Featured Skype Alternatives

More Alternatives to Skype

Skype has been reigning supreme until some of these alternatives to Skype have stolen the thunder out of it. The reasons are many, some don’t like its crashing, sometimes disturbed video quality and more recently the ads and the snooping around have simply made users look for something that gives Skype a run for its money. Here you get a good look at some free Apps that can replace Skype.

OoVoo does a great job when it comes to free video calls, chat and instant messaging. If you upgrade with a little payment you can use it for video conferencing too. It is great for business conferences when you are looking for stable video without disruptions. (IOS, Windows, MAC and Android)

Fring (Android, Nokia and IOS) Its voice call quality is clear and stable and allows group video chat and fring -to fring user free calls and has a text messaging feature. It’s a free messaging and chat app.

Messages app is the Apple solution for chat and is in beta mode. It has features like text, voice and video calling. Messages app is free for MAC and OSX.

Google Talk is a great VoIP app which is free and user friendly. Its video conferencing ability is great and is integrated with Gmail. Unlike Skype its app features are limited.

Yahoo Messenger would not be left alone in this great race and it has free voice video and text chat and also a calling facility feature called ‘Phone Out’ that makes international calling smooth and less expensive.

There are apps like Pidgin that runs on Windows, Linux, UNIX and OSX and Mumble that works with windows MAC and iOS but have limitations to be Skype replacements. Facetime is another good app that needs a mention works on all apple family gadgets like I phones and IPods but it is a wifi only service and doesn’t work on 3G.

Vsee is another one on the list of alternatives for Skype with its good quality video and is P2P like Skype with strong encryption. Its group video calls are free and it’s for MAC and PC. It has a good IM feature.

 

admin September 27, 2012 , , 0 19
WebEx vs Skype – an overview of the best web conferencing software

WebEx vs Skype – an overview of the best web conferencing software

The office is doing away with its traditional mantle of rigidity and businesses are spreading their tentacles all across the globe and all these are being made possible by the web conferencing soft ware’s available to the business consumer that makes connecting across distances easy and resourceful. We can say webex and skype help small business customers and we are going to look at the two from this angle.

Both of them when pitted against each other stack up nicely providing advanced collaborative features such as file sharing, video audio conferencing with phone based user support and hardware-agnostic browser based interfaces. WebEx better for business conferencing and Skype for accessible conferencing, however it is the users who need to determine which one is preferable and will outdo the other.

WebEx vs Skype

WebEx has millions of users and a long line of experience it is a popular web conferencing solution by cisco. It is priced at 49 dollars a month offers a crisp interface and does not require plug-ins add-ons and applications and shares screens, videos and up to six video conferencing feeds without muddling up. It is affordable, has a host of other services and comes with mobile support too. This has made it acquire a firm foothold as the best in web conferencing.

Skype is a name to reckon with except for a few glitches it had in the past, it constantly has to renew and raise the bar to keep up with its competitors. Skype has enhanced features like HD video calling conference video calls with up to 5 participants and a audio with greater clarity called Silk. It makes for a better voice and video calling. It offers phone card like calling with skype to go feature, screen sharing, WiFi access and engaging features like Skype prime which gives lessons on anything from languages to relationships. It also has Mac and Linux versions. HdTv’s also come with Skype video calling features now and it goes to say Skype is trying retain its title of the giant with endless possibilities.

admin September 27, 2012 , , 0 68

More Alternatives for Skype

Alternatives for Skype can come in handy when sudden events on a bad day can crash out popular service like Skype. It is always good to have a backup plan when your primary service is experiencing some trouble and yet you need to keep business going as usual. Here is a list that can come in handy, take a look at some good Skype competitors available in the market.

Gizmo project is a VoIP service that offers free or very nominal priced calls anywhere around the world. Gizmo features include calls-in and calls-out somewhat like skype-in and skype-out features. You can use their instant messaging service and also record conversations and get the location of both caller and receiver. This is available for Mac, Linux and windowsSkype Alternatives

I-chat is another cool service that has excellent voice quality and it can be used in sync with I Sight video but unfortunately it is meant only for MAC

Jajah is another good go at pc-pc VOIP and some free calls on the landline. For this you have to visit the Jajah website and key in the number you want to dial followed by your number which rings and then Jajah connects the recipient and completes the call. You have a limit of free calls up to 1000 minutes per month and there is a cap on free calls unless you purchase some premium service after the ceiling of free call limits. It is useful for people who do an incredible number of calls in a month.

