Skype versus Viber which one is the best?
With so many different communication apps and software in the marketplace it’s difficult to know wether you are making the right decision on which one to use. Of course you are free to use multiple systems as per your own needs, but which one really is the better system?
Viber has been around for a few years now. It’s use has been restricted up until recently just for smartphones, attempting to do exactly the same job as your phone by connecting to other users through the app. Registration for the account is done through your mobile telephone number, and it accesses all the numbers in your contacts to see if they are Viber users. the cool thing is that it allows you to connect with users globally. No more long distant telephone calls. You can contact and connect with them over 3G (or Wifi) which is great if you are on the move.
One thing that has changed recently is that it’s now available on desktop. This version runs on PC and Mac but the account still needs to be registered through your smartphone account so you can use it. This move has put Viber in direct competition with Skype, the market leader which is now under the Microsoft umbrella, replacing their Live messenger system which has added millions of users to Skype.
Skype seems to have the advantage with it’s video calling features, but Viber is hot on the heels with it’s own video features that are currently in beta.
Signing up for either service is pretty painless. Skype requires you to register, which could still be done anonymously, although you do need an email address to use, whereas Viber does require you to part with your mobile phone number, so if you don’t have a phone, you can forget using Viber.
Both systems have the ability to call mobile numbers and landlines. the advantage Viber has here is that it can call any mobile phone that has vibe installed on it using the same contact list, directly through 3G or wifi. With Skype you would be calling a Skype contact, and if you wanted to call a mobile number from Skype you will need Skype credit to do so. Then again you will need credit on your desktop version of Viber to be able to call non Viber mobile users. For landlines, then both systems will require some credit to make the call, even so, this is still considerably cheaper than calling by normal means.
An interesting feature that Skype has is the ability to have a local number. This feature i love. I often travel, and lets say i’m in Istanbul, Turkey. I purchased the use of a UK landline number ( this you can do for periods of time, like 3 months for example). This number is then connected to my Skype account. I notify my contacts that i am out of the country and to use this UK landline number. Your friends can then call you for the price of a local call, and it is free to you. You just need to be online and connected to Skype. Calls come directly through to your desktop. You can find out more about this service here. (LINK)
Video calling is another area where possibly Skype has the edge. Viber is still in beta, and is not fully optimised yet, meaning you get substandard images and calls. Even with a high speed internet connection, these problems persist. Even the phone app alone is prone to errors and low quality audio. Skype has continuously been improving the quality of their service. In the years I have been a user, yes there have been dropouts, but overall the service has been pretty reliable. If there is a problem, it’s probably your connection.
So what are the costs like? Viber is only free to use with other Viber users, if you where to call any other number while using the app, then it is charged at your carriers normal fees. Skype to Skype calls are also free but if you wanted to call a landline or mobile number you can use your Skype credit and contact them for far cheaper than the prices your carrier charges you.
So which is better? Yes, Viber is entering a new market for it’s software, and in a lot of ways still has a few hurdles to cross. Skype on the other hand has a far greater installation base compared to Viber. You can find Skype these days not only on your computers and smartphones, but on your TVs, Playstations, Xboxes, as well as integration into some of Microsofts key products such as Word and other office programs.
So if you’re a Skype user. Stay with it. By all means install Viber, you may have some contacts that prefer to reach you in this way, especially if they are on the move, and the merging of the contacts lists does make that use very convenient. But unless Viber seriously ups it game, for me it’s Skype all the way.
Skype Translator is Here! (If You Are A Windows User)
It’s been six months since Skype started previewing their answer to Star Trek’s universal translator, “Skype Translator”. If you want access to this cutting edge version of their messaging app you need to sign up for a beta version. Well the good news is no sign up is nessesary now. You can just download it.The bad news? It’s only available as desktop for Windows 8.1 and the preview version of Windows 10. I hope use regular Skype users don’t have to wait too long before it becomes available for Mac users and users of mobile devices.
Skype Translator Works in Real Time in Four Languages
So now everyone can now try the Translator and not have to wait to be invite only approved. It has live translating for four languages now, English, Spanish, Italian, and Mandarin which is a great start and more languages are promised soon. It’s not exactly as fluid as talking natively on the phone, but it works, and incredible that you can now chat directly with someone in China.
Instant Messaging in over Fifty Languages
As for text driven conversations, Skype Translator can now translate over 50 different languages, users can write a text message in their own language, and the recipient can receive it in their own language. Hopefully no more misunderstandings, this technology could really change the world.
Microsoft released the Skype Translator preview back in December 2014, and has received excellent feedback from the early adopters. One of those early adopters is Pro Mujer, which is a New York City based non-profit development organization dedicated to helping and providing women in Latin America with financial, health, and human development services that are typically out of reach to these women, empowering them to become financially independent, healthy, and leaders in their local communities.
Below is a video helping you to setup Skype Translator on your own PC.
Microsoft please hurry up and get the Mac version ready, I really want to start using this tech myself.
For more information – please visit www.skype.com/translator
Skype for iPhone 5.10 Brings Back URI Support
With the release of Skype for iPhone 5.10, Microsoft have brought back Skype URI support to the Apple product with new improvements to the dialer meaning it’s quicker and easier to start Skype conversations and stay in touch with friends and family.
The support for Skype URIs, means that developers can easily use Skype’s messaging and calling infrastructure to start calls and chats straight from their own mobile apps or mobile websites, rather than building their own.
As long as there is a Skype app is installed on an iPhone, when a user taps on a Skype name or phone number in an app, the URI opens the Skype app to connect a call or send a message, making a faster and seamless connection to reach friends, family or businesses. So if you’re browsing restaurant options on an app or mobile website that utilizes Skype URIs, tapping on the phone number would launch Skype so you could call and make a reservation.
