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Download a program similar to Skype. Analogue of Skype: review of alternative instant messengers like Skype and whether they are worth using

You may or may not like Skype, but it is impossible to deny the popularity of this application. It is pre-installed on smartphones and laptops, even grandmothers and preschoolers use it, and the Skype login is found in contact information for online stores and on business cards almost as often as a mobile phone number. But for now, ordinary people are taking full advantage of popular application, a more advanced audience that worked with it back in the days when no one knew what a “Skype headset” was, is already looking for an alternative. After takeover popular messenger Microsoft Corporation introduced advertising in the program, and not so long ago it became known that support would be stopped within the next couple of months outdated versions Skype.

In the official explanation, the developers explain this step by saying that older releases are incompatible with new messenger functions (for example, sending messages to contacts who are not online). In addition, if users are working with older versions, it is impossible to implement correct operation programs when accessing the network from multiple devices. No one doubts that there are other reasons why Microsoft is uncomfortable with the old Skype versions, but we can only guess about them. However, the main thing is that very soon users of Skype 6.13 for Windows and earlier versions, as well as Skype 6.14 for Mac and older releases, simply will not be able to use the program. When trying to log in from old version The application will prompt you to update the program, otherwise the connection will not be established.

When people are forced to do something, it invariably makes them want to abandon the service, no matter how familiar and convenient it may be. But finding an alternative to Skype is not easy, if only because over the many years of its development the application has received a lot of functions that can be used on various devices: on desktop computers and laptops, smartphones and tablets. And for most of us, giving up a familiar application on a Windows computer means the need to look for an alternative and mobile device. Although the problem is most likely with the desktop messenger. There are a lot of mobile applications for text messaging, VoIP telephony and video calls, but not all of them have versions for Windows. Most developers are focused on developing their products for mobile platforms. Nevertheless, there are instant messengers that work simultaneously on mobile devices and computers, and it is them that we will talk about today.

Jitsi - for now only for desktop

The developers of most modern instant messengers rely on supporting popular mobile platforms, and pay much less attention to desktop systems. In this regard, Jitsi - unique program, because it works on all popular desktop platforms, but only Android is supported on mobile platforms, and even then only in alpha mode. The almost complete lack of support for mobile devices is compensated by a number of other advantages.

Firstly, in terms of basic functionality, Jitsi is not inferior to Skype - the same voice communication, video calls, including group ones, chat available, the ability to show your screen. Secondly, Jitsi is not just free program, it is also open source. At the same time, it is quite secure, since all traffic is encrypted. Thirdly, the application has good compatibility with other open standards: for example, sound is transmitted using the Opus codec, supported Google accounts, Facebook and others popular networks, voice and video calls in Jitsi can be made through SIP and XMPP accounts.

The SIP protocol is convenient for communication between users who are located in local network. This method of communication does not require registration - just indicate your IP address and a custom login. And in order to make voice and video calls not only on the local network, you can use the free XMPP service from the Jitsi developers. To do this you need to go simple registration on the jit.si website, then enter your XMPP account information (login is indicated in the format [email protected]).

Jitsi saves call history and allows you to keep track of missed calls. The application also allows you to transfer files - you just need to drag them into the application window. For voice calls, it supports echo elimination, noise reduction, temporarily muting the microphone, holding a call, and simultaneous voice chat with multiple interlocutors.

Viber is useless without a smartphone

Viber is a project that has partially Belarusian roots. One of the founders of the messenger is Belarusian, and work on the application is being carried out in Brest, as well as in Israel. First Viber version was released for the iPhone, but today you can use the messenger on almost all platforms: iOS, Android, Windows Phone, half-forgotten BlackBerry OS, Series 40, Symbian and Bada. And since last year, Viber also works on desktops Windows platforms, Mac OS X and Linux, however, with some reservations, which are discussed below.

Viber supports all the usual Skype functions: you can chat with friends (up to a hundred people can be in one chat at the same time), and also make calls - both in voice mode and with video. True, video calls currently only work in desktop versions of the application, and even then in beta mode.