Oovoo is another great VoIP with instant messaging and video conferencing facilities. It can be used with android, I phones, IPod touch, including Mac and window Pc’s. It has great video and audio quality and is not free although cheaper.

Facetime  is a great option but exclusively for I phone users and Mac. It is moderately priced and superior in quality.

Google has great options like Google talk and Google Hangouts which can be used fairly well. Google talk is a video and VoIP service and with Google Hangouts you can make video conferencing fun and easy. You can even record your conferences or broadcast them world-wide which makes it one of the  a great alternatives for Skype.

admin September 26, 2012 , , 0 55
3 Top Skype Alternatives – Google Voice, Facetime, and Pidgin

3 Top Skype Alternatives – Google Voice, Facetime, and Pidgin

Entrepreneur Niklas Zennstrom was onto something when he created Skype back in 2003.  This VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) software enabled consumers and commercial business, no matter where they were located; the ability to communicate via voice, instant messages, or via video while also providing great features like file sharing, group video calling and address book management.  Over the years, Skype has become a mainstay for those looking for VOIP services with additional innovative components.  What has made Skype such an excellent choice is the applications ability to offer several ways to communicate via cell phones with no charge for their services.  No other service may seem to offer all of the same attributes as Skype, but there are many alternatives that may work just as well and depending on what you are looking for, a few may fair better for you.

Google Voice

How would you like to have a phone number that you can use as a “dummy number” to give to friends and clients that you don’t want to have your actual number?  Then Google Voice will change your life.  You are provided with transcribed voice messages as well as free phone calls and text messages anywhere in the United States and Canada.  Google has added some pretty cool features to this service including:  Google voice mail for your primary number (real number), SMS forwarding which allows you to receive your voice mails in text messages using your email account, Google Number Change which gives you the ability to change your Google number if you would like to with a low cost of only ten dollars, and my favorite feature “Do Not Disturb”.  The Do Not Disturb feature lets you set the parameters for the block of time that you wish to be uninterrupted and automatically sends all calls to voice mail.  When you are ready to talk face to face, use the Google Chat Plug-In and you have the ultimate alternative to Skype. Now that’s a great service.

Pidgin Instant Messaging Client

Pidgin instant messaging client is open source multi-platform software.  Originally released in 1998, one of the key features to this software is encrypted instant messaging called OTR (Off the Record).  This technology is great for those they need good security features when using IM’s.  Using a library called Libpurple, a consumer can log onto various instant messaging programs simultaneously.  This software also has some great plugin features like Idle Maker; this is for those rude friends that continue to send messages even when you are away from your computer.  You can set up Idle Time to fool your friends into thinking you are away and hopefully they will give you some peace.  If you lock your computer and forget to change your status to “Away” you can use Lock n Roll; which automatically does it for you when the computer locks.  There is even a shorten URL plugin you can use which will work automatically when you are attempting to share links with others.  Pidgin is great for those with an instant messaging fetish.

Apple FaceTime

Apple seems to have cornered the market on technological advancement when it comes to computers and music media.  So of course they would have to come up with a software application to rival Skype.  Say hello to FaceTime!  This application became a part of the Apple lineup in 2010.  The video calling app is made to work in concert with other Apple products.  It is a great way to keep in touch with family and friends who also have the I-Phones, Mac Computers or I-Pads.  With one click video calling and high definition display; you can share an almost perfect video conferencing experience with the entire family.  So it looks as if Apple has done it again.

Although Skype has become a name synonymous with voice over internet protocol; there are many other great Skype alternatives available.  From Hi-Def video calling to multiple instant messaging the landscape is full of other sources of communications software and applications.  Take a look around and you may find a few that make Skyping look like child’s play.  So test a few of them out.  Remember, if you’re not satisfied you can always return to what you know, but the possibility of finding something even better is what makes technology great.

skype alternatives September 25, 2012 , , , 0 130
Polycom vs Skype

Polycom vs Skype

Polycom and Skype are both major players in the world of teleconferencing and have become rather popular with business owners. Most consumers know Skype as a fun way to keep in touch with family and friends. What they don’t know is that Skype is becoming a world leader in business teleconferencing technology. Polycom has been around for over 20 years providing both conference room and now mobile teleconferencing technology for organizations needing great business solutions in these areas. When comparing the two products Polycom vs Skype; which one provides the greater value depends on whose asking.

