Who exactly is using Skype?

As of September 29,2011,Skype has reported having almost 5 million users in the U.S alone. 54% are male. 59% have no children. 39% are between the ages of 18-34. 32% are between the ages of 35-49 and 23% are over the age of 50. 55% of all Skype users in the U.S are 35 years old or older. The older generations are starting to discover skype and realize how easy it is to use. You don't have to be too technology savy. Seeing someone's face and getting an instant reaction is mcuh more personal and satisfying then a phone call, email or letter. You are never too old to take advantage of all the internet has to offer and Skype is a wonderful whether it be for personal use or business. Simply follow the tutotorial on this blog and you will be on your way to using Skype.

Source:
https://www.quantcast.com/skype.com

Versatility - Other forms of 'Skype' Technology

As we know, Skype is a technology that allows us to "be there", without actually "being there". Its more than just a phone call, and its more than just an instant messaging system, its a new and innovative way of communication between two or more people, that allows the users to physically see each other through the use of a webcam on each sending and receiving device. This webcam along with satellite technology transmits a physical motion picture of the user, unlike a telephone, or an instant messenger. These lower level technologies lack face-to-face communication and therefore create a barrier between the communicators and their message.

Skype has inspired the development of webcam communication software all over. With these ideas, Face Time was created by apple for mac computers, which then eventually made it to the mobile time. Phones are now manufactured with cameras on both the front and the back of the phone, which allows you to point the phone at you, and look into the phone to see the person you are speaking with and vice versa. This process is similar to that from the computer, where one camera transmits while the screen serves as a platform for visual communication. Other brands have also copied this form of "Mobile Skype" including T mobile with BobSled, and the actual mobile Skype on the blackberry functional system. So now you can Skype on the go. You can talk and walk at the same time. You no longer have to sit at your computer to Skype or "video chat" someone. Now you and your receiver can be in two places at once!

Sources:

www.apple.com

http://www.apple.com/mac/facetime/

Beyond the Video

There’s more to Skype than the average person might know. Most people think Skype is only for video calling, but there are tons of things you can do. First off there’s chatting which is a way to talk to others through instant messaging. Its great because if you don’t have time for a long conversation, you can just type in what you want to say. You can also send files such as pictures, videos, Mp3 downloads, etc. This is easier than sending an email, and a lot faster. You can also play different games by yourself or with people from your contact list. You can even personalize you Skype page. You can create an avatar that you can have depicted as your picture for your friends to see. You can also let others know how you are feeling by posting a video, mood or short sentence or two as your own personal tag line to share with your friends. By personalizing your page, you can let your imagination run wild with amazing ideas. Also, a small fee, you can call other mobile numbers. It’s a great way to stay in touch with people no matter where you are even if you don’t have a cell phone. Skype has a lot to offer to various people and personalities. I advise everyone to go out and explore all the capabilities Skype has to offer.

Case Study

Check out this case study from a small business prospective.



http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/business/case-studies/moo

Skype Features - Why You Should Use It

Calling Features:

• Skype to Skype
• Phones and mobiles
• Online numbers
• Conference calls
• Skype on the go

Video Features:

• Video calling
• Group video calling
• Screen sharing

Messaging:

• Instant messaging
• Send files
• SMS messaging
• Facebook (link with)

Other Features:

• Skype Wi-Fi (only pay for time online not amount downloaded)
• Call forwarding and transfers
• Voicemail



Source: www.skype.com

Why Use Skype Video

Skype Tutorial

Pros and Cons of Using Skype

PROS of Skype

Skype is a free download that lets you use your computer to make telephone calls. Calls from one Skype user to another are free, wherever they are in the world. You make calls using usernames rather than traditional phone numbers, and an instant-messaging client (for text chatting) is included. Skype does not carry adware or spyware. You can also use a video chat and this allows you to see the person you are talking to at the same time.
--SkypeOut, for calling ordinary phones;

--SkypeIn, which provides a real phone number so non-Skype users can call you

--Skype Voicemail, to answer your calls when you are away from the PC. Skype provides its users with a great number of features at a low cost.
--To use Skype you need a PC running Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux, or a PDA with Windows Pocket PC 2003.

--Internet connection, a headset or equivalent, and the Skype software. Manufacturers are making phones with a traditional look and feel that work with Skype (for people who don't like headsets.)

--Skype is a VoIP (Voice over IP) program, which just means making telephone calls over a computer network.

--Reliability, ease-of-use, and great marketing. --PC-based VoIP programs all have their own way of transmitting data, so users of competing products can't call each other directly.

--Skype is a useful, free, and well-made piece of software. You have much to gain from trying it

--Very easy to download and it’s a free way to connect with family members and friends, as well as, business corporations.

--It’s free to text chat

--Some cell phones are able to run a Skype application that will allow you to use Skype whenever you are in range of an accessible wireless internet connection


--More than one person can talk at a time because of the video chat (speakers and microphone)

CONS of Skype

--You must have a smart phone or Internet access to use Skype

--The video chat could be a lot better. Skype’s competitors offer a higher resolution of the video chat quality.

--The quality of sound with VoIP isn't as good as on a landline or mobile.

--If you use a webcam the sound quality deteriorates.

--There is frequently background noise and the service can be subject to drop-outs.

Skype- What It Is & How It Works

What Is It?

