Skype is a program for communicating with people anywhere in the world. Supports video calls, mobile IP telephony and instant messaging. The first version appeared in 2003, and over 14 years of operation Skype has gained more than 600 million registered users. But the growing popularity of VoIP technology has caused the emergence of applications and programs for communication such as Skype. Many of them are much simpler, faster and more functional than Skype.
Why Viber, not Skype
In the world of services for communication and communication, Skype has been a leader for more than 10 years. This was exactly until the moment when Microsoft decided to buy the company. Now users are complaining about the growth in the number of failures, instability, high traffic and the appearance of intrusive advertising. Also, "Skype" sins spontaneously going offline, followed by a reboot, which stretches for 10-15 minutes.
Due to the abundance of instant messengers and IP-telephony services on the market, owners of PCs and portable devices can choose a program for communicating like Skype. The first contender as a Skype alternative is Viber. The application runs on the platforms iOS, Android and Windows Phone via a network of 3G, LTE and Wi-Fi.
It is also a program for communicating like Skype on a computer. After installation and launch, it must be synchronized with the phone through a QR or SMS code. All data and contacts will be automatically transferred to the account on the PC.
Popularity and features of the application
The number of Viber users in May 2017 exceeded the 100 millionth milestone. And soon, the developers promise to conquer the budget platforms S40 for Symbian "Nokia" and Bada for Samsung. This step will add another 1.5 million who want to appreciate the delights of “Viber”.
Application features:
- provides free calls and chats between users;
- includes games;
- public chats;
- calls to mobile and landline phones;
- Available on most platforms, including Mac and Linux.
Viber is shareware. No need to pay for downloading and installing. The program is freely available on the official website, Google Apps and iOS App Store. There is no need to pay for calls and correspondence with Viber users. Only when making calls to unregistered numbers - Viber Out - will you have to give money.
Google hangouts
Google Hangouts appeared in 2013 as a symbiosis of the Google Talk messenger and the Google+ social network. This is a Skype-like chat program for Android, Apple products, and PCs. Like all company products, using Hangouts is simple and convenient.
In some smartphones, Hangouts is installed automatically and, together with other Google products, is a standard tool. If you have a valid account, just launch the application and log in to your account. The program itself will transfer and synchronize contacts from the phone book and Google-mail.
For installation on a Windows PC, Google Hangouts is installed as a plug-in or extension on the Chromium engine. Web communications are carried out in real time using WebRTC technology. Calls take place right in the browser window without the use of extra tools.
Based on the Hangouts service, Google created a program for communicating like Skype on TV. With a Chromebox, microphone, camera, screen and monitor, the user creates a chat room. Hangouts technology also enables video conferencing for up to 30 participants.
ooVoo
A free program for communication such as "Skype" on a PC with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android platforms. A distinctive feature is high-quality video calls. The application supports group chats for up to 12 people. To add a user to the conversation, just give him the link.
OoVoo has already gained over 80 million users. It enjoys its popularity among young people due to the ability to record video conversations and broadcast the screen to chat participants. The application also supports instant messaging, calls to landlines and web calls to non-registered ooVoo users.
Appear.in
A program for communication such as "Skype" without the manic picky confirmation of accounts and the creation of profiles. The address of the conference room is entered into the browser line, and the user immediately joins the conversation. No need to download and install anything. Similarly, Appear.in works via links on mobile devices.
The Appear.in plugin was developed by Scandinavian startups for browsers with WebRTC support, which ensures image quality and clarity. What is the difference from similar Skype services:
- Video conferencing through Appear.in can be broadcast on your blog or web page. It is enough to enter the address of the room in the <iframe> tag.
- The application has the ability to chat, as in "Skype", and broadcast screen.
- The conference is designed for 8 people, with the purchase of a premium account - for 12.
- The conversation can be blocked from third-party visitors.
Talky
This is an independent development of a Washington company worth $ 15 million. It is an alternative not only to Skype, but also a competitor to Hangouts technology. The web service was created for group video conferences for up to 15 people with a demonstration of the contents of the screen.
Getting started is very simple:
- Go to the Talky.io homepage;
- Create a URL for your chat
- select "Start chat";
- Share the URL with friends.
Service Advantages:
- 24/7 customer support
- use of real-time technologies;
- anonymity;
- no registration.