If you want to use Viber as an alternative to Skype on the desktop, do not forget that this application was initially developed as a mobile one. This is why registration from the desktop client is not possible. To become a Viber user, you must first install the application on your smartphone. A phone number is used for authorization; the same number must then be entered in the desktop client. After this, an activation code will be sent to Viber mobile, which must be entered in the desktop program. Moreover, if you log out of your Viber account in the mobile application, the desktop version will immediately stop working.

Viber desktop picks up the list of contacts from your mobile phone and displays them in the main window. If you wish, you can also connect your Facebook and Twitter accounts - then your contact list will become even larger.

Those people who use Viber will be marked in the contact list with a special icon— you can call them or chat for free. You can also call other contacts, but using a paid Viber features Out. If you install Viber on two or more devices, the application will synchronize all messages between clients. If a message is deleted on one device, it will also be deleted on the other.

Viber offers quite a lot of ways to express yourself. When chatting from a mobile device, you can use not only words and the usual emoticons, but also stickers.

In addition, you can record funny animated videos directly in the application and send them to your interlocutors.

Regular recording is also available voice messages, sending video files and photos stored on the device, sending location information. You can also make drawings and send them to the chat. For desktop clients, it works to send emoticons, stickers, and photos that are stored on the computer.

Among the numerous settings of the application, one can note the ability to block numbers, automatic removal old multimedia files from the device, the ability to hide yourself from the Viber network, free reply to SMS via Viber (if the client is installed on the respondent).

Google Hangouts- video in browser

Google's communication service is integrated into various company web services, and also exists as separate mobile applications for Android and iOS, and on Android devices the client is preinstalled by default. From your desktop, you can communicate via Hangouts from Gmail and Google+. There is also an extension for Google Chrome that adds a mini-app directly to the Windows taskbar. Authorization on all devices, of course, occurs through the account Google entry. At the same time, all events are synchronized between devices: if you missed a video meeting, you will see a message about this on all your devices, as well as the history of negotiations in a text chat.

It's also interesting that Hangouts syncs notification settings across devices. If, for example, your computer has turned on blocking notifications about incoming messages for three hours, then during this time the smartphone will also be silent.

Another feature that will be convenient for those who use Hangouts on different devices is the display of information about which device is active in this moment. The status can also show information that the user is currently talking to someone.

Using Hangouts you can send messages to your interlocutors text messages, location information, photos (on mobile devices you can take a photo from the application or select it from the gallery). Unfortunately, there is no convenient way to transfer files, like in Skype. Perhaps someday the developers will also integrate their service with Hangouts “ Google Drive", but for now you can only upload images and videos.

On any device, you can start a video meeting, in which up to one hundred people can participate simultaneously. During a video call, the participant who is currently speaking is displayed in a large window, and the others are displayed in a feed of small windows located at the bottom of the screen. On a slow Internet connection, video calls in Hangouts work even better than Skype.

Mobile versions of Hangouts are integrated with SMS (if the user has enabled this feature), allowing the app to show general chat for text messages and those sent through the app.

Hangouts for Chrome has a spartan interface. The application is presented in the form of a separate small window, and also adds its own icon to the notification area (its display can be disabled). At the user's request, it can be launched automatically when the browser starts.

Telegram - only a chat, but safe

Telegram is the youngest of the messengers in our review; the oldest of its clients is not even a year old. However, his number active users in the spring it exceeded 35 million. Behind the promising project is the well-known Pavel Durov, who is investing money in it. Thanks to such powerful support, the application does not have any paid functions, as well as advertising (and, as the developers promise on the official website, it will not appear, since this project is not focused on making a profit).

Telegram is being developed by another Durov, Nikolai, who is Pavel’s older brother. Especially for the service, Nikolay created a special message transfer protocol called MTProto, which provides high level security. So high that they offered $200 thousand for hacking the protocol. virtual currency Bitcoin, but no one has earned it that way yet.

Like others mobile messengers, Telegram uses a mobile phone number as a login. It receives an SMS with an authorization code. If Telegram is used on multiple devices, you need to keep in mind that the first time you log in from new equipment, you will need to enter a verification code. Therefore, the phone number used for registration must be kept at hand. Interestingly, when authorizing on a new device, a message is sent to already activated devices for security purposes. In addition, in the application settings it is possible to remotely terminate all application sessions except the current one.

