Download Skype for your computer, mobile, or tablet to stay in touch with family and friends from anywhere. Apr 13, 2020 Skype is a VoIP service that enables people to make and receive free voice and video calls over the internet using a computer, web browser, or mobile phone. VoIP supplies ways to communicate that go around the standard methods of landlines and cellular plans.
It’s important to keep in touch with others, and Skype has become a valuable communication tool for both home and business users alike. The cross-platform tool can be used to conduct simple text-based chats with your contacts as well as audio and video calls. You can converse with your Skype contacts, but there is also Facebook integration which enables you to make use of your social networking contact list.
This new version of Skype is the first big release since the acquisition by Microsoft and it is a radical overhaul for users who have been familiar with on the application.
In line with the recent overhaul of the mobile apps, the desktop preview incorporates mentions and notification panels, something many other desktop messaging apps have already done. With the new '@mention' feature you can quickly see a conversation where you've been incorporated into their discussion.
The group call feature has had an upgrade. You can drag and drop photos into the call and you can react to anything shared or said in the call with emoji's. There is also a chat gallery to easily be able to find shared content, whether you've shared images and videos with loved ones or you are using Skype at work and have to access important documents as well.
The app has had a visual overall so you can pick themes as well to decide what colour suits your mood. For the moment this is a dark or light colour scheme, but with more options to follow. There's a brand new chat gallery, where you can find shared content, files and other information shared within your conversations.
This new desktop client is designed for Windows 7 and 8 (the Windows 10 version will be updated automatically as it's built into the OS) or Mac OS X users.
Available for Mac and PC – there are also more limited clients available for iOS and Android – Skype has become a serious communication tool. The ability to not only conduct voice and video chats, but also send and receive files, and even make phone calls to landlines and mobile phones, means that Skype is far more versatile than other messaging tools.
Verdict:
For both home and office users, Skype is an incredibly valuable tool and the latest additions are great improvements.
Skype is a free service that offers VoIP, voice over IP, software that allows users to connect to others worldwide through video and voice calling. Although the pricing Skype offers for some of its paid services, such as Skype Number and Skype WiFi, its free services can be more telling of the software’s overall functionality for simple calling features. One thing that weighs down this application is the fact that users have to rely on their computers and smartphones in order to make internet calls.
History of Skype
In 2003, the creators of the P2P program Kazaa, developed Skype. After switching hands of ownership a few times, Microsoft came to own the brand in 2011.
What’s Included
Skype is available as a software download on a variety of platforms from smartphones, to computers, and even tablets.
On the free version of Skype, you are able to send and receive instant messages, emojis, and even video and voice chat. However, if you are interested in using Skype as a phone service, please see the Skype’s Pay For Services below.
Also, Skype now offers Facebook amalgamation so you can see your Facebook news feed in within the app itself. In addition to that, Skype allows you to send SMS messages (for a fee) or call your Facebook friends, so long as they have shared their information within Facebook.
Utility and Usability of Skype
If you are looking for a basic features software program, Skype surely is not difficult to use, even for the less-technological perceptive person.
However, unless you absolutely need to use a subscription based calling plan, it is better to stick to the free service version of Skype.
Skype Software Sari
Skype services also has Skype Meetings which allows anyone to join in your call, and you can share in the following features:
- PowerPoint screen sharing and collaboration
- Personalized URL that allows you to join from any device
- You can video call with up to ten people (without a subscription)
With Skype for Microsoft Office 365 you can get all the above features plus:
- Office applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, and PowerPoint
- Record your meetings
- Hold meetings with up to two-hundred and fifty people
- Use instant messaging anytime and anywhere
Skype’s Pay For Services
With Skype’s Unlimited World Plan, you can call all mobile and landlines in the following countries:
- Canada
- China
- Hong Kong SAR
- Guam
- United States
- Thailand
- Singapore
- Puerto Rico
In addition to those countries, you can call landlines in fifty-five countries.
If you are not looking for an unlimited plan and only plan on making a few calls, you can also buy Skype Credit which can be used to send SMS messages and call both mobile and landlines.
Concluding Thoughts
Skype Software Sarl 2020
Due to its low cost VoIP services, and good entry level features for free software, Skype is worth considering if you are looking for a VoIP service but have minimal needs, i.e. using it to connect with family and friends. Even though the service offers unlimited plans and bundled packages for calling minutes, both domestic and foreign, one is restricted to using the software on their mobile device or computer, (as a soft phone). The software is easy to install and makes it perfect for individuals that are less advanced in terms of technology.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Instant Messaging
- Cheap VoIP Service
- Subscription services with unlimited minutes
- Domestic and Foreign calls
- Calls to mobile numbers
- Social media integration
- Video conferencing calls
- Wifi service available
Skype Software For Windows 7
Cons
Install Skype For Laptop
- Needs internet access
- High consumption of resources
- Added and extra features must be purchased.
- No language translation
- No call returns
- No call blocking
- No ability to call 911 or emergency services
- Lacking in tools for Skype Business
- Video function sometimes lags or has errors if the internet connection on either party’s end is not faster or strong enough