Improvements to the dialer have been made to make it even easier to stay connected to the people who matter most to you. Now you can save phone numbers that have been entered into the dial pad and also phone numbers in your recent calls list. When you save the phone numbers, you can now easily create new contacts so you don’t have to search for the number next time you call them.
To download the latest version of Skype for iPhone, you can get the update from the App Store – all you’ll need is iOS 7 or later.
Skype Built into Windows 10
The world of Skype just keeps getting better and better. Not only are they continually updating their mobile versions of their market leading VOIP software, but more changes are ahead for desktop/laptop users as we now have Skype built into Windows 10.
Skype is becoming part of the Windows 10 operating system built into their communications suite. This is across your PC, tablet and mobile phone. This is good news as brings back the built-in Messaging app from Windows 8 that Microsoft decided to remove from the Windows 8.1 update which obviously was a mistake.
Much More Intuitive
Microsoft have now made the use of Skype more intuitative, by directly integrating it into Messaging, Calling and Video experiences without the need for an additional application and a very simple setup to start using it.
One of the key things here is that you can reach out to your friends and contacts to share the everday moments in your life. Skype has made this simple by integrating both your mobile phone and email address lists which you can connect to your friends that use Skype not just on a windows driven device, but also Android, Macs and iPhones etc.
This built in experience allows you to send messages for free over the internet directly from the taskbar at the bottom of the screen, whilst on your phone you send text messages and free skype to skype messages, all from the same place, which sounds like they have taken a leaf out of Apples book as you can do this on the iPhone and Macs with their iMessage system. It’s also has an identical design to the iMessage app on OS X, as it has a similar two-panel layout and circular UI for contact photos.
The Key difference is that Skype is cross-platform compatible, meaning you can chat to friends on iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Windows, and more, while iMessage is only limited to Apple’s platforms. I’m personally looking forward to seeing Skype built into Windows 10 and how it will streamline my communications experience.
The new Windows 10 ( What happened to 9?) is due to be released in July of this year.
Skype or Viber. Do You Need Help Choosing?
Skype versus Viber which one is the best?
With so many different communication apps and software in the marketplace it’s difficult to know wether you are making the right decision on which one to use. Of course you are free to use multiple systems as per your own needs, but which one really is the better system?
Viber has been around for a few years now. It’s use has been restricted up until recently just for smartphones, attempting to do exactly the same job as your phone by connecting to other users through the app. Registration for the account is done through your mobile telephone number, and it accesses all the numbers in your contacts to see if they are Viber users. the cool thing is that it allows you to connect with users globally. No more long distant telephone calls. You can contact and connect with them over 3G (or Wifi) which is great if you are on the move.
One thing that has changed recently is that it’s now available on desktop. This version runs on PC and Mac but the account still needs to be registered through your smartphone account so you can use it. This move has put Viber in direct competition with Skype, the market leader which is now under the Microsoft umbrella, replacing their Live messenger system which has added millions of users to Skype.
Skype seems to have the advantage with it’s video calling features, but Viber is hot on the heels with it’s own video features that are currently in beta.
Signing up for either service is pretty painless. Skype requires you to register, which could still be done anonymously, although you do need an email address to use, whereas Viber does require you to part with your mobile phone number, so if you don’t have a phone, you can forget using Viber.
Both systems have the ability to call mobile numbers and landlines. the advantage Viber has here is that it can call any mobile phone that has vibe installed on it using the same contact list, directly through 3G or wifi. With Skype you would be calling a Skype contact, and if you wanted to call a mobile number from Skype you will need Skype credit to do so. Then again you will need credit on your desktop version of Viber to be able to call non Viber mobile users. For landlines, then both systems will require some credit to make the call, even so, this is still considerably cheaper than calling by normal means.
An interesting feature that Skype has is the ability to have a local number. This feature i love. I often travel, and lets say i’m in Istanbul, Turkey. I purchased the use of a UK landline number ( this you can do for periods of time, like 3 months for example). This number is then connected to my Skype account. I notify my contacts that i am out of the country and to use this UK landline number. Your friends can then call you for the price of a local call, and it is free to you. You just need to be online and connected to Skype. Calls come directly through to your desktop. You can find out more about this service here. (LINK)
Video calling is another area where possibly Skype has the edge. Viber is still in beta, and is not fully optimised yet, meaning you get substandard images and calls. Even with a high speed internet connection, these problems persist. Even the phone app alone is prone to errors and low quality audio. Skype has continuously been improving the quality of their service. In the years I have been a user, yes there have been dropouts, but overall the service has been pretty reliable. If there is a problem, it’s probably your connection.
So what are the costs like? Viber is only free to use with other Viber users, if you where to call any other number while using the app, then it is charged at your carriers normal fees. Skype to Skype calls are also free but if you wanted to call a landline or mobile number you can use your Skype credit and contact them for far cheaper than the prices your carrier charges you.
So which is better? Yes, Viber is entering a new market for it’s software, and in a lot of ways still has a few hurdles to cross. Skype on the other hand has a far greater installation base compared to Viber. You can find Skype these days not only on your computers and smartphones, but on your TVs, Playstations, Xboxes, as well as integration into some of Microsofts key products such as Word and other office programs.
So if you’re a Skype user. Stay with it. By all means install Viber, you may have some contacts that prefer to reach you in this way, especially if they are on the move, and the merging of the contacts lists does make that use very convenient. But unless Viber seriously ups it game, for me it’s Skype all the way.