Skype is a free IM and video-call service that is available to users of Windows, Mac OS X, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, and Symbian. Skype allows video-calling without the need for an extra camera, headset, or microphone. Skype users can call each other using a computer or a mobile device over the Internet, which means they can call a friend in the United States from Europe, and vice versa. Skype is available in over 30 languages.

Features

Skype offers many features that are very useful to users. For example, with Skype, you can be in touch with friends and family all around the world, you can watch video- and TV-shows, and you can even call your bank to check your balance. Skype offers VoIP-based voice communication, video- and voice-calling, instant messaging, text chat, screen sharing, file transfer and video conferencing. It offers free Skype-to-Skype calls with other users, and low cost SkypeOut service for calls to landlines or mobiles.

Design

Skype is available for Windows, Mac OS X, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, and Symbian. Skype's interface is very simple and friendly, with a blue and white background and blue button to sign in, a blue button to create new account, a blue button to call, and a blue button to find contacts. Skype - free IM and video calls is a simple and user-friendly service. The design is simple and easy to use. There is no complicated setup process, and the interface is clear and concise. All of your contacts will be displayed on the homepage, and the buttons are large and easy to find.

Information about usability

Skype is very easy to use, and all you need to do is sign in with your Skype ID, find your contacts and start video- or voice-calling. Skype offers a big variety of features for free, but SkypeOut service is not free and may be used for calls to landlines or mobile phones.

Pros

• Skype offers free service
• Skype offers low cost service
• Skype is available for Windows, Mac OS X, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, and Symbian
• Skype's interface is very simple and friendly
• Skype offers a big variety of features for free
• Skype offers VoIP-based voice communication, video- and voice-calling, instant messaging, text chat, screen sharing, file transfer and video conferencing
• Skype "can call a friend in the United States from Europe, and vice versa."

Cons

• You need a microphone to make video calls
• You need a webcam to make video calls