Skype

June 28, 2005 in 5 out of 5 stars, A piece of software, Free

What is it?

Skype: Free Internet telephony that just works. (It's their slogan, but it also happens to be 100% true.)

Who makes it?

Skype

Why is it the killerest?

Skype is probably the new Internet enabled technology I'm most excited about. It's simple, you install it, hook up a microphone to your computer, call your friend anywhere in the world (who must also be using Skype if you want to talk for free, or for a couple cents/min you can call a normal phone). And miraculously, without any hoop jumping, configuring, or other shenanigans, it just works. Beautifully too. I use it over broadband so can't speak to dial up, but I speak regularly with clients and friends all over the world. Germany, Venezuela, Mexico, Florida, Idaho. Imagine talking to the whole world for free. Skype rocks!

What could be improved?

Skype has built in IM, which is cool but it would use some of the features of the more mature IM programs. Still, it's very cool. I'd love them to do video, and I think they will. There are some plugins for Skype video (one called vSkype) that supposedly work well.

How much does it cost?

Free as the moon and the stars and the air and the clouds.

Rating?

Reviewed by Carson McComas

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Another point of view:

http://www.michaelrobertson.com/archive.php?minute_id=177

Definitely NOT a plug...I still use the telephone!! :-) It's good to explore all angles, though, and I'm sure Carson agrees. It can only make technology better.