I have to say, I am a new user of Skype, I haven't experienced the poor sound quality, with the exception of buying a bad binatone usb phone, which went back the very same day!
I am now using a philips VOIP321 and the quality is excellent.
I will be however downloading the newest version soon, and hopefully it will live up to what I've experienced so far.
Thanks for the heads up! x
Dossy Shiobara
· 10 months ago
It's funny how the Mac and Windows product feature set seems to be diverging - does Skype 2.8 Beta for OSX incorporate this new codec?
Craig
· 10 months ago
Have to admit that I've had no issues with call quality either and almost all of my calls are international. Even using Skype In and Skype Out numbers I have no complaints.
Craig
Adam Ostrow
· 10 months ago
@Steve good points ... my biggest problems with Skype seem to come at home where I have a rather weak DSL connection - you can actually notice the call quality deteriorate as you surf the Web - if you use ONLY Skype it can be better. So, Skype's reduction of bandwidth usage could really help.
@Robert point taken, will be sure to mention Windows or Mac-only in future posts. Used to writing about Web apps, not desktop :-)
Tim Jahn
· 10 months ago
I ran over to the download page to download version "4.0" and I was greeted with the Mac download page for 2.7.
You never mentioned that 4.0 was for Windows only. Please don't EVER assume everyone in the world uses (prefers) Windows. We have enough crazies like that already. :)
Offbeatmammal
· 10 months ago
I gave up using Skype (and dropped my SkypeOut service) a couple of years ago (moved to MagickJack) for a couple of reasons, but voice quality (especially calling from the US to the UK) was terrible. Actually unusable. Reliability was pretty poor as well. We had a SkypeIn number but more often than not people couldn't ring it with any confidence.
MagicJack let us use a "real" handset at home which is a much more user friendly solution (we'd tried a couple of handset options - eg the Belkin WiFi handset - with Skype and they were equally painful)
Having an improved client is great. If it provides features like simultaneous ringing on my desktop and cellphone it would be awesome. If they work on the ecosystem to provide integration with DECT phones etc it would be even better but they need to prove it before I go through the pain of switching my number back again...
ibrahim
· 10 months ago
Hi, I just downloaded and installed Skype 4 for windows and i must say that the call quality and video have definitely improved. However, there is a new learning curve as the interface can be a bit confusing considering the older version of Skype, which i still prefer. With regards call quality, you are right, i had noticed that calls to mobile and landlines are not as clear as before. Also on a snail band connection in this part of Africa, the bandwidth optimization of 4.0 is highly welcome. Thanks
Timothy Post
· 10 months ago
I use Skype from Southern Russia to call Europe and US and the call qualify is always a crap shoot. Nonetheless, I love having a SkypeIn number in Boston.
But recently the SkypeOut rates have become almost prohibitive. It's gotten to the point where using a "scratch-off" calling card is becoming attractive again.
I have no problem paying to use Skype. I love Skype. But I begin to use it differently in they don't change their rate plans.
Alex
· 10 months ago
Is this official Skype 4.0 or still Beta version?
Bruce - MyEmployee.Net - Ameri
· 10 months ago
I've been using Skype for more than 5 years now. And it has been improving very well since I first used it. The quality is just becoming better and better.
Peter Parkes (Skype Blogger)
· 10 months ago
For those of you who're having poor call quality: While version 4.0 should go a long way to resolve the more common call quality problems, you might also want to take a look at the call quality guide on our website, which should offer some useful advice.
If that doesn't do the trick, please give me a shout on Skype (peterparkes) and I'll put you in touch with one of our troubleshooters.
Darren Tan
· 10 months ago
Nice.. Skype is the best when it comes to VOIP! This is sweet!
Jason Lancaster
· 10 months ago
First, to all you Mac owners whining about how this article got your hopes up about a new version of Skype, only to find out it was for Windows, get a clue: If you wanted lots of software options and fast updates, you bought the wrong brand. At least Skype doesn't crash your machine every day like it crashes my PC.
Second, I've got experience with poor Skype quality myself and I'm quite hopeful this new update resolves it. Thank you, Adam, for making this announcement - I'm downloading the new version now.
