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Skype is a very popular cross platform freemium voice-over-IP service and instant messaging client.
SpecsUpdate
PlatformsiOS, Android, WP, OSX, Windows, Linux, Web. Blackberry. Chrome OS. BSD, iPadOs
Mediaimages / video /audio / emoji
VoIPyes
Audio recordingyes
PublisherSkype
End-to-end encryptionyes(optional)
Videoconferencingyes
Groupsyes
Video recordingYes
File SizeVaries with device
Service integrationsSIP (paid)
Messaging systemsData
LocationsharingYes
DIY integrationsNo
Required Android Version6.0
ScreensharingYes
In-App PurchasesNone
Server stored messagesLimited (30 days)
MultideviceYes
Cloud SyncYes
Hosting optionsHosted
Native videoconferencingYes
Pros
Know any positive aspects of this option?
Cons
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 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.
Know any negative aspects of this option?
Recommendations
Skype
6 years ago
Con
Privacy concernsCon
Annoying adsCon
Plagued by bugs on all platformsCon
Not a feasible alternative as a professional team chatCon
Poor quality when screensharingCon
Owned by MicrosoftCon
Slow filesharing speedCon
Obnoxiously large adsCon
Poor Linux supportCon
Requires both ends to be online (if neither end is using a cloud-enabled device)Con
Microsoft (Skype's owner) actively assists eavesdroppersCon
Subpar video quality with more than 5 users