Alternatives to Skype?

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sonyxperiageek

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#138401 2-Jan-2014 17:18

Hi folks, was just wondering if anyone had any modern day video chatting software alternatives than Skype? I know there is Yahoo Messenger, but that doesn't work well.

Thanks.

Sony

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Ultimate Geek

#960374 2-Jan-2014 17:44

Google Hangouts

tchart

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#960376 2-Jan-2014 17:49

As much as I hate Apple, FaceTime is awesome. Much nicer than Skype but does require both parties to have a "I" device.

sonyxperiageek

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#960377 2-Jan-2014 17:56

marpada: Google Hangouts

Ah yes, forgot about this one, thanks.

Unfortunately family can't use Google services in China.. I know, I should have made it clearer at the beginning, but was trying to look at this at all angles.

Sony

sonyxperiageek

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#960378 2-Jan-2014 17:57

tchart: As much as I hate Apple, FaceTime is awesome. Much nicer than Skype but does require both parties to have a "I" device.

Yeah, I don't have a supported iDevice permanently for that.. but thanks for the suggestion!

Sony

sonyxperiageek

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#960380 2-Jan-2014 17:58

I was looking at more of a software/service that could support a wide range of platforms.

Sony

blackjack17

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#960383 2-Jan-2014 18:18

http://www.viber.com/ ?

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zhuyan

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#960385 2-Jan-2014 18:24

The voice clarity and quality of Viber on iPhone is way better than Skype; this is based on calls made to UK landline and mobiles.

And it is available on PC/MAC desktop; ios; android; windows phone; blackberry

www.viber.com

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sonyxperiageek

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#960392 2-Jan-2014 19:01

Yep, I have Viber, but it doesn't have video calling yet. It doesn't seem like there are many alternatives with video calling these days.. let's see what Kim Dotcom's MEGA is like with their upcoming video chatting service.

But thanks guys for your suggestions.

Sony

zhuyan

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Master Geek

#960396 2-Jan-2014 19:19

There is an app called oovoo which definitely supports video calling and it's cross platforms as well

Another one would be LINE, which is THE most popular app of its kind in Japan I think

coffeebaron

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#960404 2-Jan-2014 19:41

Fring - this was one of the original services, started its days on Nokia phones.

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sonyxperiageek

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#960405 2-Jan-2014 19:42

I remember Fring; I tried using it back then but it was quite cumbersome to use in the early days!

Sony

coffeebaron

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#960418 2-Jan-2014 20:33

sonyxperiageek: I remember Fring; I tried using it back then but it was quite cumbersome to use in the early days!

It's come a long way since then. Uses your mobile number now to register: so similar to how Viber registers.

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nakedmolerat

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#960422 2-Jan-2014 20:37

sonyxperiageek:
marpada: Google Hangouts

Ah yes, forgot about this one, thanks.

Unfortunately family can't use Google services in China.. I know, I should have made it clearer at the beginning, but was trying to look at this at all angles.

LINE

TwoSeven

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#960424 2-Jan-2014 21:07

Out of interest, what is the issue with Skype?

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(a person who believes in equality and who does not believe in/use stereotypes. Examples such as gender, binary, nonbinary, male/female etc.)

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sonyxperiageek

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#960429 2-Jan-2014 21:12

Nothing is wrong with Skype here, but in China, family is having quality issues, and I want to explore some alternatives as well. But 8/10 it's probably their internet..

Sony

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