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If you're looking to make free voice or video calls worldwide, Skype is a great start. Its clean and user-friendly interface makes interaction effortless, so you are ready to go as soon as you launch the app.
During our testing, we were impressed by the video and voice quality of Skype, which uses VoIP (Voice over IP) technology to enable communication worldwide without paying a cent. One of its best features is the chat and mood messages: if you are in the middle of something, you can inform your contacts about it or just type a text message instead of having a voice call. This is a nice feature on its own, but it's also handy if you don't have a microphone.
But this isn't the only feature you'll love: we also enjoyed Skype's ability to handle conference calling, group video calling, and screen sharing. In other words, if you have a reliable Internet connection, Skype can easily replace your phone and lower your communication bills.
To make calls, all you have to do is create a contact list of friends, family, and colleagues, but they must also have Skype, as only Skype-to-Skype calls are free. However, a great addition to the app is its ability to call landlines or mobile phones, but you'll need to purchase Skype credits to take advantage of this feature.
Its chatlike user interface makes Skype very easy to use, yet the key to optimum performance is a reliable Internet connection. As soon as you launch the app and start using it, you will surely place Skype among your favorite apps, just like we did after our test. Skype's useful features and intuitive user interface make the app appropriate for users of all levels.
Publisher's Description
From Skype:
Skype is a little piece of software that lets you make free calls to anyone else on Skype, anywhere in the world. And even though the calls are free, they are really excellent quality. If you and your friends, family or business contacts are using webcams, you can also make free video calls. You can even call landlines and mobile phones at really cheap per minute rates.
What's new in this version:
- Improved Multi-tasking
- Group Screen Sharing
- Sidebar enhancement
- Support for Mac's built-in HD and Logitech's B910 HD cameras
- Minor bug fixes
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All versions:
3.1 starsout of 320 votes
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Current version:
2.6 starsout of 8 votes
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My rating:
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Results 1-8 of 8
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"skype 5 and forward is bad"
Version: Skype 5.2.0.1523
Pros
useful to only a percentage of customers
Cons
continually drops off calls, as much skype to skype to landlines or mobiles so it has become totally unreliable
it's a resource hog always running in the background - slows down my computer operation
No proper customer support, clients have to navigate the "tips/suggestions" and admonitions from the "support page". Even for experienced tech savvy users it's a time consuming task often ending in frustration as the glitches are not resolved. And, what about the many non-technical users, seniors, etc - what help do they get?
Skype 5x fails a very large percent of their customers.Summary
I've been using skype for years and was very happy with it until they released their "5 and forward" versions - now I'm desperately looking at an alternative. In the meantime, I've found a way to downgrade skype to a previous version so I'm able to make basic calls, but I know that's not a permanent solution. Skype should LISTEN to their customers.
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"Skype version 5 sucks big time"
Version: Skype 5.2.0.1523
Pros
Can add a telephone number to a contact
Cons
I really liked Skype 2.8 was very happy with it, could conduct multiple conversations at once including while on a Skype call and also took up very little screen space.
Summary
I ha been 'putting up' with Skype 5's limitations for a while by using Adium to drive it via a plug in. Nice simple interface all the plus's of Skype 2.8 none of Skype 5's issues and still had Skype 5 when I want to dial out using the saved telephone numbers or want to share a screen.
These are the ONLY times I use Skype 5 itself, the rest of the time I drive it from Adium.
Problem is under Lion (just released) the integration no longer works. :-( -
"Outstanding."
Version: Skype 5.2.0.1523
Pros
Easy & cheap & convenient.
Cons
Yet to find one.
Summary
Keep up the good work!
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"Skype is a very handy program and works well"
Version: Skype 5.2.0.1523
Pros
I find the audio and video to be of high quality, but I know it depends on the ISP we are signed to, as there are others I have connected to that do not get the quality video I do, but the audio seem good both ways
Cons
I really don't have a con! I have yet to try the conferencing feature and that may be because I have some folks that are not interested in each other
Summary
It is a great program, but I see these days, there is some serious competition out there!
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"Works good from China"
Version: Skype 5.2.0.1523
Pros
Easy to use
Cons
Need to find internet connection
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"Seems more stable."
Version: Skype 5.2.0.1523
Pros
Seems more stable.
Cons
Window sizing is still an issue.
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"Another microbrain murder!"
Version: Skype 5.2.0.1523
Pros
It proves once more that in Redmont they can only INvelope!
Cons
The lac of a reliable competitor
Summary
I appreciate the hones and clear CNET editor review.
Polite as it's expected by a person which is conscious to put his life on the play (guess why?) it advices the only defence to this collapse of a great product: RESIST the the microbrain demolition staying on the 2.8 version! -
"Still too intrusive; back to v2.8.0.863"
Version: Skype 5.2.0.1523
Pros
Nothing on which to report as I'm not in need for, nor have tried, anything that's new.
Cons
As I've found all along with the v5 series, the main window, at its narrowest size, to too big for my needs and the Contacts Monitor window still insists on remaining on top-without option to do otherwise.
Summary
Too instrusive in display's space. Back to v2.8.0.863 whose functionality meets my needs and lets me decide how I want Skype to appear on my screen.
Results 1-8 of 8
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