Finally, can I make a complaint about Skype to anyone who will listen? Who at Skype decided it was OK to interrupt my day with advertisements despite the fact that I'm a paying customer? It would be one thing if I was using the system for free, but I'm giving them money...WTF? How much do I have to spend to get an ad-free version of the product?
Jody
· 10 months ago
I live in the Philippines and Skype has made it possible for us to do business from here. I brought a Primus voip gateway from Canada and the quality is terrible for those listening to us, nor is it as portable and it costs $30 a month where as Skype is much less for better.
The quality on Skype does tend to go up and down, however it's much better than what it was a few years ago. Loving to hear that the new one could make voice even better!
I did have an issue with Skype-in where some couldn't phone me as it said they needed a PIN code?? However Skype explained how to fix it and smooth sailing since.
I also tried Magic Jack and it doesn't compare to the quality of Skype, not sure why...
If you're in the Philippines Skype might be your best voip option??? !!
nodewave
· 10 months ago
Here a simple (and free) software to enable/force/configure Skype 4.0 to send high quality video even if you didn't bought an expensive webcam and a dual-core CPU.
You may also send higher resolution than Skype's HQ : the unofficial Skype HD !!!
How does someone using the GE skype DECT 6.0 phone connected to a router get these quality improvements (calls quality)?
sterling silver stud earrings
· 7 months ago
I've used skype for a short period now. It has good voice quality and cheap rates.
voip
· 5 months ago
definately much better experience with call quality
skype user
· 4 months ago
I bought one year of service with skype so i could make calls to landline and mobile and it doesnt work. My test call worked perfect but as soon as I paid and tried to make real calls to real numbers, I get robotic voice that you cant make out what is being said. I looked and I am losing 90% of recv incoming packets. After paying full price for service, you would think it would "just work". Ah the hype... can't find good help either. Don't think skype wants their forums cluttered with threads about how nothing can make the call usable. Scam! And where's my money back?
All Comments
I am now using a philips VOIP321 and the quality is excellent.
I will be however downloading the newest version soon, and hopefully it will live up to what I've experienced so far.
Thanks for the heads up! x
Craig
@Robert point taken, will be sure to mention Windows or Mac-only in future posts. Used to writing about Web apps, not desktop :-)
You never mentioned that 4.0 was for Windows only. Please don't EVER assume everyone in the world uses (prefers) Windows. We have enough crazies like that already. :)
Reliability was pretty poor as well. We had a SkypeIn number but more often than not people couldn't ring it with any confidence.
MagicJack let us use a "real" handset at home which is a much more user friendly solution (we'd tried a couple of handset options - eg the Belkin WiFi handset - with Skype and they were equally painful)
Having an improved client is great. If it provides features like simultaneous ringing on my desktop and cellphone it would be awesome. If they work on the ecosystem to provide integration with DECT phones etc it would be even better but they need to prove it before I go through the pain of switching my number back again...
But recently the SkypeOut rates have become almost prohibitive. It's gotten to the point where using a "scratch-off" calling card is becoming attractive again.
I have no problem paying to use Skype. I love Skype. But I begin to use it differently in they don't change their rate plans.
If that doesn't do the trick, please give me a shout on Skype (peterparkes) and I'll put you in touch with one of our troubleshooters.
Second, I've got experience with poor Skype quality myself and I'm quite hopeful this new update resolves it. Thank you, Adam, for making this announcement - I'm downloading the new version now.
Finally, can I make a complaint about Skype to anyone who will listen? Who at Skype decided it was OK to interrupt my day with advertisements despite the fact that I'm a paying customer? It would be one thing if I was using the system for free, but I'm giving them money...WTF? How much do I have to spend to get an ad-free version of the product?
The quality on Skype does tend to go up and down, however it's much better than what it was a few years ago. Loving to hear that the new one could make voice even better!
I did have an issue with Skype-in where some couldn't phone me as it said they needed a PIN code?? However Skype explained how to fix it and smooth sailing since.
I also tried Magic Jack and it doesn't compare to the quality of Skype, not sure why...
If you're in the Philippines Skype might be your best voip option??? !!
You may also send higher resolution than Skype's HQ : the unofficial Skype HD !!!
Here is the link:
http://www.nodewave.com/software/ForceSkypeHQVideo