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Popular and preeminent VoIP service Skype has wooed its fair share of people with an itch to ditch the landline and an Internet connection, especially those with international contacts. With its latest update to version 5, the company hopes to win over even more customers and keeping the current ones happy. Skype 5.0 features a streamlined interface, Facebok integration, and videoconferencing functionality.
First, Skype tackled the overall user experience of the software. The new Home page integrates a feed of mood messages from your contacts and yourself, and it offers a variety of tutorials to help you use the various features of the service, from making a video call to signing up for a subscription. The company also aimed to simplify the overall interface in order to make calling, messaging, screen sharing, and file transferring more intuitive and easier to navigate. In addition, the contact search screen now features images and mood messages and offers real-time results.
Skype is also offering a new group-video-calling feature. According to company data, about 40 percent of all Skype-to-Skype minutes were used on video calling. The logical step was to provide a feature that allowed users to chat with more than just one other person. Anyone who downloads version 5 will have a chance to test out the new functionality for free, though it will be a paid extra down the line.
The videoconferencing feature offers a few viewing options. One is the typical side-by-side screen with participants lined up in equal sizes. Then there's the more interesting dynamic view, which increases the size of the person doing most of the talking at any given moment. We got to check this out in a live demo and can see how it would be particularly useful for business calls.
The group video screen also prominently displays the relevant controls along the bottom, as well as a meter that measures call quality. Skype has added a call quality manager that gauges audio and video quality during calls. Automatic call recovery is another new feature that helps users quickly reconnect calls that are interrupted because of Internet connection problems.
Last but not least, Skype now has Facebook integrated seamlessly into the interface. A tab along the top of the screen will take you into your news feed, where you can update your status as well as start Skype calls with various contacts.
Skype 4.0 for Windows:Publisher's Description
From Skype:
Skype is software that enables you to make free calls anywhere in the world. Skype uses P2P (peer-to-peer) technology to connect you with other users. It offers several features, including SkypeOut calling from Skype to regular and mobile phones worldwide, conference calling, and secure file transferring. You can also now share your screen with other users. Skype calls focus on video and audio quality, and secure the calls with end-to-end encryption.
What's new in this version:
- Group video calling (beta)
- Skype Home
- Integration with Facebook
- Offline instant messaging
- New contact search and improved contact adding
- Enhanced call quality experience
- User interface refresh.
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 1,880 votes
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Current version:
3.9 starsout of 75 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Great Product"
Version: Skype 5.3.0.111
Pros
Free calls computer-to-computer. What could be better? IM is also a very nice feature - I love the little pencil, which shows me the other party is typing.
Cons
Hmmm...use does not seem very intuitive to me. I think this aspect could be improved.
Summary
Get it and use it - overall you won't be disappointed. Everyone needs to save money and this is one way to do it.
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"Updated version confusing"
Version: Skype 5.3.0.111
Pros
good quality video and voice on PC or Mac OS
Cons
when updates, lost my favorites contact list.
Summary
Can't beat Skype, yet I hate it when companies update their programs and they are then worse than before, as this update did to Skype.
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"good program"
Version: Skype 5.3.0.111
Pros
good program to communication using internet. The quality of video and voice is very good and the prices are normal
Cons
None that I can think of
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"use it for my office"
Version: Skype 5.3.0.111
Pros
Reliable and easy to use. Best feature -- getting emails with voice messages and being able to call from anywhere that you can get a WiFi connection. You can call from Starbucks and caller ID shows your office number.
Cons
You have to click on more buttons just to get the system up and running. People couldn't call into my number for weeks until I noticed that I had to click two separate buttons to receive calls.
Summary
One of the best aspects of the Internet. Useful for families and business.
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"Brilliant Tool - Have recommended it to many friends."
Version: Skype 5.3.0.111
Pros
Can keep in touch all around the UK and elsewhere. Sometimes you just don't get round to using the phone but if you see someone on-line a click a button you're in touch! Great.
Cons
Get a bit annoyed with 'dodgy' people trying to make contact. But not a real problem - just block them.
Summary
Marvelous way of keeping in touch painlessly.
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"Works Every Time"
Version: Skype 5.3.0.111
Pros
Allows me to keep in touch with my family and make business calls all across North America from my computer while traveling on business for a ridiculously low annual rate, love it.
Cons
For me, none.
Summary
Highly recommend.
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"Tried Skype a long time ago. Bad echo!!"
Version: Skype 5.3.0.111
Pros
NONE - couldn't use (see Cons.)
Cons
Tried Skype a long time ago. Bad echo!! Don't know why - asked for Help - never got any. Never tried since - no need now.
Summary
ECHO - ECHO - ECHO (will I say that again???)
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"Keeps me connected"
Version: Skype 5.3.0.111
Pros
It's a wonderful program. I use it frequently with my kids who are in another state. The grandkids are really cute when they use it!
Cons
Been using it for a few years now.....no complaints. It does what it says it will do.
Summary
Love that it helps me stay connected to my family,
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"Very good comm tool if everyone would download it"
Version: Skype 5.3.0.111
Pros
Easy to download and use
Cons
Some reception very good and some not so good
Summary
Love it and will continue to use it when I can
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"just awsome"
Version: Skype 5.3.0.111
Pros
better than before
Cons
not yet, need more time
Summary
keep on suprising us
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