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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:
- Facebook connect
- Facebook chat
- Skype Home
- Improved video quality
- Minor bug fixes
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All versions:
3.1 starsout of 320 votes
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Current version:
2.2 starsout of 6 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-6 of 6
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"Older User First Time around"
Version: Skype 5.4.0.1217
Pros
The Installation was easy
Cons
But navigation for a senior working alone was frustrating when trying to set it up for Facebook.
Summary
With patience I was able to do it but all the information needed to use it as limited my use
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"Barfaroonie!"
Version: Skype 5.4.0.1217
Pros
Surely you jest!
Cons
Every time Microsoft gets their grubby paws on something they screw it up.
Summary
I'm glad I read all the negative reviews before I updated my previous version of Skype which I like just fine, thankyouverymuch.
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"Not a bad piece of software for the money!"
Version: Skype 5.4.0.1217
Pros
$60 per year for a world accessible "phone" beats $15+per month for a "local plan".
Lack of third party advertising!!!
Reasonable international rates.
Good call quality for most calls.Cons
Skimpy Mac support.
Call takes over Skype fgd window.
No easy way to file new contacts into groups.
Caller ID: sometimes # for cell, city name for landlines. Need option: name or alias.
When Skype offline, AT&T callers get "number not in service".Summary
Waiting for improvements, and more attention to Mac customer needs.
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"Version 2.8.0.866!!!"
Version: Skype 5.4.0.1217
Pros
Skype site admitted the fail and reloaded the link to the last proper version
Cons
Microsoft bought Skype... what can you expect by that beginners if not another failure?
Summary
We need an alternative and FaceTime is not, Yahoo either, GTalk seeps iWorks '11: an unending promise...
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"ads included for non-paying users?"
Version: Skype 5.4.0.1217
Pros
judge for yourself
Cons
http://9to5mac.com/2011/09/15/two-of-your-favorites-come-together-skype-and-facebook/
Summary
the Mac version trails behind the Windows version... and as a bonus, non-paying Skype users will now see ads
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"Too Demanding of Screen Space; Sticking with v2.8.0.863"
Version: Skype 5.4.0.1217
Pros
None of the v5-series needed and, therefore, not reviewed
Cons
One--a biggie for me: While the Contacts Monitor window is all that I routinely need displayed, it's programmed always to remain on top--with no preference setting to permit it to go into the background. Developer shouldn't dictate screen-space use.
Summary
Continued insistance so far in the v5-series to dictating the minimum screen-space use taken by Skype isn't, in my view, something a developer should do; that should be my choice. (Just making the Contacts Monitor window able to be background would be sufficient for me regarding screen-space use.) I have no need for the new features in the v5-series, so--once again after checking out this latest version--I'm sticking with v2.8.0.863 which does all that I need without new eye candy and doesn't require its Contacts window to always take-up valuable screen space.
Under "Pros", I meant none of the new v5-series capabilities needed and, therefore, not reviewed.
Updated on Sep 15, 2011
Results 1-6 of 6
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