Skype

[chassis 33]

What's the catch...and why were eBay so interested in it they bought it for billions?

Regards
Iain

[Lion-O]

No catch. It's brilliant. I'm guessing the reason that ebay invested is that VoIP is supposed to be the next big thing on the internet and skype is the name most associated with it. In fact it has almost become a verb. You can chat to anyone else with a computer and skype downloaded or pay a fraction of the cost of a normal phonecall to speak to someone on a normal phone. If you are not on it, you should be!

[RobDickinson]

No catch.

They earn money of SkypeOut and SkypeIn is all, PC to PC calls are free.

And SkypeOut has been excelent for me in NZ calling both NZ and UK numbers, including 0800 ones.

Hopefully Ebay wont ruin it.

[chris.mapey]

I feel that it's a bit rich having to ask the people that you want to call to download a program, so I use VoipCheap (www.voipcheap.com)

Works well, I can call UK landlines & some abroad for free...

better than Skype, or am I missing something

Chris

[RobDickinson]

chris.mapey said:

better than Skype, or am I missing something Chris

Skype isnt unique per se, but nothing else (that I know) does all of what skype can do.

It calls pc-pc pc-landline and landline-pc, internationaly. Also has chat messaging, video(soon) and a decent file transfer system too.

[FunkyNige]

RobDickinson said:

chris.mapey said: better than Skype, or am I missing something Chris Skype isnt unique per se, but nothing else (that I know) does all of what skype can do. It calls pc-pc pc-landline and landline-pc, internationaly. Also has chat messaging, video(soon) and a decent file transfer system too.

MSN Messenger does all this. Can also send text messages

[chris.mapey]

RobDickinson said:

chris.mapey said: better than Skype, or am I missing something Chris Skype isnt unique per se, but nothing else (that I know) does all of what skype can do. It calls pc-pc pc-landline and landline-pc, internationaly. Also has chat messaging, video(soon) and a decent file transfer system too.

I was only needling... Voipcheap does all my calls, I use MSN messenger for the rest.

Works for me, as the people I call aren't the sort that can work any sort of messenger / vopi system....

Chris

[mel]

I guess with them doing trials in scotland at the moment with free wireless net access being installed into lamp posts it's not going to be that many years off that we see this rolled out nationwide and then the existing mobile networks will be as good as redundant, with ebay being in on this at the start if they can hold a monopoly just imagine the power they would wield globally by putting all the mobile and landline networks out of business. You thought Tesco's were powerfull ebay have the potential to wipe the floor.

[tinman0]

FunkyNige said:

RobDickinson said: chris.mapey said: better than Skype, or am I missing something Chris Skype isnt unique per se, but nothing else (that I know) does all of what skype can do. It calls pc-pc pc-landline and landline-pc, internationaly. Also has chat messaging, video(soon) and a decent file transfer system too. MSN Messenger does all this. Can also send text messages

but at least skype isn't microsoft.

[RobDickinson]

Sorry I can call an MSN messenger user from a landline? didnt know (must be newish), but I dont use MSN and would rather avoid microshaft software anyhow.

[R&J]

I've just downloaded VoipCheap, and it indicates that I can have a free number.
Chris, have you entered a number? if so is it any number or must it be your phone number?

It works well so far FOC to UK landlines

Rich

[anonymous-user]

I go abroad lots with work and I use skype all the time Cheap calls to landlines and free Pc to Pc with skype.

The Video works great also.

I didn't know MSM does all this also.

[gbbird]

Tescos are about to enter the VoiP market, with a one off £20 fee for the software, and then you are off. You need broadband though.

I am seriously tempted - i only ever use my BT landline for the internet, and its ridiculous the amount they charge for rental. I think i would be far better off paying £15 a month for broadband, then the one off £20 for VoiP

[chris.mapey]

[quote=R&J]I've just downloaded VoipCheap, and it indicates that I can have a free number.
Chris, have you entered a number? if so is it any number or must it be your phone number?

It works well so far FOC to UK landlines

Rich[/quote]

You will get allocated an 0845 incoming call number if you request one. Mine came via email.

Hope that helps

Chris

[Plotloss]

The catch is that now eBay own it they plan to use it as a marketing channel.

Skype subscribers will almost certaintly be 'voice spammed' with alarming regularity by eBay themselves.

[SpencerO]

Ive just got into this as my mobile runs skype if it picks up a wi-fi connection. Bloomin marvellous stuff, I must say. Saving me a fortune on calls.

[Ian_H]

What are the people who are using this using as a 'phone'? Do you just use a headset with mic attached?

[tinman0]

Ian_H said:

What are the people who are using this using as a 'phone'? Do you just use a headset with mic attached?

http://accessories.skype.com/section?SID=e180e954264

you can get a handset that plugs into your USB port that skype can then use. a friend has a cordless headset one and it is superb.

[anonymous-user]

Ian_H said:

What are the people who are using this using as a 'phone'? Do you just use a headset with mic attached?

USB headsets work, you can also use a bluetooth one if your computer supports it.

I just talk into my laptop and it works O.K.

[cazzer]

This is nice. But don't know anyone who has one though.
So can't comment on its effectiveness.

www.firebox.com/index.html?dir=firebox&action=product&pid=1185