 at 9:22 pm
Uh.. I dont know about you.. but I was able to manage 9 person conference calls previous to this. It was a normal thing for us to have up to 13