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CNET Editors' review
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:
3.6 starsout of 17 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"I often use the software"
Version: Skype 5.5.59.119
Pros
i like it very much
Cons
Nothing comes to mind.
Summary
One of the best programmes available for conversing with others.
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"convenient software"
Version: Skype 5.5.59.119
Pros
this software makes it easy for me to keep in touch with my friends no matter where they are, I can talk with them face to face,although we may in different countries,and different places,good software,everyone should have it
Cons
a little expensive
Summary
join us,you can benefit from it
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"has faults with conection"
Version: Skype 5.5.59.119
Pros
is great for keeping in touch with family and friends
Cons
connection drops and sound is harsh video is not the smoothest it can be it tends to be grainy
Summary
on the whole its a great asset to have as you can spend hours on the computor and not worry about cost
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"A very quick and easy way to keep in touch with family"
Version: Skype 5.5.59.119
Pros
This program is the easiest way to communicate face-to-face. The quality of video is excellant and the voice is great.
Cons
I have nothing negative to say about this program
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"Best of its kind!"
Version: Skype 5.5.59.119
Pros
Easy IU, universally used.
Cons
None, none, none.
Summary
Best of its kind!
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"Easy download"
Version: Skype 5.5.59.119
Pros
Clean, clear video and audio. I enjoy the simple pleasure of making calls. Seeing family and loved ones in HD is an added benefit.
Cons
??? I can't think of any.
Summary
Maybe I'm one of the "lucky" ones that remembers always cringing when the dreaded monthly phone bill arrived and the high cost of long distance calls. I can hardly complain about a service that far exceeds the "olde" days when you were lucky enough just to get a clear connection, let alone a video screen too. My hat's off to the tech wizards that make it possible. The Price Is Right!
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"It works but that is it."
Version: Skype 5.5.59.119
Pros
It is cheap, especially here from China
Cons
For us foreigners there is too much chinese in the set-up program and it is hard to get it to English. When I choose English I expect English and not that it changes every page
Summary
Usable but not "great". It is probably China because I did not have these problems in other countries.
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"OK PROGRAM FOR A LITTLE WHILE"
Version: Skype 5.5.59.119
Pros
OK interface because I have become used to it over the years. Program is more pervasive that others and connects easily to my logitech camera.
Cons
The program is quirky, and often does not work properly. Usually due to a bad connection--is what the program says.
Summary
A decent program with average features and the usual problems with connections.
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"Skype Home..."
Version: Skype 5.5.59.119
Pros
I love the video calling feature
Cons
I have downloaded the latest version and I keep getting the message "Skype Home not available" Does anyone have any idea on how to solve this? I have not been able to use Skype for a few months.
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"Fully reliable."
Version: Skype 5.5.59.119
Pros
Efficient with high quality video & sound.
Cons
Nothing comes to mind.
Summary
One of the best programmes available for conversing with others.
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