Telegram will be interesting for those Skype users who prefer text chat to all methods of communication. There are no VoIP telephony functions, as well as video calls, in Telegram (and are not planned yet). The app offers text messaging and also gives you the ability to send location information as a snippet google maps, attach images, send voice messages and videos up to 1 GB in size. You can record a voice message, as well as take a photo or video for your interlocutor, right there, without leaving the chat window.

All forwarded messages are stored on a remote server and are therefore accessible from any device on which you are logged in with a service account. And there can be a lot of such devices, because Telegram officially supports iOS and Android, and also has unofficial clients for Windows Phone, Windows Desktop, Linux and Mac, works as an application for Google Chrome and as a web application in the browser.

You can communicate on Telegram with more than just one person - to discuss issues that require presence more people, group chats are provided. Up to two hundred people can take part in such a chat, and not only the creator of the group, but also everyone who has already been invited to it can invite new participants. When you open a group chat window, you can see the total number of participants, as well as find out how many of them are currently online.

In addition to regular chats, Telegram also offers private chats with an increased level of security. During communication, data is sent directly between two devices, and the correspondence history does not remain on the remote server. Moreover, communicating in secret chat, you can set the time after which messages will be automatically deleted from the sender's and recipient's devices. However, secrecy also reverse side: in the name of security, you will have to sacrifice the ability to access messages from other devices, the function of forwarding messages to other people, and the ability to send messages to subscribers who are not currently online.

ooVoo - video calling, but with advertising

Another application that can be considered as Skype alternatives, -ooVoo. Its main advantages are support for both desktop and major mobile platforms (iOS, Android, Windows Phone), as well as the ability to make video calls on all supported devices. Moreover, making video calls is the main purpose of the service, and a lot of attention is paid to this function. The transmitted video can be equipped with various special effects that are applied on the fly.

Up to 12 people can communicate in a video chat at the same time, and not all of them must be users of the service. If you want to chat with those who do not have the ooVoo app installed, you can generate a link to a video chat. Those who receive this link will be able to join the video conference directly in the browser by entering their Facebook or ooVoo account details.

ooVoo program for Windows is more functional than mobile applications. So, in the desktop client you can send any files (to mobile version- only photos and videos), record calls and video messages, watch videos on YouTube with friends, transfer a picture from your desktop.

Unfortunately, ooVoo has not only advantages, but also disadvantages. The main one is annoying advertising that appears on both computers and mobile devices. You can remove it by switching to the paid version of the service, which also includes the function of storing up to 1000 minutes of video on the service’s servers (remember that you can send videos up to 1 GB in size to Telegram for free).

⇡ Conclusion

Well, today it is hardly possible to find a messenger that is not inferior to Skype in functionality and convenience. Among the alternatives considered, the Google Hangouts service seemed to be the most worthy solution - there are no advertisements here, and there is no video on mobile platforms It works well, and you don’t even need to register specifically, and the contact list is loaded from Gmail. However, other programs may also be suitable - it all depends on which Skype functions you use most often and on what devices you are used to communicating. For example, Telegram is perfect for chat correspondence, Jitsi is perfect for voice and video calls from your desktop, and mobile communication voice - Viber.

When Microsoft bought Skype Several years ago, dissatisfied users with questions about security, account access, and quality went in search of alternatives for telephone and video conferencing. Turns out there are a lot of apps to choose from, and we will show you analogues of Skype, which offer free and low-cost calls, as well as video calling and screen sharing.

When considering analogue, it's best to first determine how you actually use Skype. If you need an application to make free calls to landlines and mobile phones, you will find alternative applications for this. You can also find good alternatives for screen sharing, video conferencing, and text messaging.

Some of these apps may require your contacts to use the same app, while others don't. Some require you to register using cellular telephone, which also acts as your identifier.

1. Google, Google Hangouts and Google Voice

Google offers wide choose instruments that, when combined, form good replacement for Skype. Google Hangouts allows you to hold conferences with up to ten participants, share screens, and conduct conversations. All you need to participate in Google Hangout is Gmail account or Google Plus.

Using Google Hangouts you can organize free group video conferences, as well as screen sharing. The app is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux, as well as Google Plus apps for Android and IOS.

