PSTN and cellular services often cost a high price for phone calls moreover international calls. Microsoft Skype provides a solution to cut the price of phone calls. With the Skype app, people can make and receive voice or video calls without being worried about the cost.
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What is Microsoft Skype?
Skype is an incredible application that allows its users to make and receive voice and video calls, and send text, video, and picture messages for free. Skype use internet service, so the calling cost will be no different whether you call for five minutes or five hours. All you have to pay is the regular internet service plan.
Microsoft Skype history
Skype was established in 2003 by Swedish developer, Niklas Zennström, and Danish developer, Janus Friis. They co-operated with developers from Estonia, Ahti Heinla, Jaan Tallinn, and Priit Kasesalu in making Skype software. In September 2005, eBay Inc. bought Skype for US$2.5 billion.
In September 2009, eBay sold 65% of Skype share to Silver Lake and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investment Board) for US$1.9 billion which means the Skype value has been raised to US$2.9 billion. In May 2011, Microsoft bought Skype Communications for US$8.5 billion including all Skype technologies. Since then, the Skype service has been integrated with Microsoft products.
Microsoft Skype features
- Unique Skype name. Just like other instant messenger apps, Skype allows its registered users to create a username that will be saved in the Skype directory.
- Voice chat. The Skype user can make and receive voice calls from one or multiple Skype users on their computer or Android-, iOS-based smartphone. iOS users can make and receive calls using Siri voice commands.
- Instant messenger. The Skype user is allowed to send and receive text, picture, and video messages from other users. The user is also allowed to create a group chat, use emoticons, edit the previous messages, and save the chat history.
- Video calls. The Skype user can make and receive video calls for free. The user can make video conference calls up to 25 users.
- Skype local number. SkypeIn service allows users to receive a call from a conventional phone on their PC. The users should register their Skype local number before they can use SkypeIn service. The call rates to Skype local numbers will be equal with the call rates to PSTN local numbers. This feature is only available in several countries, but the country list is still growing.
- Mojis. Mojis is a short clip taken from movies or TV shows that can be used as the alternative of emoticons.
- Group Calling feature. Skype allows Android and iOS users to create group calling on their devices.
Microsoft Skype supporting system
All computer platforms such as Microsoft Windows, MacOS, and Linux are compatible with Skype. Smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches using Android, iOS, Blackberry 10 and Windows Phone platforms are supported Skype service. Other devices that are compatible with Skype are Xbox One and Microsoft Hololens.
In early 2017, Skype version 3.0 in Windows Mobile 5 to 6.1 and Skype version 2.29 in Windows Phone 8.1 will stop operating.