Skype was first released as a simple, free computer-to-computer or computer-to-telephone program. However currently paid for services, such as SkypeIn, SkypeOut, and voice mail services, allows for the company to create revenue to support their business ventures. Skype is a communication network- since 2001 it has been operated by the Microsoft Corporation, which created the Microsoft Skype Division. Microsoft acquired Skype for $85 billion from Silver Lake Partners, who had previously purchased it from eBay in 2009.

Skype is developed and based over the VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) network. VoIP is the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol networks; and that is precisely what Skype is all about- it allows for users to cost efficiently make voice and video calls and chat over the Internet with ease. However, unlike other VoIP services, Skype is a peer-to-peer system rather than a client-to-server system.

How It Works

Once an individual registers for a Skype account, users can take advantage of a myriad of features in which this tool offers. Each registered user is identified by a Skype name and can then communicate with other Skype users around the world. Users can use voice chats as well as instant messaging to communicate with others. Voice chats can be between a pair of users or through conference calling, which enables numerous users to collaborate. In addition, the text chat allows for pairs and conferences to communicate via instant messaging. Other features of the text chat include storing and editing pervious chats, user profiles and online and offline statuses.

SkypeIn or a user’s online number is a service that permits users to receive calls on their computers dialed in by subscribers who have local Skype numbers. Local numbers are available in numerous different countries, allowing for this tool to easily, conveniently and cost efficiently break barriers that could cause difficulty within worldwide communication. Countries where SkypeIn numbers are available include, Australia, Belgium, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This feature of Skype is definitely an asset that enables users to communicate with friends, family and co-workers worldwide with ease.

Video conferencing, one of Skype’s most popular free features, was introduced to registered users in 2006 for Mac OS X and Windows customers only. Next, Skype 2.0 was released for Linux (a free and open source software), which supports video conferencing on other devises. In addition, the next advancement for Skype was released for Windows in 2010, which allows for free video conferencing for up to a maximum of five people at a time. To expand the multiple channels in which this application will function, Skype partnered with Comcast to bring video chatting to subscribers with HDTV sets. As time progressed, Skype also partnered with LG, Panasonic and Samsung to allow special TV models with built in webcams to access the applications offered throughout this site.

The myriad of devises in which users can access the features of this site allows for many individuals, at many different locations, with different levels of technological experience to be able to take advantage of communication tactics that this site offers. The multiple communication channels and ease in which Skype can be accessed, also ensures that users can gain admittance to this application effortlessly from different devises, and thus, ensures an increase in traffic to this site, it seems as though no matter where the user will travel, a devise where Skype can be accessed can always be found.

Finally, video chatting embedding in social media websites, such as Facebook, allow for individuals who may have Facebook accounts, but not Skype accounts or may be only ‘friends’ with the recipient through Facebook to video chat with this individual through a different channel. This outreach for user acknowledgement and satisfaction, along with tutorials on youtube channels and official news, updates and support from the team at Skype on Twitter, is another way that Skype is succeeding in widening their user traffic and increasing the accessibility and ease in which users can find and utilize their site for many communication needs.

Web 3.0- Skype on the Go

Skype operates on a number of platforms, which include various devises and network connections. In 2009 Skype launched its own mobile phone to access Skype on the go, 3 Skypephone; however other platforms in which the site can be accessed consist of numerous different mobile devises. For example, particular Nokia phones and tablets, which use the Maemo environment, Sony mylos, Playstation Portables, PSP Go, which use Bluetooth connections, Windows Mobile, X-Series, which connect via WiFi, iOS, which has an official application released in 2009, iPhone and iPad application, which uses 3G and EDGE networks and a variety of Blackberry and Android 3G Smartphones can also access Skype’s mobile services.

Devises are made to work with Skype in a number of ways, one way is talking to a desktop client or by embedding Skype software into the devise, usually by a PC or to mobile a devise that has a build in WiFi connection. Skpye can also be accessed on a myriad of smartphones, which connects to wireless Internet connection networks or WiFi hotspots. Skype WiFi phones have also been developed, this devise allows users to see who is available to talk or chat, these benefits are extremely similar to what users on a PC can see, however, it allows to user to access this information while away from their PC. In addition, this phone also gives the user the option to contact non-Skype users using SkypeOut minutes for a monthly cost. The Skype WiFi phone, however, does not contain a web browser like other smartphones. The accessibility and ease with all Skype applications is definitely the catalyst for the high volume of user satisfaction and user traffic. On March 28, 2011, Skype set it’s personal record of 30 million simultaneous online users, which was previously set a month prior at a million less.

The numerous ways in which users can access this site has also increased the ways in which this site is used. While Skype is a commercial product, its free versions have been being increasingly used in schools interested in global education projects, as well as, a cost efficient way for businesses and co-workers to communicate face to face, collaborate and save time and expenses on travel. The uses and benefits of Skype are clearly shown by the overwhelming number of users. However, surprisingly, Skype has much more to offer than just a communication tool, there are many other features that this application offers its users.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype

http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home?intcmp=alogo

http://twitter.com/#!/skype

http://www.facebook.com/Skype

http://www.pcworld.com/article/244083/facebook_and_skype_deepen_integration.html

What are your Skype experiences?

Why we use Skype. We want you to share your experiences with Skype too!