Google Voice provides an alternative to free and low-cost calls, but it also acts as unified system to manage incoming and outgoing phone calls. Calls to the USA and Canada are mostly free, international calls inexpensive. Gocha for Google Voice is only available in the US and to use it you need mobile phone with a US phone number. Google Voice also offers free text messages for the web and mobile apps, and replies to those messages can be sent to both phones and your email address.

Google also offers free calls inside Gmail - just click on the handset icon and dial.

If you just want to use free calls to internal telephones, then you can call a landline or mobile phone from within Gmail - just by clicking on the icon handset on the left side of the screen. Press it, enter the number, and then press the button to dial the number. It's simple, all you need is a Gmail account, and in most cases, it's free.

2. OoVoo


OoVoo is a popular application for video chats that can include up to twelve participants, with the ability to enter free videos conference calls. The application is compatible with Mac, Windows, iPhone, Amazon Fire Phone and Android. OoVoo provides many convenient features including call recording, multimedia messages and screen sharing. Plus, it integrates with Facebook so you can invite friends to OoVoo by posting an invitation on your Facebook wall. Thus, the application can be called worthy analogous to Skype.

3. Viber


Viber is an instant messaging and VoIP application for smartphones that supports a wide range of devices including Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android, Blackberry and Windows Phone. To use Viber on desktop you must first install Viber on your mobile phone; Your phone number acts as your Viber ID.

Viber can be used to make free voice and video calls around the world, but like Skype, the Viber app must be installed on devices to communicate for free. If you use an iPhone or Android, you can use Viber Out to call any landline or mobile device anywhere for a small fee.

4. Jitsi
Fans of open source software will appreciate Jitsi-safe Java application for audio calls and video chats, as well as for screen sharing. Jitsi allows you to record and encrypt calls, as well as communicate using instant messages.

Jitsi also supports a large number of chat protocols that allows you to communicate with users using applications such as Google Talk, Facebook, MSN, AIM, Yahoo Messenger, ICQ and much more. Jitsi is available for Windows, Mac, Linux and Android.

5. WhatsApp


WhatsApp Messenger is a free, cross-platform SMS service compatible with iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone and Nokia. The service uses phone data and sends messages, which may include photos, videos and voice recordings. Like Viber, WhatsApp uses your phone number as an ID.

Skype provides users with the opportunity to communicate for free and for an unlimited period of time. And this has been going on for quite a few years now. During all this time, the program received updates and additions with new features. Skype developers met the expectations of their users this time too. The company recently updated the application, which is known all over the world. Now for all users of the service it is available opportunity messaging in the form of short videos. This feature is available to all users of devices with most platforms that support Skype. This list includes Black Berry, Android, Mac, iOS, Windows 8. However, today there are numerous alternatives to Skype in the form of applications that are not inferior in capabilities, and perhaps even superior.

Development of Skype

The latest development is the ability to record video messages of three minutes duration. Skype is an excellent service that provides assistance in communication and the opportunity to see your relatives living far away. At the same time, Skype also makes it possible to be at least a little closer to these people. But none of the technological innovations, unfortunately, will help get rid of busy weekdays, missed calls and schedules overcrowded with work. It is these factors that express the need to introduce new feature. Even if the user missed a call from someone close to him, he will still be able to see a familiar face and hear a close voice in the message. It will wait for the user for an arbitrarily long time.

However, there are also disadvantages that are found in this innovation. For example:

  • It is not possible to send video messages to multiple subscribers.
  • There is no ability to share audio messages.
  • It is not possible to save a recorded audio clip in the device’s memory.
  • There is no option to cancel sent video messages, unlike text messages.

Despite the large amount of negativity that was caused by the increase in transfers to authorities confidential information about Skype users, this company, as before, occupies a leading position in the Internet telephony section. At the same time, the question of whether there is an alternative to Skype is beginning to be heard more and more often.

What can replace Skype?

Analysts from Analysis Mason conducted an independent study. As a result, it was found that 79% of all Internet users use Skype. But nowadays more and more updated versions programs are becoming less and less popular, and at the same time they are causing negative reviews. Many may think: “Is there an alternative to Skype for the computer that will replace its already outdated version?”

