skype
16 ResultsDictionary
Skype
An Internet telephone and video calling service from Skype Limited, Luxembourg (www.skype.com), a division of Microsoft. Being software based, calls from Skype subscribers originate from their...
Dictionary
Definition: Skype
An Internet telephone and video calling service from Skype Limited, Luxembourg (www.skype.com), a division of Microsoft. Being software based, calls from Skype subscribers originate from their computers, and all computer-to-computer calls between subscribers are free, including video calls. Access to regular telephones is also available. With "SkypeOut," users dial a regular telephone for a low per-minute charge. "SkypeIn" lets people worldwide call a Skype subscriber from a regular telephone by dialing a local Skype phone number.
In May 2010, Skype introduced its group video calling service that lets five people have a videoconference.
Explosive Growth
Introduced in July 2004, within a year, more than a hundred million people downloaded the software. In the fall of 2005, Skype claimed 40 million active users and was acquired by eBay for $2.6 billion. By late 2008, an average of 10 million users were using Skype simultaneously. In 2009, Skype was acquired by private investors with eBay retaining a major equity position. In 2011, Microsoft bought Skype and partnered with Facebook to allow its 750 million members to make video calls.
Supernodes
Rather than using standard voice over IP (VoIP) protocols such as SIP and H.323, Skype uses proprietary protocols that incorporate a peer-to-peer architecture. If Skype cannot make a direct connection from one user to the other, it may elicit one of its users who has the Skype application loaded to become a "supernode" and relay the call. Only a fraction of the millions of Skype users become supernodes at any given time. See supernode.
Portable Skype Phones
Similar to a cordless phone, a Skype telephone is portable and frees subscribers from being tethered to their PCs. It transmits wireless to a base station that plugs into the PC via USB or into a free port on a network router. In addition, there are adapters that let existing desk and portable phones make regular phone calls and Skype calls. The user's phone plugs into the adapter, which plugs into both the PC and the telephone jack on the wall. See softphone and fring.
THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
© 1981-2010 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.
Sponsored White Papers, Webcasts & Resources
-
Business Execution: Executive Buyer's Guide
There's a big difference between strategy and execution. Take a look at this white paper to learn how you can take your business strategies into the real world with the help of assets you already...
-
April Fools' 2012: Pranks from around the Web
The chances are, if you surfed the Web on April 1, you may have been duped by a prank or two. Here are the best of the day.
-
Skype monitoring, Gmail hacks, and fake iTunes updates: How 'spy agencies' track you
The private sector makes billions in revenue through sales of its covert technologies to state agencies. But what can the technology actually do?
-
15 techy things to keep you busy this Thanksgiving
From trying out new products and services to updating your devices, here are 15 things to keep you busy this Thanksgiving holiday.
-
netTALK DUO Re-Reviewed: It Works - Just Not So Great
netTALK DUO would be a great replacement for Skype or Vonage or MagicJack, if only it worked better.
-
(Updated) Review: netTALK Duo Underwhelms on Voice Quality
I really really wanted to like the netTALK Duo. But the deficient voice quality sunk this otherwise promising offering.
-
-
Skype drops Windows Mobile and Skype Lite
Skype has announced it is pulling Skype for Windows Mobile phones and Skype Lite for Java handsets, including Android.
-
Cloud, consumers give Skype enterprise boost
Skype's Dan Neary says in the past online consumer apps would never be considered business grade But with the cloud, those apps have become secure enough that you trust.
-
Skype deal averts shutdown, allows sale
Skype's founders Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis are to regain some of their control over the company as part of a deal that will let Skype carry on using its core peer-to-peer technology.
-
Apple's app flap: Don't blame AT&T
ZDNet Senior Editor Sam Diaz shares his views on the recent iPhone related controversy--Apple’s rejection of Google Voice. He says, AT&T was not behind the app rejection and that Apple should...
-
Back-to-school tech for students
A look over 10 bits of technology a back-to-school student will need to get them through their next academic year. These are well thought out and recommended by ZDNet's resident student.
-
EU to investigate VoIP tapping
The European Union's Judicial Co-Operation Unit is looking at how to intercept calls made over services such as Skype, at the urging of Italy's anti-Mafia directorate
-
Skype strikes deal with Nokia
Nokia announced a partnership with Nokia, the largest cell phone maker in the world, to put the Skype Internet calling software onto its phones.
-
Skype 4.0 for Windows delivers truer video, sound
Skype's free desktop VoIP communicator brings some key enhancements with video and audio bandwidth, though it leaves behind some of the extra adornments of version 3.8. Read CNET's review.
-
Setting up your Skype wake-up call
Want to get up on time for lectures? Set Skype to ring you when you need it
-
Skype patches security policy bypassing vulnerability
In a security bulletin issued two days ago, Skype's latest version fixes a File URI Security Bypass Code Execution Vulnerability originally reported by Ismael Briones : Remote exploitation of a...
-
Image Gallery: VoIP clients on S60 smartphones
S60 smartphones support VoIP functionality and three applications that demonstrate this technology are Fring, Gizmo Project, and Truphone.
Additional Results
-
Microsoft makes Skype available to OEMs for preinstallation on PCs
Microsoft's latest OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK) facilitates the preloading of Skype for Windows 7 on new PCs.
-
Microsoft, Skype and the acquisition integration paradox
A brief survey of acquisitions indicates that integration appears to be the way to go. What does that mean about the line Microsoft is walking with the Skype acquisition?
-
Feeding green screen chroma key into Skype
I wanted the remote Skype viewer to see whatever image I wanted behind me: a brick wall, a rack of computers, a bookshelf, a logo, a moving pattern...whatever.
-
Choosing the right computer to power the Skype Studio
In later articles, when I tell you what obscenities I'm making this little machine do in the name of broadcasting, you'll understand why this is so very important.
The best of ZDNet, delivered
ZDNet Newsletters
Get the best of ZDNet delivered straight to your inbox
Vendor Showcase
