CNET Editors' review
Skype is a great starting point for those interested in Voice Over IP (VoIP) technology offering an interface that's much like a chat program. To make calls, you'll need to create a contact list of friends and family who also have Skype. To make calls to regular handset or mobile phones, you'll have to sign up with the Skype service. Possibly the best feature of Skype is that you'll be able to make free computer-to-computer calls anywhere around the world as long as both parties have Skype installed. This includes both audio and video calls.
In the past we liked the intuitive chat-like interface of older versions of Skype and were surprised at the excellent sound quality, even using regular desktop speakers. But the latest version has added a number of interface problems that make the program much harder to use on the Mac. This update adds some enhancements and audio improvements, but you may want to stick with the old version until Skype can iron out the bugs.
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 video call stability and improvements to the calling interface
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All versions:
3.1 starsout of 301 votes
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Current version:
2.6 starsout of 9 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-9 of 9
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"Great software"
Version: Skype 5.5.0.2340
Pros
Great software
Cons
Great software
Summary
Great software
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"Bring back 2.8"
Version: Skype 5.5.0.2340
Pros
Works OK but has gone downhill
Cons
Lacks nice window interface of 2.8. Chats there popped up in a new window, now are barely noticeable. In 2.8 on a group audio call you could see who was getting feedback or whose dog was barking. Now there is no clue. Takes up too much screen space. And on and on.
I have never seen a piece of software go downhill so badly as Skype.Summary
Bring back all the features of 2.8
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"Poor UI ruins a useful application"
Version: Skype 5.5.0.2340
Pros
Great audio and video chat support
Cons
An otherwise wonderful application ruined by a poor UI
Summary
The user interface implemented in version 5.5 is confusing and a horrible waste of screen space (especially on laptops). There is no support for minimizing the UI. This means that the UI takes up at least 1/6 of the screen on a MacBook Pro.
There isn't a way to configure or customize the UI. The Multi-column interface offers poor controls for changing column widths and turning on and off columns.
Version 2.8 of Skype is still available and is compatible with those running 5.5.X on the Mac and other platforms. Use 2.8, Don't bother downloading 5.5. -
"Quite good soft!"
Version: Skype 5.5.0.2340
Pros
Free soft
Cool interface
Good featuresCons
Little slow
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"Very bad version"
Version: Skype 5.5.0.2340
Pros
Free software
Cons
Slow
No sound control -
"This new Skype is Horrible"
Version: Skype 5.5.0.2340
Pros
It still does video.
Cons
No Sound control? Are you kidding me?! It has glitches galore, and its even messing with my browser-based Facebook. I would give my right arm for an old version of Skype.
Summary
Who Makes Programs considerably worse? Microsoft Does! It's like the Vista team was assigned to this project.
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"Good soft for me!"
Version: Skype 5.5.0.2340
Pros
Free software
I can call anywhere around the world absolutely free
Nice interfaceCons
Sometimes slow
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"I like this soft!"
Version: Skype 5.5.0.2340
Pros
Free computer-to-computer calls anywhere around the world
Free software
Easy to useCons
Little slow
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"Unusable for local landline calls"
Version: Skype 5.5.0.2340
Pros
A great past
Cons
a disastrous present!
Summary
Typically MicroBrain product: as soon as it was bought (well, also some months before!) the development froze.
By the way, I'm paying by years for a landline national flat calls and it works like any Redmond product: UNUSABLE!
Results 1-9 of 9
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