Posted by
kiwimmc
17 yrs ago
Just seen in the press - though I think that it has probably been going on for a while - that ebay might close down skype due to some licencing dispute on some technical item.
what are the alternates?? Is there another free video conferencing option out there??
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I wouldn't worry about Skype shutting down any time soon. These lawsuits and the accompanying posturing come up from time to time in the tech industry. Remember a few years ago when Blackberry service was "threatened"? It never happened. Somehow these things are almost always resolved in the end.
As for VOIP services, there are several. You can even use Windows Live Messenger for free video and voice calls.
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Agreed, Skype wont be closing. If you are a regular reader of tech press this type of dispute goes on all the time. Pretty much all the IM programs do video and voice now and there are other more dedicated alternatives out there. Google will provide you dozens of alternatives.
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My favorite was when RAMBUS was suing every single computer memory manufacturer to try to get them to pay for patents they were supposedly using. They threatened all sorts of fun stuff but the effect on the consumer was effectively zero.
And then we have SCO vs everyone who looks at Linux drama...
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Ed
17 yrs ago
I use http://www.zoippe.com/
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If you don't use Skype-In and Skype-Out, then your only real option is MSN Messenger. Others may be options, but realistically, an instant messenger a network-effect product - if your friends are not on it, it's useless. MSN is the only one that has critical mass (you can communicate with Yahoo too).
MSN's recent updates have improved the voice quality to very good levels.
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If you are using skype to communicate between Asia and North America, I suggest using magicjack, all you need to do is plug it in your USB port on one end and into your phone through the other and you'll not only have a north american phone line that can call anywhere else in North America for only $20/year but you also get to pick your phone number and area code in a large number of cities.
So, for example, if your loved ones are in Denver and you pick a phone number with a 303 area code, it'll be a local call for them to reach you anywhere you are in the world as long as you're on a high speed connection.
Http://www.magicjack.com
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Magic Jack is OK. My parents in the USA use it, quality is less than perfect but it works.
Does Magic Jack give you a US phone number here in HK? In other words, can US family call you?
Thanks
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