Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Finally, a new Skype™ feature I can get behind

I've always been a big fan of Skype's because it's free VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) and features a decent call test function, but I've always been a big enemy of Skype's because:

  • Skype features as few 'quit' buttons as possible
  • Skype puts its 'quit' buttons in only the least convenient, most clicks-per-task locations
  • Skype insinuates itself into your boot at install without asking
  • Skype minimizes and x's hidden to the tray by default and has no config of its own to change the behavior
  • Skype takes over control of audio hardware, dimming other sounds, overriding Windows settings, without asking
  • Skype installs its browser bars without asking and sometimes again on update
  • Skype's incoming call button uses "always-on-top" when your focus is elsewhere, but doesn't give the button focus when you are already in the software
  • Skype's splash doesn't contain settings for status (away, invisible) before log in
  • Skype hides messages behind a bunch of blue space that's not doing anything until you click a little orange ball up by someone's name which may or may not be on screen during a call
  • Skype has no volume control anywhere on the main call screen
  • Skype's pop-up ads feature just-kidding-x-buttons so you can close them so they can come right back
  • Skype thinks your PC is its playground and doesn't care what else you do with it or whether you mind
Skype™ without all that PC hardwareBut earlier this week Skype announced its new service Skype™ for String, and I'd like to say, Skype, this is the best thing you've done since you added a 'quit' button back to the task bar right-click options.

 Learn more about the new tech here:
Skype™ for String

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