Download Skype, the leading instant chat platform

In its early days, Skype allowed two users to make free calls from two computers or two smartphones. Today, the platform makes it an honor to bring together all Internet users from around the world. The application is the instant messaging chosen by professionals and individuals. Why is it so exceptional?

Why use Skype?

Skype software makes phone calls, screen sharing, and video conferences.

High quality services

Skype is the pioneer of international calling. The application, which appeared in 2003 in Luxembourg, was the first web application to offer this service on an international scale. Today, the platform has more than 6 million subscribers.

Easy to use, the interface is accessible to users of all ages, which is not the case with all video chat applications.

Accessibility is also an important asset. Basic services (two-way audio calls, video conferencing, and instant messaging) are free. However, you can deepen and enrich the options by paying a monthly fee. The subscription allows all Internet users in 27 countries to contact, discuss and chat with others, even without having a Skype account.

A program dedicated to professionals

Skype is aimed at all types of users. The platform dedicates the Microsoft Skype for Business application to professionals seeking professional service. The software built into Microsoft Office Skype for Business programs offers a number of benefits, including affordable business calls. The costs are further divided if the callers simultaneously use the Skype tool. Facilitating exchanges between business groups thus increases productivity. The service reduces time-consuming trips and favors quick and direct exchanges.

Skype has also configured its Skype Manager software. The computer program aims to control the costs and expenses of a company in telephone services. It provides you with a main account that centralizes all data related to remote communication expenses. The software also ensures the fluidity of communication, both internal (between employees) and external (between the company and customers).

What’s new in the latest version of Skype?

Concerned about optimizing the user experience, Skype embarks on the race for novelty. Here are the latest features implemented.

Appearance of Skype version 8.67

Microsoft presents the appearance of a new version of Skype called Skype 8.67. The web nugget supports “Joint Mode”. This brings meeting participants into a virtual space that can take various forms (an amphitheater, a conference room, a study, etc.).

The functionality aims to relax the atmosphere and acclimate users to the digital environment. However, its use requires a minimum number of 5 participants.

Another feature called “Big Grid” shows a picture of all the participants in a large meeting. The new version has also eliminated bugs that affect the flow of exchanges. The problem was mainly triggered on Mac OS. The platform has also eliminated the video freeze phenomenon that arises during a call.

API Conversion Bubbles Adoption

API talk bubbles, those little round icons that take root in the foreground, have been on the rise in recent years. The practical and fun images give direct access to the conversation in progress. Skype has embraced the trend to improve its messaging.

However, API chat bubble support requires some configuration. Users must integrate new programming interfaces in the platform that allow compatibility between the two systems.

The Meet Now feature

The “Meet Now” option is a feature that brings a new twist to the Skype community. The system allows new users who do not have an account to join an ongoing video conference.

To do this, the requester creates a meeting, retrieves its link, and distributes it to the main participants. Then just paste the link to join the audio or video meeting. The system supports up to 50 participants.

In addition, the functionality incorporates several options, such as:

• call recording
• share content for 30 days from the conference date
• changing the background throughout the conference

This feature was developed to counter the rise of Zoom (its competitor) and meet the expectations of Internet users.

Calls to 100

Users are eagerly awaiting the “Call 100” feature that Skype recently suggested. As a reminder, the video conferencing tool can only receive 50 users in a discussion group. The platform then promised to set up the Calls to 100 program for Insider program subscribers. For now, Internet users are waiting for the beta version.

This decision follows the emergence of Teams, a video conferencing service for professionals. The application can bring together 300 users in a single phone call or video conference.

What operating system is Skype compatible with?

Skype has the advantage of being compatible with all terminals, as long as you know how to configure the device according to the rules of the art.

Skype and browsers

Skype is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux. In addition, a new version of Skype has emerged that perfectly combines with the Windows 10 operating system. Version 8.61 consists of an Electron version that replaced the React Native technology.

As usual, users will enjoy two versions: a desktop version available on skype.com and another version from the Microsoft Store. Skype8.61 includes several improvements for phone calls, video conference image quality, and conversation moderation. It should be noted that PCs running Windows 7 and Windows 8 / 8.1 can still use older versions of Skype.

Skype and mobile devices

Skype is also compatible with all mobile media: tablets and smartphones. The application is available on iPhones and iPads that use the higher version of iOS9. The latter is compatible with version 8.34 of Skype.

Android smartphones can also take advantage of the platform’s functionalities, as long as they use the Android 4.0.4 and higher operating system.

You can also make calls from Alexa. Your Xbox can also be used as a stand for remote chats.

What are the Skype group phone line call subscriptions?

All Skype services are free, but involve a limitation on the number of participants. If you want to make multiple exchanges around the world, you have to pay a monthly subscription. Skype offers a variety of formulas depending on the country.

To chat live throughout France, Skype offers you an alternative: limited and unlimited calls. A subscription of 13 euros per month allows you to enjoy unlimited calls on landlines and mobiles. The platform gives you a free trial month. A subscription of 6.5 euros per month entitles you to calls within the limit of 400 minutes. To make calls globally, choose from the options at:

• 5 euros to make calls of 190 minutes
• 10 euros to call for 380 minutes
• 25 euros to chat 955 minutes

You benefit from a variety of payment options: Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, bank transfer, Diners, JCB, Discover, Skrill …

What are the best alternatives to Skype?

Skype today faces several rivals that are constantly updated to meet the needs of user exchanges.

Focus

Zoom is a teleconferencing and calling platform for SMEs. The application is the work of the American teleconferencing company of the same name. The pro solution allows you to:

• video chat
• share your screen
• share analytical data in a conference
• conduct business meetings using the whiteboard feature
• use task management tools

The instrument is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android and iOS Phone / iPad. Zoom invites its users to organize and manage HD video, audio, and instant messaging meetings. Organizers can also create virtual rooms.

Ionos

Ionos is also a great rival to Skype. The application is free and easy to use. Its use does not imply the installation of any software, since the services are available from its home page.

Attending a conference does not require an account. However, attendees must pass a password filter that the host will share before the meeting takes place.

The tool is intended for SMEs who wish to overcome the data collection limitations imposed by other remote communication platforms. The interface supports groups of 24 participants in a video conference. Also, Ionos is only optimized for Edge and Chrome.

Jitsi

Jitsi is free software for Internet users who want to debate in complete safety. The platform has established an encryption system for all user data. The parameter encodes the information spoken during the conference. The mode can be activated and deactivated with a simple button.

Generally, Jitsi does not impose any restrictions on the number of participants. Therefore, everything will depend on the capacity of the computers and the quality of the Internet connection. Jitsi is accessible even without an account. The platform offers an extension called Jitsi Meet. The latter makes it easy to add new participants to a conversation by sending a simple link.