Setting up Skypeweb with Bitlbee
Skypeweb is a libpurple plugin that doesn't require you to run a skype client in the background. As the name suggests, it uses http://web.skype.com/
It supports both skype usernames and microsoft accounts ("msn")
Building and installing
Follow the instructions in https://github.com/EionRobb/skype4pidgin/tree/master/skypeweb
You need bitlbee-libpurple, see HowtoPurple
Adding the account
account add skypeweb username password account skypeweb on
Groupchats
There are two kinds of groupchats in skype:
Type |
Internal ID starts with |
Supported? |
Notes |
Cloud-based / new-style |
19: |
Yes |
Supported by skypeweb |
P2P-based / "moderated" / old-style |
# |
No |
Supported by the plugins that run a skype client in the background |
To convert a p2p-based chat to a cloud-based chat, type /fork in an official skype client. This will create a new groupchat based on the old one, adding everyone from the old chat who is also in your contact list.
To check the internal ID, type /get name in an official skype client.
There's a partial explanation about these groupchat types in the official docs
Troubleshooting
If something doesn't work, check if logging in through http://web.skype.com/ works. See the Skypeweb troubleshooting chart:
https://github.com/EionRobb/skype4pidgin/tree/master/skypeweb#issues
To enable the "alt login" option mentioned in the above flowchart from bitlbee, you can use the commands:
account skypeweb off account skypeweb set alt-login true account skypeweb on
Skype status announcements: http://heartbeat.skype.com/