*Skype* is a popular, easy to use and reliable *VOIP* (Voice over Internet
Protocol) program, that allows you call and talk to other Skype users, *video
chat* and more for free over the internet. With Skype you can not only have
voice chats on your computer – just like telephone, only for free – but
also make real phone calls at much lower rates, using the so called SkypeOut
service and paying with Skype credit. Besides voice chats, Skype also
includes the standard IM functionalities (written conversations, emoticons,
user avatars and so on) and also lets you have group video conferences. These
video calls are precisely the main focus on Skype's latest version. The
program's interface has been completely redesigned with *video conferences*
on mind. This means it's been made wider so that video fits in perfectly with
your written chat, your contact list and a toolbar to manage conversation.
The new interface is transformed when you make a call, getting rid of all the
clutter, so you just see the video images, and controls. Group video is still
being tested in this version, and it's pretty cool. The sound quality during
our testing was perfect: loud and clear. Video sometimes appeared a bit
pixelated, but nothing we couldn't really deal with. There was also one nice
detail, and that's the ability to see your own video image built-in on your
contact's video, and the option to take a snapshot of your own image. The
other major development is *Facebook integration*. This is a pretty big
thing, as not only does it give you your news feed in the app - anyone can do
that - but adds call and sms buttons to any of your friends who share their
contact numbers. If you've paid for Skype minutes, you can call your
Facebook friends, and if they're also signed in to Skype you can call them
for free. One of the best new features is the automatic call recovery - drop
a call and it's put in pause. Restarting it is now really easy. *Skype 5
features a complete interface overhaul that now focuses more on video chats,
and also adds some handy improvements to the way you communicate
online.*Download *Skype 5.5.0.115* in Softonic