Google services

Thus, the Internet giant Google recently combined all services into one. Now to take advantage of all the benefits search engine Google Hangouts doesn't even require installation additional program. This service can be launched using a Chrome web browser extension. The new browser includes: Gtalk chat, Post service Gmail, and a video communication service similar to Skype, Google Voice. At the moment, this alternative to Skype is available in a limited number of countries, but its development does not stand still.

Will the ooVoo program become a real replacement for Skype?

ooVoo is another one absolutely free application, which can become a real replacement for Skype. Even if this program does not completely replace it, it will seriously advance it. The ooVoo program has a greater selection of options when using video communication. The quality of the transmitted picture and sound is noticeably higher than that of Skype. Among other things, ooVoo users have the ability to expand the conversation window to the full diagonal. The application interface is also very convenient and easy to use.

Most convenient function in the ooVoo program is the joint viewing of video content. This means that the user and the interlocutor can simultaneously watch any movie or video at a distance from each other. At the same time, it is possible to discuss this video during the broadcast. IN free version ooVoo program has a limitation for group communication. However, the number of participants cannot be more than 12 people. The ooVoo program is available for download on the official website and can be considered as a good alternative to Skype for PC.

Popular "Viber"

Nowadays, there is already a program similar to Skype - Viber. Viber is perhaps several times more convenient. What exactly Viber is better Skype?

The most important difference and biggest advantage Viber is that you do not need to create any new accounts, you do not need to link them to mailboxes and remember passwords. Simply put, there is no registration. There is no need to send a request to be added to your contact list and wait for confirmation.

No need to invent unique name using the Latin alphabet, and then sequentially dictate it letter by letter for the interlocutor. The reason is that users know each other's Viber names in advance. How this happens will be explained further.

Viber, an alternative to Skype, integrates itself into phone book and authorizes the user by phone number. It's simple and brilliant. If the user also has a phone number, there is no need to come up with an additional identifier.

What is required for Viber to work?

Just the Internet and a smartphone! It could be Wi-FI Internet or 3G. The Internet on your mobile device must be available from the very beginning, before installing Viber.

There is also the possibility Viber installations and on a computer running Windows, OS X or Linux.

In this case, it is possible to use two gadgets. If the user is working with a laptop, then he can send messages, photos, make and answer calls directly from the laptop or leave the room with his smartphone. The phone can be running Android, iOS, Black Berry OS, Symbian, Windows Phone, Bada. Thus, Viber can be presented as a good alternative to Skype for Windows and various mobile operating systems.

Is it possible to call numbers regular phones? Yes, it is possible to call any of existing numbers both stationary and mobile. But this will require payment, which will be much cheaper compared to the prices of roaming or international calls. This will be very useful for those who often make calls to friends in other cities or countries without using the Internet. Prices for calls to Viber are quite affordable.

How to download Viber?

To do this, you need to visit the official Viber website, select your OS there and start the installation. You can also search through your Viber smartphone and click “Install”. After this, the program will prompt you to enter a phone number, and an SMS will be sent containing a code. You will need to dial this code later. If your phone has two SIM cards, Viber can be installed on one or both numbers together.

IN address book Viber icons will immediately appear on your phone along with the numbers of clients who already have it. Many users will be surprised to see that most Viber users already installed. This means that a call to such a subscriber is possible, even if he is thousands of kilometers away.

It can be frankly admitted that Viber is used largely for sending messages in the form of text and media. This is because it is more convenient to send messages to friends so that they can read them and then be able to answer or call back at any time at their convenience. Thus, this alternative to Skype helps the user not to be distracted by a call. Provided that the subscriber is online, he will receive the message immediately, and the sender will see “Delivered” next to the text and change to “Viewed.” This is provided that the message has already been read by the recipient.

Now, when traveling abroad, most users do not activate roaming and do not buy SIM cards for the country visited. Usually WI-FI is available in any hotel, and this alternative to Skype for Android is very convenient. Users also have a further opportunity to communicate with such convenience, as if no one had ever left - the same number and the opportunity to communicate for free.

Convenient CommFort

It is no exception that in the near future, not even the CommFort program itself will become an alternative to Skype, but, on the contrary, Skype will become an alternative to CommFort, and Skype developers will remain unclaimed.