Talky.io and Appear.in are similar programs for communication such as Skype for PC and phone. But among the CIS countries, services have not received proper distribution. Their unpopularity is explained by the fact that mobile versions are designed exclusively for the iOS platform.
Tox
Not all Skype communication programs are safe and protected from mass surveillance systems. Therefore, the developers created Tox. The main task during the creation was to ensure complete confidentiality of correspondence and personal data.
This is not just a chat program, it is a special protocol similar to BitTorrent with a one-peer network and end-to-end encryption. A peer-to-peer connection does not need to place information on servers, which means that it is impossible to detect user data.
Like other VoIP services, Tox supports instant messaging, video and voice calls, conferences, emoticons, file transfer. Moreover, the service is free, it has no ads, and the interface is much more convenient than in Skype.
Wechat
The Chinese program for communication such as "Skype" and for games that you can play with friends directly in the chat. The application combines the best qualities of Skype, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. It contains all the standard features of IP-telephony, as well as several specific functions:
- taxi call;
- food order;
- online banking through a WeChat wallet and payments via a QR code;
- WeChat Shake - uses geolocation and allows you to find friends nearby;
- There is an unusual function of the Drift Bottle - the message is sent to "free swimming" until someone reads it.
WeChat community has 600 million users. The development is positioned as an integral part in all areas of life, and not just for emoticons and photos. At the same time, the service can be used free of charge on any device and as a desktop application.
Slack
Slack is a team messenger for iOS / Android and Mac / Windows. Designed for face-to-face communication in real time and group chats. There is integration with more than 100 services, such as GItHub, Skype, Dropbox.
The messenger has three tariff packages. The first is free and holds up to 10 thousand messages. The second - for $ 6 and 67 cents. The third costs $ 12 per month and is designed for business groups that require SSO.
A distinctive feature of the online service is the ability to create several channels of correspondence, add users to them, and also archive all messages. You can call one person from the group using push notifications with the @ icon. You can also send photos, videos, files.
The service includes functions that are not found in other online messengers, for example:
- transfer animated GIFs;
- login link instead of entering a password;
- own SlackBot to talk to;
- the ability to add funny / SHRUG, emoji and set reminders to messages.
Whatsapp
The largest free messaging platform worldwide. 30 billion messages pass through the messenger daily. WhatsApp was originally created as a program for communicating like Skype on Android phones, but now the application is available on Windows, Symbian, iOS, Blackberry.
Customer Advantages:
- simplicity and accessibility of tools;
- lack of advertising;
- the application automatically imports contacts from the phone and reports which of them uses WhatsApp;
- the ability to share your location, photos and status with friends;
- 100 free monthly messages and free video calls.
The application is undemanding to complete the device and runs on Android 2.0, unlike Viber, which requires a series of at least 4.0. But the service has one significant drawback, due to which WhatsApp is not suitable for corporate correspondence. It consists in insufficiently high data encryption. If desired, the client is easy to crack. The last unpleasant moment - any user can see the photo and profile status, as well as the time of the last visit.
Kakaotalk
The most popular smartphone application in South Korea, it is used by 93% of the population. It features an accessible and colorful interface with typical Asian animation. The service has a standard set of mVoIP functions, including free messages, calls, photo and video transmission.
Kakaotalk includes not only communication and microblogging, but also has a gaming platform. The application has 30 million active gamers. All mini-games are available on Google Play for smartphone users and the App Store. Monetization of the application is carried out through the sale of unique emoticons, Kakao-friends and themes.
Threema
This is a Swiss top-secret messenger, around which the media are a lot of battles. The management of Threema GmbH is suspected of regular reports to the Russian special services. But from such slander, the application has not become less attractive. Threema calls do not require a SIM card or phone number. Now you can call from your tablet or iPad. This is a serious reason to think and change Skype to Threema.
The application promises users Swiss quality, European elegance and protection of calls from copying. The developers made an emphasis on security. Threema uses the Native Client open source cryptography library for end-to-end encryption. Keys are generated and stored on the user's device to prevent unauthorized access and the creation of backdoors.
In terms of functionality, the messenger is in no way inferior to Skype or Viber. The interface is very different from Wechat and Kakaotalk. Calm colors without seals, emojis and anime pictures. The Treema program is designed for a business person who respects his personal space, time and privacy.