Ubuntu: How to send Text Messages with Skype for Linux

For several reasons, I often prefer sending text messages to making a call – Text messages often give me a sense of privacy and discreetness especially at work. Being a huge Skype user, the absence of this feature for the Linux version of Skype has always been a problem…

Skype is neither open source nor open-protocol – it is one of those applications that when you get used to, you hardly let go, however with the Skype API for Linux, you can integrate third party scripts, services and build applications for the Skype community.

However pre-built API wrapper libraries like Skype4Py make it easier for third party script intergrstion.

Skype4Py is multi-platform(works on Mac, windows and Linux) Python wrapper for the Skype API, around which you can wrap your python scripts without having to modify them each time you use a different platform.

[How to use Skype4Py API wrapper with SkySentials (Essentials for Linux Skype Client) python scripts to Send short Text Messages or SMS with Skype for Linux]

Get Started: Test was done on Ubuntu 8.04 LTS
System requirement to install Skype4Py;
– Python 2.4 or later – > use [python – – version] to verify your version
– Skype Client preferably Skype 2.0+

Installation of Skype4Py
– Download Skype4Py

Extract and Install
$ tar -zxvf Skype4Py-x.x.x.x.tar.gz
$ cd Skype4Py-x.x.x.x
$ sudo python setup.py install
Adding Skysentials
– Download Skysentials that bundles 6 python scripts, unto your desktop.

Unpack and Install
$ tar -zxvf skysentials-x.x.x.tar.gz
$ cd skysentials-x..x.x
$ sudo chmod a+x skysentials.py

With Skype running do $ ./skysentials.py

Now you’ll be asked to allow Skype4Py and SkySentials to connect to Skype – you have just a few seconds todecide.

If all goes well you’ll find Skype4Py and SkySentials at Skype -> Options -> Public API

When the SkySentials for Linux Skype window opens, you are then ready to send your first Skype for Linux text message.

SkySentials pulls your Skype numbers into the “Phone Number” drop-down menu in the Send SMS tab. If you manually write down the phone number, make sure you include the countries telephone code.

All SMS sent, will be listed in the “SMS List” tab with their status.

You can transfer calls in the “Transfer Call” tab or register your SkypeIn number in the “Register Phone” tab.
Remember; to sends text messages with Skype you need to have credit. Control SMS text rates.