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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:
- Full HD video calling
- Support for Facebook audio and video calls
- Group screen sharing
- Hide offline Facebook contacts
- Push to Talk
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 1,879 votes
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Current version:
3.1 starsout of 22 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Slicker UI, 0 change in call quality, less features"
Version: Skype 5.8
Pros
Interface looks slicker
Cons
No increase in call/video quality
Summary
Can no longer share screens without paying for pro version.
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"not able to sign on to skype page"
Version: Skype 5.8
Pros
most of my friends are on skype
Cons
im not able to sign in to skype because the sign in page is blank when it comes up. the calls drop.
Summary
i would like to have skype but cant get and keep it going when i do get signed on
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"Gets worse and more expensive!"
Version: Skype 5.8
Pros
Now that i tried other SW i see no pro'S
Cons
They have no real customer support, only forum. If problem related to money, you need to have lots of patience and hours of clicking to reach someone. If technical problem, you'Re on your own.
I have been customer for years and I got really tired...their prices just continue to go up and they dont care how long youVre been a loyal customer. Also, free numbers arent valid even if you bought a suscription...there are many tiny letters in their terms!Summary
These guys really lost their interest!
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"LOVE SKYPE VERY MUCH,,BEST COMMUNICATION"
Version: Skype 5.8
Pros
great and clear during conversation with others
Cons
VERY GOOD STUFF
Summary
OVERALL ITS AWESOME
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"the sky is the limit"
Version: Skype 5.8
Pros
it is cheaper and it saves time
Cons
it is difficult when trying to access the site sometimes
Summary
I LIKE SKYPE
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"is it safe ??? and secure?"
Version: Skype 5.8
Pros
good video quality
Cons
sometimes audio quality gets distorted
Summary
can any third party except the 2 persons having video call can see them..is it true that Skype is not safe and it can be hacked or videos can be recorded?.
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"WOSS HAPPNIN' CNET? ARE Y'ALL IN BED WITH MICROSOFT?"
Version: Skype 5.8
Pros
NONE - 5.8 is a Beta version which the new owners of skype have unleashed on an unsuspecting public with no warnings! Are we now crash-test dummies for Microsoft?
But what do you expect from the "GATES MONOPOLY GANG" - ethical behaviour? Trusted publishers ... my fat derriere.Cons
Who knows ... I wouldn't touch 5.8 Beta with a 40 foot pole.
Summary
Extremely disappointed with CNET also serving it up to us without warning, disguised with an old review of 5.0.
DROPPED THE BALL GUYS! -
"Everything is good except Facebook will not load."
Version: Skype 5.8
Pros
Quality calls and video transmission.
Cons
Everything is good except Facebook will not load. I even tried to unininstall and reinstall. Skype says they are working on it ,but it has been a Month already.
Summary
Good app but they need to fix Facebook if they are going to have it as part of their overall experience.
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"Less is better"
Version: Skype 5.8
Pros
Are there any? When Skype drops a call (which is fairly frequent) it tries to reconnect itself.
Cons
The pop out window button is gone, still does not have a connection speed/auto button which is now on Youtube. Doesnt matter whether I am on my high speed connection or 3G tether to my smartphone, calls still drop. I dont use facebook so, the new integration means nothing to me.
Summary
When you drop calls, try what I do... mute the audio on both ends and use your cell phone or home phone to get the audio. It keeps your dropped calls to only a few over the course of a call instead of every few minutes.
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"alright Skype, i have enjoy it."
Version: Skype 5.8
Pros
Skype 5.8 is more clear other than old version,
Cons
it is totally 100% free.
Summary
Even with cons I'd use it.
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