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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.
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All versions:
3.1 starsout of 316 votes
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Current version:
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"Backwards upgrade"
Version: Skype 6.2.0.1117
Pros
None of any real value.
Cons
Screen hog. Takes up 1/3 screen of a MacBook Pro even when shrunk down to minimum window size. Why can't Skype for Mac have the same interface as the Skype for Windows with an optional narrow contact status list?
Summary
I'm going back to Skype for Mac 2.8.
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"Really good IM, which doesn't have competitors."
Version: Skype 6.1.59.2295
Pros
It's free and easy to use
Cons
Windows version has better interface.
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"Newest version makes you pay for screen sharing :-("
Version: Skype 6.1.0.2295
Pros
Useful app
Cons
Screen sharing now behind a paywall
Summary
Have been using Skype to collaborate for years. Upgraded to v.6 only to find that screen sharing is only available with a paid subscription. Luckily I had v 5.8 in a backup and am now happily back to work.
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"Stick with 2.8 or find an alternative"
Version: Skype 6.1.0.2295
Pros
many users and earlier versions work well
Cons
everything after 2.8 is awful. Massive ugly user interface. Loads of bugs.
I have tried updated twice and immediately reverted to version 2.8Summary
Version 2.8 and earlier great. Later versions hopeless. I just discovered Microsoft bought Skype. That is probably why it has become so awful.
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"no evolution, just INvolution!"
Version: Skype 6.0.59.2968
Pros
A great history and a great ancestor: Skype 2.8, the last one made by competent professionals
Cons
An embarrassing chain of wrong steps in the wrong direction mixed with a salad of bugs, annoying behaviours never properly corrected and a stubborn presumptuous attitude to NOT listen at the user's complains
Summary
We need badly an alternative before the agony of Skye ends.
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"Almost as bad as v. 5, stick with 2.8 or use Facetime"
Version: Skype 6.0.59.2968
Pros
Skype has become a standard communication tool
Cons
Has been completely ruined in terms of usability. It is cluttered, takes too much screen space for no good reason. Not an efficient piece of software.
Summary
I'm a looking for Skype alternatives because of this poor piece of software. The day version 2.8 stops working, I'm switching myself and as many of my communication partners to Facetime.
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"obtrusive and misdesigned"
Version: Skype 6.0.59.2968
Pros
nearly no competition as communication tool (unfortunatey), good quality
Cons
misrated GUI design beyond version 2, obtrusive, infllexible, definitely not Apple-style functionality,
Summary
Will stick with 2.8.0.866 on my MAcs, as long as Skype keeps making toys instead of tools, thank you.
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"Really good"
Version: Skype 6.0.0.2946
Pros
still works great, until somebody comes with something better, and that will be the end of Skype and mikrozoft. and I have a feeling it's coming...
Cons
Sure, mikrozoft paid big bucks, and the on-going development is non-existent.
what they do is shuffle all the features, forth and back, to make look like "new" -
"Good software!"
Version: Skype 6.0.0.2946
Pros
excellent, BUT, there is no really any improvements in terms of features.
Cons
The Windows version is more user friendly
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"Its useful"
Version: Skype 5.8.0.1027
Pros
very good!
Cons
not working very good with a low connection
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