Polycom Real Web Presence Mobile

Imagine being in need of a major surgical procedure in Atlanta and the only specialist knowledgeable enough to perform the operation is in California. Now imagine telemedicine software that allows that same specialist to be online walking your doctors through the operation, witnessing each step and guiding them flawlessly through the entire procedure. Now imagine if these same doctors were receiving the information using a mobile device. Believe it or not, this technology already exists and is being used all over the country. This is all thanks to a universal collaboration that has become the communications standard for video teleconferencing. Welcome to Polycom technology. No matter what your business media needs are; Polycom has a software application to support it. On the mobile side, the company offers an app called “Polycom Real Presence Mobile.” The software works by taking the same content sharing and face to face communications and moves it from the conference room to the mobile phone or tablet. This software offers immediate use once you download it. To take it a step further you must register Real Presence on the Polycom Platform. By registering, your app is automatically merged with all of your enterprise telegenic connections. You then have the capability to conduct vast multi-point calls utilizing any device within the network. The users will enjoy reliable and safe video conferencing despite their location. The downside to all the Polycom has to offer are the high prices of the equipment that is needed to go along with the software. The price can easily run over one hundred thousand dollars. While this may be okay for larger businesses; smaller businesses would have to look elsewhere.

Skype Mobile for Business

People who enjoy Skype for their leisure have often wondered how the technology could be used for business. With a free download from skype.com; you can quickly begin using Skype for all of your teleconferencing needs. Skype mobile allows businesses to use many of the same functions that make it great for individual use. Skype Mobile is available for just about every type of mobile phone including; the Android, I-Phone, and the Blackberry. Screen sharing can be used with Skype Mobile as it allows the Conference leader and team members to share presentations. By walking the clients though the presentation as if they were in the same room gives an added touch of professionalism to any business. Although Skype offers some of the same services as Polycom; many of the services are not free but are more cost effective than those of Polycom. Let me explain, in order to use Skype Mobile on your Blackberry or Android you must have a data package which will run you around thirty dollars a month. Calling landlines and mobile phones in the US and Canada costs $2.99 per month. For international business call you can pay $21.99 for unlimited world calling to include China. One of the major drawbacks of using Skype Mobile is that you cannot initiate a group call, but you can be a part of one. Another drawback according to Verizon.com is Skype Mobile’s inability to use file sharing. Overall Skype Mobile is still a great deal for businesses looking for voice over internet protocol services at a nominal fee. Skype provides the business with that and so much more.

When doing a comparison between Polycom vs Skype; Polycom seems to offer the most value added for a large business, but for small business Skype reigns supreme. Skype Mobile still has a long way to go in order to make mobility use for businesses more viable. Polycom has essentially cornered the market with on the go teleconferencing. In a world where everyone is moving at such a fast pace any software application marketed to this demographic must move with them. Although Skype is great if you are sitting in your home office or conference room; they must still pick up the pace for mobile phone use.

skype alternatives September 24, 2012 , , 0 59
Skype vs SIP-The Telecommunications Apps Battle Royale

Skype vs SIP-The Telecommunications Apps Battle Royale

Is there a battle brewing over technology sharing; does Skype v/s SIP really exist or are they working together? If you chat or use any internet telephone applications you are well aware of (VOIP) Voice over Internet Protocol. Skype has become a great innovator using this technology; which has now become a household name and a business model for communications. What you may not be aware of is another type of technology known as SIP (Session Initiation Protocol). This technology is used to enhance internet telephony. So can one exist without the other; and if Skype vs SIP does exist, which one gives you the best experience.

Skype v/s SIP (Round 1)-SIP

The communications industry believes that as PBX (Private Branch Exchanges) and network switches fade away into telephone switching history; SIP will become the most widely used medium for voice and multimedia phone service. The industry is already rapidly moving towards a SIP signaled model that can be used in a residential environment as well as a wide area networking environment. SIP assists VOIP with setting up, modifying and terminating sessions.
There are a few important purposes you should know about relating to SIP. You are able to set up multiple party call sessions. The user has mobility which gives them flexibility to move from one location to another with access to their communications. You can get information on the possibility of the person called engaging in conversation. Last but not least, you can manage the sessions with ease. Now SIP does have its flaws; mainly crossing over firewalls, Native Address translations and issues with encrypted connections.

