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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 1,879 votes
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Current version:
4.1 starsout of 36 votes
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My rating:
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"An excellent program that works well."
Version: Skype 5.3.0.120
Pros
1. Easy on the eye and to navigate user interface with NO FLASH ADVERTISING 2. Free computer to computer calls. 3. Low cost computer to local and international land line calls.
Cons
Latest versions struggle on Atom processor based netbooks. I use a lighter, older version 3.8.0.118 downloaded from File Hippo on my three year old netbook and the latest version on my laptop where it's faster processor can cope. they both work well.
Summary
I toured SE Asia (India, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia) three years ago taking my netbook for booking flights, family communications and to talk to my bank when I crossed from country to country to prevent my credit cards being blocked. I put £50 credit on and could talk to the bank's fraud line in Scotland for about 30p to answer their security questions.
On my return to the UK, I've continued using it to call landlines ever since, as it's cheaper than a mobile, and I've still got £2 credit left on from the original £50! I recommend Skype to everyone especially if they are traveling through international borders . -
"Skype 5.5.0.112. Works when my pay for VoIP doesn't."
Version: Skype 5.3.0.120
Pros
Keeps list of contacts and numbers, plus their still there when you reinstal your OS. Unwanted contacts can be blocked. Good privacy settings.Dependable. Use it wherever you take your laptop.
Cons
No 911. Needs adapter to use your home phones.
Summary
Best free VoIP service. Don.t know why cnet doesn't have Skype 5.5.0.112, they really should.
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"Skype is brilliant"
Version: Skype 5.3.0.120
Pros
Excellent video telephony - especially group calling
Cons
Mobile version seems to drop out a lot and sometimes still shows the call is active when it has died (on a Nexus S android)
Summary
Absolutely love Skype and has been fantastic with relatives overseas. So easy to use and manage.
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"Skype is fantastic."
Version: Skype 5.3.0.120
Pros
Simple software that is easy to use.
Cons
It's voip, so sometimes you'll have some trouble with dropped calls, etc...
Summary
Overall, I think Skype is great. Use it all day every day for im and weekly for international voip calls. It gets the job done on both fronts with minimal issues.
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"Great VOIP client"
Version: Skype 5.3.0.120
Pros
1. Easy to use interface
2. Facebook integrationCons
None so far
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"bug on version 5.5"
Version: Skype 5.3.0.120
Pros
facebook integration is nice
Cons
im using win 7 pro x64 with intel graphic card
after signing in on skype it close immediately
specially when im configuring the video setting ..
i have no cam so its a bug i thinkSummary
pls fix the bug.. i test on 32 bit machine with no cam .. then it never close
now i know what the bug exactly is!!!
specially when adding profile picture windows appeared
Updated on Aug 2, 2011
i have "ZD soft screen recorder installed on my pc"
with 64 bit of windows 7 professional
its a bug.. skype detect ZD screem recorder as webcam though its not!
skype will close immediately if u have that recorder installed on 64 bit of windows 7 professional only... but on 32 bit it did not close but stock up on blank screen which finding the webcam -
"like it so much"
Version: Skype 5.3.0.120
Pros
this software makes it easy for people to communicate with each other no matter where you are,what you are doing,if you want to talk with your friends,just open this software and click the button,then you can use it,very easy,so comfortable
Cons
nothing I dislike,only want to everyone to use it
Summary
this software can save your money,make it easy to talk to your friends,so wonderful~~~
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"Free is the key"
Version: Skype 5.3.0.120
Pros
Can talk to family across the country without any charges. It also great to see old friends
Cons
There are none that I am aware
Summary
Great
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"easy to use"
Version: Skype 5.3.0.120
Pros
very easy to use and a lot of my family & friends are using this item.
Cons
I can not think of anything negitive about this product.
Summary
great way to get together with others.
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"Good program IF you have a good connection"
Version: Skype 5.3.0.120
Pros
Works well when both ends have a high speed connection
Cons
Cannot connect video with friends in Costa Rica where they have poor internet connection; only vocal
Summary
Still one of the best ways to share live videos with our grandkids.
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