Skype is the most popular application on the market for making video calls, mobile calls, and sending instant messages and SMS. On top of all that, it's now emerging as the successor to Messenger.
Skype's functions
With Skype, you can communicate with your friends wherever they are and with whatever device you use, whether it's a latest generation phone, smart TV, PC or Mac.
Its main interest lies in video calls, where it's becoming something of a benchmark. They're free, although if you want to make group video calls of up to 10 people, then you need to pay.
In addition, Skype lets you call regular telephone numbers worldwide at a reduced rate, which is then deducted from your balance.
Finally, Skype, like a good successor to Messenger, lets you chat with your friends regardless of the service they're using, whether Skype, Messenger or Facebook.
Skype's usability
Using Skype isn't difficult, as long as you limit yourself to the basics.
Calling another Skype user is really simple, and the same applies to making phone calls: the "difficulties" only appear if you want to use some of the more advanced features.
Some functions are hidden in menus or buttons which aren't very descriptive (e.g. screen sharing), which requires a bit of prior learning and practice to take full advantage of it.
The fact that Skype has become a reference point when it comes to regular calls and video calling is no coincidence: it's a real all-rounder.
Skype is adaptable to almost any configuration, webcam, and network speed without requiring anything more than minimum configuration. It works without much, and does so very well.
There are many variables when it comes to good quality picture and sound, and Skype knows how to squeeze the full potential of your system, adapting the quality to the situation to keep the conversation flowing and stable.
Conclusion: an essential program
Its functions, quality, and extent of its network users make it a program that's indispensable, not only on your PC, but also on your phone and tablet.
As for its future, you just need to remember that Microsoft has staked everything on Skype, which ensures that the program will continue to improve and increase its market share in the coming years.
Brief history of Skype
The creators of Kazaa, the famous P2P download program, brought Skype into the world in 2003. This is the same technology that enables the program to allow voice calls between users and phones.
Video calls, the star function of the program, didn't appear until two years later, along with a range of functions that eventually disappeared over time, including Skypecast, SkypeFind, and even sending money.
Since its inception, Skype has changed ownership several times, passing via eBay before it came to Microsoft, which acquired it in 2011. Within a year, it turned into the top messaging program on the market.