CommFort has created an advanced software, which is server application For network communication. Such a client-server solution is used for information exchange and network communication. It also provides voice calling, video calling and video conferencing capabilities.

Features provided by the Skype alternative CommFort:

  • Text communication.
  • Fast and convenient image sharing.
  • Transfer files when maximum speed, which is only possible.
  • Audio and video calls with high quality sound and image.
  • Video conferencing with the ability to involve large number participants.
  • Work both on the local network and on the Internet.
  • Administration when separating user rights.

In addition to the usual modes, CommFort can offer an interface that is improved for individual correspondence. There are also tools for choosing a mechanism for encrypting traffic and the ability to connect servers even with each other. It should be noted that the CommFort program is also used for personal needs in home network(for exchange different information, messages, pictures, files), and for corporate purposes.

With an improved system personal correspondence there is a guarantee of convenient communication between interlocutors. At the same time, communication is an opportunity accelerated translation messages from correspondence to a private channel. The private channels themselves have exceptional functionality: when a new notification is received, the user will be able to see special key located on the taskbar. The program also provides that the status channel and texts from recent correspondence (along with pictures and files) will be saved even after the application is restarted.

There are many different chat rooms that allow for free* chat with friends with mobile phone**. And at the same time, you don’t have to pay your mobile operator for the number of messages sent and the duration of the call. (As happens with SMS and MMS)

To yours and Cell phones** friends are installed with a program that transmits your text messages, pictures, voice via the Internet. Among such programs there are popular ones, you install one for yourself and see that most of your friends already have this program installed. Lepota - take it and talk. Moreover, you can communicate as much as you like and for free*. Even if friends live in another country.



I’ll tell you about the stars right away :

mobile phone ** - here I mean that your phone is running on Android platform, iOS, Blackberry, Windows Phone. If you have a dumb phone, then you need to either get a phone on one of the above platforms, or - “goodbye” - the article is not for you.

for free* - the asterisk is also here for a reason. It is assumed that there is a cheap, fast and desirable unlimited Internet on your mobile phone**. And again, if phone** If there is no such Internet, then you need to connect it.

Now about the programs :

Skype
This program is most likely familiar to you. Allows you to communicate by text, voice, voice with video and transfer files (on most platforms).

You can download the program here: http://www.skype.com/intl/ru/get-skype/on-your-mobile/ mobile phone**.

If you have an account skype recording- you can use it, but if not, then you need to come up with a Skype name and register either in the program or on the Skype website.

The program is very functional, but also resource-intensive. We must understand that according to the ideology of such programs, they must be constantly launched on phone**. (So ​​that you can immediately contact the right person)
Even if the program is not currently in use, but hangs quietly in standby mode, it still eats up the battery, Internet and resources.
I turn on the program occasionally when I want to talk to someone by voice or show something via video call.

Advantages:
Flaws:


  • When registering, you need to come up with a unique Skype name (for some people this is difficult);

  • to call a person you need to know his Skype name (sometimes such names are invented);

  • video calls work decently only on sufficiently powerful phones**;

  • fairly high traffic consumption (unlimited Internet is desirable);

  • drains the battery quite a bit phone**.

Viber
This program is less known than Skype, but it is still quite functional. Allows you to communicate by text, voice and send pictures.

You can download the program here: http://www.viber.com/ or from the application store (Google Play, AppStore, Marketplace,...) on your mobile phone**.

Viber, unlike Skype, is more tailored for use on mobile phone** and, accordingly, it is more convenient to use. In order to start using it, you need to provide the program with your phone number. (This is actually registration).
The program will look through the list of phone numbers of your contacts and immediately show which of them also have Viber installed. You can call and write to all contacts from the program, but if the contact does not have Viber, then the call or SMS will be made as usual on the phone (and will be paid). If you call or write to a contact who has Viber, then it will be free.
At the moment I do not use the program, since it eats up the battery in a very childish way. I hope this will be fixed, because... I actually like the program.

Advantages:


  • the ability to make voice calls;

  • the ability to transfer pictures;

  • good integration with by phone**(convenient to use);


  • To call a person, you just need to know his number (and whether he uses Viber from this number will be visible).

