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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: In this release, users are able to conduct a Facebook to Facebook call from Skype. In addition to being able instant message your Facebook friends from Skype and see your Facebook newsfeed in Skype Home, we have made improvements by adding the ability to view your Facebook friends' online status and make video calls directly from within Skype.
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All versions:
3.1 starsout of 320 votes
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Current version:
3.0 starsout of 5 votes
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My rating:
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Results 1-5 of 5
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"Use this everyday"
Version: Skype 5.4.0.1771
Pros
Generally reliable, Cheap, Easy to download, Works great globally
Cons
Sometimes the quality is lacking, and occasionally it will drop calls for no reason, echos sometimes which is incredibly distracting on business calls
Summary
My company is globally dispersed and we depend on Skype as our lifeline. With the exception of the occasionally poor quality, which is probably more to blame on my internet connection I am a huge fan.
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"Skype - it is classic"
Version: Skype 5.4.0.1771
Pros
the main pros for me - its main function -chating
Cons
some details, but not serious
Summary
I expect from skype - only chat (wiith photo and video). That's why I dont expect nothing serious from this programm - no wonderful features or smth like that
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"easy to use"
Version: Skype 5.4.0.1771
Pros
almost everything
Cons
nothing at all
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"it still works"
Version: Skype 5.4.0.1771
Pros
none compared to any of the windows versions
Cons
where to begin? it eats up screenspace, it wants in on facebook action and ends up messing up skype and facebook. you can't see your contacts well, etc etc etc
Summary
somebody pls post a link w info/tutorial to downloading a decent older version of skype. this is bordering on unusable and makes me have to explore google talk option.
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"Too Demanding of Screen Space; Sticking with v2.8.0.863"
Version: Skype 5.4.0.1771
Pros
Have no need for anything that's new since v2.8.0.863, so no "pros" for me.
Cons
Continued insistance that even the minimum presence (i.e., the Contacts Monitor) must remain on top leaves my more-detailed objections posted on earlier v5 of Skype still applicable. I don't need, or want, the developer to dictate--without a Preference setting to tailor to my needs--how much of my available screen real estate is taken by its application when just in a background use to me.
Summary
See subject line.
Results 1-5 of 5
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