Mac Users Finally Get Skype With Video
Nothing better than a geeky company challenging other geeks to be “brave” and try their new pre-beta (isn’t that called alpha?) software. Today Skype called out the manliness of all OS X users by challenging us to be “brave” and try their new Skype with Video preview. Unless, you are a little pussy that doesn’t want video? Frankly though, if thats the case, please turn in your nerd glasses and your penis and step away from the computer.
I’m answered the challenge already by downloading it and signing in. However, since I don’t have a super-cool MacBook yet I don’t have a camera to test it on right now. I’m hearing good things though and plan to give it a whirl when I get home tonight. If you want to look me up tonight so we can get in our convertible, hold hands and drive off the cliff together into the scary abyss that is “preview technology” you can find me on skype as “mikehyb” Until then, be careful out there. The world of Alpha software is a scary place.
Make Free Skype-Out Calls
If you want to make calls with Skype and don’t want to pay those “Skype-Out”; charges, the VOIP blog has the answer.
Here’s the quick version:Skype allows you to call 1-800 numbers for free. There is a free 411 service (ad supported) at the number "800-FREE41" Have Skype dial that number, use the voice recognition to find the party you are looking for and have the 411 service connect your call. Free land-line calling from Skype. The only catch is the party you are calling must be listed so that 411 can find them.
The Gizmo Project
I’ve never been much into Skype, the latest buzz-generating VOIP client that allows users to make and receive phone calls on their computers. Ok, to be honest, I’ve never used Skype. I used the recently purchased DialPad during my freshman year in college to make calls home some 5 years ago, but since then I haven’t experimented with any personal, computer based VOIP solutions. Why? Mainly because I have a cell phone and I’ve never needed to use those much.
That being said, I the Gizmo Project, brought to my attention today by Laurie at TUAW, has caught my eye. Its mainly the same thing as Skype, but I like their goal, to make VOIP as easy as: “…point, click, talk. For free.” The pictures of their Mac OS X interface seem to back that mantra up (picture after the jump). I’m not really into using the “Call Out” or “Call In” features that with small fees allow you to call out to “real” phones or have people call into your computer via “real” phones, but my interest is peaked enough to download it and set it up.
I’ll be sure to report back to see if the Gizmo Project is worth a look or if I just got suckered in by a pretty interface. Seriously, I have been known to be suckered in by a pretty interface…just look at the picture! Cool huh? And who doesn’t love maps!?