Dr. Ravi Singh

WHO IS Skype?

Skype is a telecommunications application that offers chat, video chat and voice calls between computers, tablets, mobile devices, the Xbox One console, and smartwatches over the Internet.

WHAT THEY DO?

Skype provides instant messaging services, video, and voice calls. The site allows its users to transmit text, video, audio and images through direct and group chats.

HOW THEY WORK?

Skype users need to have an account created first via Skype.com. As well, Microsoft users have direct access to Skype with their Microsoft account. After Sign-in, users can access people on their contact who are already on Skype. Skype features such as text messaging, video and voice call as well as conference calls are available for all users.

BEST PRACTICE:

Skype allows users to call mobile phones and landlines at low rates from anywhere in the world. Skype has provided a chance for users to save more when they call specific destinations. As well, Skype gives users Skype numbers for up to 26 regions.

Businesses can benefit a lot from Skype business meetings. They are free and good quality to ensure a successful meeting. Skype offers an option to record meetings and sharing PowerPoint presentations. For better results, while using Skype, users can integrate their accounts and schedule meetings and tasks.

HISTORY:

In 2003, Skype was founded by Niklas Zennström, from Sweden, and Janus Friis, from Denmark.

On August 29, 2003, Skype’s first public beta version was released.

In June 2005, Skype entered an agreement with the Polish web portal Onet.pl to have an integrated offering on the Polish market.

On September 12, 2005, eBay Inc. acquired Luxembourg-based Skype Technologies SA for US$2.5 billion in cash and eBay stock.

On September 1, 2009, eBay sold 65% of Skype to Silver Lake, Andreessen Horowitz, and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board for US$1.9 billion, valuing Skype at US$2.75 billion.

On July 14, 2011, Skype partnered with Comcast to bring its video chat service to Comcast subscribers via HDTV sets.

On June 17, 2013, Skype released a free video messaging service available for Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android and BlackBerry.

On November 20, 2014, Microsoft Office's team announced that a new chat powered by Skype was introduced, giving tools to be able to chat with co-workers in the same document.

On September 15, 2015, Skype announced the release of Mojis, a more exciting way to express yourself on Skype.

In July 2016, Skype introduced an early Alpha version of a new Skype for Linux client.

In September 2016, Skype updated its iOS app with new features, allowing users to call contacts on Skype through Siri voice commands.

In October 2016, Microsoft launched Skype for Business for Mac.

On August 2, 2017, Skype teamed up with PayPal to provide a new feature that allows users to transfer funds via the Skype mobile app in the middle of a conversation using PayPal.

In 2019, Skype was the 6th most downloaded mobile app of the decade, from 2010 to 2019.

TIPS:

Ensure to mute your audio unless you are speaking. Hearing a voice in the background can be irritating.

In case your connection is not stable, have alternative means for connecting in case you get disconnected.

If you are in a meeting call and there are multiple people in the same room each on their Skype, you can mute audio and use one device for audio or try to have only one device logged in to the meeting to prevent audio feedback.

If you are hosting a meeting, load content before the meeting starts because loading content can take time and could waste your participant's time while waiting for content to load.

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