- Softonic rating:
- Essential:10/10
- License:
- Free
- Added:
- September 19, 2007
- Updated:
- September 4, 2009
- Publisher:
- Website
- File size:
- 1.9 MB
- Downloads:
- 521,143
“VoIP technology to call all around the world”
by Elena Santos
The VoIP protocol has caused a total revolution in the way people communicate on the Internet, and Skype is undoubtedly one of the most widely used VoIP clients you can find.
With Skype you can not only have voice chats on your computer – just like telephone, only for free – but also make real phone calls at much lower rates, using the so called SkypeOut service and paying with Skype credit. Besides voice chats, Skype also includes the standard IM functionalities (written conversations, emoticons, user avatars and so on) and also lets you have video conferences.
These video calls are precisely the main focus on Skype's latest version. The program's interface has been completely redesigned with video conferences on mind. This means it's been made wider so that video fits in perfectly with your written chat, your contact list and a toolbar to manage conversation. Honestly, I'm not sure this is a big improvement; my guess is that most people still use Skype only for voice calls and will find the new interface too obtrusive.
The sound quality during our testing was perfect: loud and clear. Video appeared a bit pixelated, but nothing we couldn't really deal with. There was also one nice detail, and that's the ability to see your own video image built-in on your contact's video, and the possibility to take a snapshot of your own image.
Other improvements in this beta are, among others, a call quality feedback indicator, the ability to turn alerts off, the possibility to group contacts and a new feature called Video in mood, which lets you embed online videos from Metacafe and Dailymotion in your status message.
Skype 4 features a complete interface overhaul that now focuses more on video chats, and also adds some handy improvements to the way you communicate online.
Languages:
English, German
Recent changes in Skype:
- Screen sharing
- Send contacts
- Birthday reminders
- Improvements in call quality
- Improvements in video quality
- Accessibility features
- Bug fixes
OS requirements for Skype:
- OS: Win2000/XP/Vista/7

- Easy to use
- Sharp videoconferencing mode
- Keeps records of all your calls
- Lots of features to improve your chat experience
- Great sound quality in voice calls
- Support for embedded local video on target video
- The new interface is huge
Featured program
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Skype screenshots
Previous versions of Skype
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EnglishFree
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EnglishFree
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EnglishFree
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EnglishFree
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EnglishFree
Posts about Skype in our blog
- Cool new Skype video effects with YouCam by James Thornton
- Get new emoticons for Skype by James Thornton
- Which iPhone VoIP client: Skype or Nimbuzz? by James Thornton
- 5 reasons to upgrade to Skype 4.0 by James Thornton
- Get high quality Skype video calls on your Mac by Nicholas Mead
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User opinions about Skype (8)
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User Rating
286 ratings- Usability
-
- Currently 9/10.
- Stability
-
- Currently 9/10.
- Installation
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- Currently 9/10.
- Functionality
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- Currently 9/10.
- Appearance
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- Currently 8/10.
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video cut off and call drop
about Skype - 04 Apr 2009video cut off and call drop when i am with skype to skype call ......i have download the older vergin and it work fine... read more
New style, looks great!
I think the new graphic is great but I don't understand why sometimes during a chat my messages can't be sent. By the way it's the best program in commerce for calling, video calling and conference... read more
Why do use anything else?Just Skype!
Oh......what to say?As you hear the name "Skype",you get fully exited about the next step.Skype is a user-friendly software,which allows a great chatting experience,either visual,or text!Everyone l... read more
Tomar (1 User reviews)
Problem to see my friends picture in 4.1 version
about Skype - 28 Sep 2009since upgrading to this latest version, none of my Skype friends are shown to be online. I want to download older skype version.... read more
Not working for Skype-to-Skype users on Vista 64
about Skype - 24 Mar 2009I love Skype, but since upgrading to this latest version, none of my Skype friends are shown to be online and cannot call me.... read more
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