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Skype is most popular video conferencing software in the world which enables users to make free HD video and audio calls across multiple platforms and devices. Skype offers applications for iOS and Apple, Windows, Android, Xbox, and even Amazon Alexa. Skype is owned by Microsoft and has been a major player in the video conferencing market since its launch in 2003. Skype has over 300 million users each month. Skype is one of the top video conferencing software for small business.

In total, 11,417,717 reviews are found in Google play store with 4.1 stars rating. There has been 1,000,000,000+ installs and the most recent update is December 15, 2021. While in Apple app store Skype is ranked No. 28 in Social Networking category with 4.5 stars rating by 61.2K users. The app is rated as 4+ on Apple iOS App store and “Everyone” in Google Play store. 

In 2020 Microsoft began to phase out Skype’s business options in order to launch Microsoft Teams instead. Skype now offers one product for both individuals and businesses which is free of charge and limited to 50 users. 

New and innovative functionalities have been introduced by Skype over the years. New functions such as adding live captions during video calls, end-to-end chat encryption, and even simultaneous live translating option to facilitate video calls up to 10 languages. There is also Skype’s in-call chat window where users can create polls, insert files and even share music from Spotify.

The latest addition is the new “Meet Now”, which enables hosts and participants to conduct or join a video call without creating account or downloading the app. Participants can connect to a video conference directly from a web browser. 

Skype has a massive user base for people to connect and start conversation. Users can contact other Skype users for free or at extremely low rates. Skype's basic video calling service is free. Skype to Phone plan is priced at $2.99 per month for US-based numbers. As for international calls, it is slightly higher but still affordable for most people like India subscription is $7.99 per month. 

Skype’s clean user interface makes navigating in the application like a breeze. All features are thoughtfully organized, as a result various functionalities coexist seamlessly. During a video call, users can easily customize their meeting background, which is great especially when people are working from home nowadays due to the pandemic.

Like other technology companies, Microsoft and Skype has also exploring to provide customer support powered by Artificial Intelligence. 

Pros:

•Robust chatting and instant messaging

•Sharing files is easy 

•Accessible across multiple platforms

•Reliable video and voice call services 

• Intuitive design and seamless user experience

•Feature-rich communication tool with voice, video calling, and text messaging

•Skype-to-Skype calls is free as long as there is a network connection

Cons: 

•Video and audio quality is dependent on your internet connection

•SMS messages cannot be received on Skype (only outbound)