Skype has announced a new version of the SkypeKit Beta SDK (software development kit) that works on Mac OS X and Windows.

Now almost any desktop application can offer Skype conversations — including video, voice, and text — without the need for users to separately download Skype software. Interested desktop developers can visit http://developer.skype.com/signup to request an invitation to the beta. Just remember: beta software is unfinished software so use with care.