Skype v/s SIP (Round 2)-Skype

Mi cuenta SkypeThe ability to circumvent firewalls and NAT (Native Address Translation) packaged in free software has given Skype the honor of becoming the most highly recognized VOIP application on the market. VOIP uses SIP in the creation of data packets using the same networks for email and surfing the net to send out those packets. This allows Skype to work without any additional actual connections. Since SIP is used with VOIP to ensure widespread data and voice use there are problems involved as real time communications was not originally the intended use.

In 2009, a marriage of sorts took place between Skype and SIP. Skype decided to venture more into the business realm of the phone marketing systems by allowing companies to blend their existing VOIP with the new Skype for SIP exchange. This has enabled businesses to use proprietary Skype VOIP with their own internal switches. Businesses that were currently using SIP enhanced PBX’s were now able to decide which of their business calls they wanted transferred over to Skype. This system is now called Skype Connect and a user must first have a SIP user account with all necessary data included in order to use the service. This is called a user’s SIP profile. Depending on the needs of the company, there may be multiple SIP profiles in existence. The profile includes Skype credits to pay for calls, SIP credentials, to ensure that the SIP PBX is authentic and prepared for use with the Skype software. It also includes a monthly subscription, a business Skype account, and online numbers where they may be contacted from mobile phones and landlines.

This technology is cheap and easily used for all business communication purposes. When you think of the monies saved when trying to communicate using the much more expensive PBX models still in existence; you get an appreciation for the full magnitude of using the dynamic resource.

Who is the big winner??

In the battle for business communications superiority there is no winner between Skype vs SIP. Session Initiation Protocol is an enhancer of the already innovative attributes that Skype has made available. By utilizing this additional technology, businesses are able to provide a more accessible and user friendly atmosphere for themselves and their client base. Once again Skype has flexed its muscle where it really counts by providing another interface that allows it to be integrated in other telephony systems. If SIP based users want the privilege of using this enhancement then they must pay the price. Skype has the monopoly on the technology and will not just hand it out freely.

skype alternatives September 23, 2012 , 0 25
5 great Skype alternatives, but with more features than Skype

5 great Skype alternatives, but with more features than Skype

Technology has taken us to a new level where we can chat with our loved ones whether they are in our state, country or anywhere in the world. If you are willing to meet your friends, relatives etc skype has made everything possible le with its effectiveness in making video calls and that too free of cost.

At present skype is the top ranked video chatting application which gained a lot of fame within past few years. Skype is the best known communicative application where you can start conversation with your client or you can also start conference with more than one conversation partner. Continue reading “5 great Skype alternatives, but with more features than Skype” »

skype alternatives June 22, 2012 , , , , 0 245

3 great Skype Alternatives – Voxox, Goober, Viber and others

There are certainly many Skype alternatives out there for everyone to choose from. This is the reason why at Skype Alternatives, we would certainly introduce our consumers on the best skype alternatives there is on the internet. First we would be talking about voxox, a great skype alternative with high interoperability. Next up on the list would be Goober Messenger where you can have up to 6 participants in a video conference; great for meetings. Last but not least, we would be introducing Viber, where you would be able to call and text others abroad for free. I hope that these 3 products would be of some help to you whether you choose them as your Skype Alternatives or not. Continue reading “3 great Skype Alternatives – Voxox, Goober, Viber and others” »

skype alternatives April 17, 2012 , , 0 231
Convenient Skype Alternative: Google Hangouts

Convenient Skype Alternative: Google Hangouts

Need a simple alternative to Skype? Would it be  a surprise if that alternative came from none other than Google? Of course not! If you already have a Gmail account, you have already done most of the prep work. All that is left is installing a simple plugin from Google  and voila: Free group video calls! Google Hangouts allows up to 9 friends, family, acquaintances, whomever to join in on a single video conference call, for free. Skype requires an install of the program and a monthly subscription to its service to initiate group calling, but this alternative makes it very easy to ditch the mainstream giant. Continue reading “Convenient Skype Alternative: Google Hangouts” »

skype alternatives April 10, 2012 , , , , 1 47

Other Skype Alternatives