Are you familiar with Skype? Launched in 2003, Skype stirred up a storm in the video conferencing and communication world to become a household name. It became hugely popular as a user-friendly and free way to make video and voice calls over the Internet. And we are talking of a time when there were no WhatsApp video calls. Skype was probably the most used tool when it came to calling someone over the Internet.
Cut to 2023, Skype faces stiff competition from other video conferencing platforms, such as Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
Owing to the popularity of Zoom, Google Meet, and other platforms, you may sometimes wonder whether Skype is still relevant in 2023 and will continue to be in the new year. Or is Skype irrelevant? Is the platform considered outdated technology?
To answer this question, it is essential to carefully consider the strengths and weaknesses of this platform.
Strengths
- Available across platforms and devices
Skype is available on every platform, including macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, web browsers, and more. This means you can use this platform across your devices. All you need to do is remember your login account and password.
Skype is among the few platforms that Mac users can use without asking too many questions, such as how to install Skype in Mac. You can visit skype.com > go to the Downloads tab > click Get Skype for Mac. Then, let the installation process complete. Similarly, you can install Skype on other operating systems. You can use it in the browser or app version.
- Allows cross-platform calling
Skype allows you to call other users regardless of the platform they are using. This is one of the major advantages of this platform over other video conferencing tools.
- Cost-effective
The basic features of this video conferencing platform can be used for free, including video and audio calls. But if you want to unlock advanced features, there are paid plans for you to check out. Some of the advanced features are group video calls and international calling.
Compared to other platforms, Skype is competitively priced.
Weaknesses
- Stiff competition
As technology is continually evolving, there are newer video conferencing platforms on the rise. Hence, Skype faces stiff competition. The newer platforms are packed with new improvements and features, which makes them attractive to users.
- Security concerns
Unfortunately, Skype has had a series of security problems, including vulnerabilities and data breaches that allowed hackers to access user data.
Hence, those who consider security paramount are looking for other alternatives.
- Cluttered UI
Compared to other platforms, Skype has a cluttered UI. Users are often seen complaining about the platform’s UI, which makes it challenging to navigate. This results in affecting the overall user experience.
So, is Skype Relevant in 2023?
Despite its weaknesses, Skype will be relevant in 2023 and will be expected to play an important role in the video conferencing world in the coming years as well.
The platform is perfect for casual users who are not interested in lots of bells and whistles. But simply want a beginner-friendly platform where they can conduct video and audio calls. Also, it is a good choice for businesses seeking an affordable and simple way to connect and collaborate with employees and clients. The platform comes with all the basic features needed to talk to people and share project details.
However, Skype is not as feature-rich as Google Meet or Zoom. The newer platforms are much more polished and offer a superior user experience.
Ultimately, whether you will use Skype or not, the decision depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you are looking for a user-friendly and affordable conferencing platform that easily works across devices and operating systems, Skype is a good option. But for advanced features, you have to look for alternatives.
Here are some additional factors to consider if you are on the fence about whether or not to use Skype:
- Do you use video conferencing regularly or occasionally? If you said occasionally, Skype is a good option for personal or business use. The platform has all the basic features you will need for your video conference or meeting.
- If you need basic video and audio call features, you can opt for Skype. The platform has also undergone some updates that allow users to share their screens and share files. Other features are live transcription and recording.
- Your budget is also an important factor to consider. Skype is basically a free option, but there are paid plans for enterprises with additional features. So, if you have a limited budget, opt for Skype.
Summing Up
Although Skype is relevant in 2023 and will remain so over the coming years, there are better video and voice conferencing tools in the market. Hence, Skype is facing increasing competition.
The choice of whether or not you will use Skype depends on your specific needs and preferences. But overall, Skype is a simple platform you can use for your video and voice call needs.
