

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. 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. 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. The cross-platform tool can be used to conduct simple text-based chats with your contacts as well as audio and video calls.

Skype has most of the features that users in need of voice chat are seeking, such as profiles, online and away status, and the ability to see past text messages and chats.It’s important to keep in touch with others, and Skype has become a valuable communication tool for both home and business users alike. Text, audio, and images can also be sent with the program’s instant messaging features which makes it ideal for users who need to send text messages but don’t have SMS service, or need to send messages to users in other countries. In addition to the large variety of Skype-compatible devices, it is appealing to users with all budgets and needs since it can be used with both internal and external microphones and webcams, or solely for text. For users who have older and/or lower-income relatives who don’t have access to computers or smartphones, it is often a more economical option than relying on roaming rates or phone cards to call foreign landlines. Free calls, chat, and conference calsl can be made to other Skype users directly on the platform, with surcharges for calling landlines and mobile phones using traditional telephone networks. Skype currently operates on a “freemium” model, with the draw being that text, video, and voice chat is free. Since it requires a single login, you can access your contacts on any of these platforms. Skype download is available as a free and can be placed on your desktop, laptop, Xbox, and any mobile devices. Subsequently, it has been synced with several Microsoft devices and applications.

Created by Estonian software engineers in 2003, including Jaan Tallinn who is best known for the music-sharing platform Kazaa, Skype is now owned by Microsoft. Skype is a messaging program that can be used to make voice calls as well as text and video chat.
