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Add to SafariSkype is a very popular cross platform freemium voice-over-IP service and instant messaging client.
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Send SMS and make regular calls
With Skype Credit bought or a subscription, you can send SMS and make direct calls.
Pro You already have it and it works
Skype is already on your computer, so we make the Skype connection first, then the game connection. There are many negative comments, and some people have trouble running games and Skype together (supposedly solved by starting Skype first). Thus far it has worked with no problems.
Pro Well-known
One of the earliest and most well-known voice chat services. Many people already have an account on it and even have it installed. There's a good chance that whoever you're trying to reach has Skype already set up and familiar with it, avoiding the hassle of installing and getting to know new software.
Pro File sharing
Skype allows you to send any files (MP3s, images, text, etc.) by simply dragging and dropping then in the chat window making it simple to share things with colleagues.
Pro Mobile support
Apps available on iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone. This allows users to Skype on their phone (using one earbud for Skype and one for the game to prevent echoing), which frees up all of your computer's resources to maximize the fps in your game.
Pro Screen sharing
You can show your whole desktop, a select part of the screen or a specific window over Skype.
Pro Cross-platform
There's software for Windows, Mac & Linux and apps are available on iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone.
Cons
Con Resource hog
Skype slows computers immensely and sometimes the audio cuts and skips. It uses up lots of RAM and CPU power, which can reduce the performance of your game.
Con Known for exposing user IP
This is bad for gaming as can result in DDoS attacks and detecting user location.
Con No real servers, only group chats
This means that permissions are hard to manage and multiple channels are actually just multiple group chats with no easy way to link them together.
Con No way to adjust volume per user
Some users have better or worse mics, and some are at different distances from them. Some users will be louder than others and drown out the quiet ones. Many chat clients allow you to reduce the volume of the loud players, and boost the volume of the quiet ones...however Skype doesn't.
Con Poor quality when screensharing
It is not possible to manually set resolution or bitrate, and Skype often defaults to a resolution so low that text is unreadable. It is also not possible to transfer control over mouse and keyboard.
Con Plagued by bugs on all platforms
Crashes and other bugs are prevalent on Android, Windows and other platforms.
Con Not a feasible alternative as a professional team chat
Missing key feature such as centralized mgmt, centralized billing, data retention policies, etc.
Con Requires both ends to be online (if neither end is using a cloud-enabled device)
Messages are sent and received only when both ends are online, if neither end is using a cloud-enabled device. In this case, if you are online 9-17 and your recipient is online 18-3, messages will never be delivered.
Con Subpar video quality with more than 5 users
Skype has significant problems with multiple users and video quality. Skype recommends that a max of 5 users group chat as video quality is severely affected. Even webcams tested with other chat services showed lower quality when used with Skype.
Con MIcrosoft (Skype's owner) actively assists eavesdroppers
On the other hand, if you lose your copy of one of your conversations, you may be able to get a copy of it from your government with a little bit of luck and a public records request.
Con Poor Linux support
The version available for linux users is quite outdated, and does not support some of the newer functionality, such as the free group video calling and screen sharing.
Recommendations
Comments
Flagged Pros + Cons
Pro Easily connect with others due to how popular the service is
There's a good chance that whoever you're trying to reach has Skype already set up and familiar with it, avoiding the hassle of installing and getting to know new software.