Flaws:

  • there is no client for the computer (already exists);

  • Only pictures can be transferred from files;

  • the battery drains brutally phone**.

whatsapp
This program, like viber, appeared relatively recently, but has already gained popularity due to its convenience and simplicity. Allows you to communicate by text, share your location and transfer pictures, music and videos.

You can download the program here: http://www.whatsapp.com/download/ or from the application store (Google Play, AppStore, Marketplace,...) on your mobile phone**.

WhatsApp, like Viber, is designed for use on mobile phone** and, accordingly, it is convenient to use. However, if we compare Android clients, then WhatsApp is less convenient than Viber.
Here, first, you also need to provide the program with your phone number. Next, you can select the write action (button with a pencil) and the program will show a list of contacts with WhatsApp installed. And - you can communicate.

At the moment I use the program constantly (without turning it off), it’s worth praising the developers - the program treats the battery very carefully.

Advantages:


  • the ability to transfer pictures, music and audio;

  • no need to come up with a name for yourself;

  • practically does not drain the battery;

  • to write to a person you just need to know his number phone** ;

  • support for group chats (you can chat with several people in one chat).

Flaws:

  • no client for computer;

  • You cannot communicate by voice;

Other programs :

I will also provide a list of programs similar to those described above.
Just because I don't describe them in detail doesn't mean they are necessarily less functional or bad.
They are simply less popular with us and few people have them installed. And accordingly, there is no point in using them.
But you can try them too.


  • ooVoo(http://www.oovoo.com/mobile.aspx?pname=MobileOverview) The program is similar in functionality to Skyp.
    + There is a version for computer
    - Only one of my contacts has.

  • Line(http://line.naver.jp/en/) Something like Viber-a
    + There is a version for computer
    + Cool emoticons
    - At the time I tried to use it, it was very damp.

  • Google Talk(by default there is on each Android device)
    + Service from Good Corporation (I'm a Google fan)
    + Correspondence history is stored in Gmail-e (optional)
    + There is a version for computer
    - No versions for other mobile platforms

  • Facebook Messenger (

While Skype is by far the most popular VoIP application, there are many others as well. good apps available today. This article lists the 5 best alternatives to Skype.

Birth of IP telephony

A little-known Israeli company, Vocaltec, is credited with pioneering VoIP services back in February 1995. Their product, InternetPhone, allows users to communicate with each other over the Internet.

As of early 2016, Skype has an audience of about 500 million active users. This VoIP giant has achieved a lot to become the absolute champion of the Internet telephony world. After purchase by Microsoft May 10, 2011, for as much as 8.5 billion US dollars, Skype has made steady progress and can now even be used on TVs, gaming devices and mobile phones. One of its main advantages is that the service is free (on PC) and there are cheap rates for calls to mobile or landlines Worldwide. However, Skype is known for its numerous problems.

Although the company assures high standards security, there are concerns about the privacy of calls made via Skype. Users also have complaints about call quality, especially during peak hours. Another major problem with the service is that the application itself can be quite resource-intensive. These problems have paved the way for many other communications services that claim to provide better connection. Here's a look at the top 5 Skype alternatives available on the market today.

Viber

Platforms - Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, BlackBerry OS, Series 40, Symbian, Bada, Windows Phone

Website - viber.com

Russian language support- There is

Since its launch in 2010, Viber has been a very popular alternative to Skype. Extremely lightweight and fast enough to load. Viber - perfectly combines instant exchange messages and VoIP (IP telephony). Currently she has some really cool emoticons and "stickers". The fact that it supports so many different platforms makes it a must-have for those who would like to keep in touch with distant friends and family. This program allows you to create a group chat with up to 40 of your friends. Video calling is supported, along with HD audio.

Google Hangouts

Website – hangouts.google.com

Russian language support- There is

Released as a replacement for Google Talk, Hangouts has become quite a popular hit with people across all age groups. It's fully integrated into Gmail, so you don't need to install a separate app on your computer (although it does currently require an additional plugin to be downloaded). The application allows you to organize video conferences with up to 10 contacts. It also allows you to share photos with friends. It allows you to make phone calls to landline or mobile phones at really low rates, and in some countries, free. You can also share the video or send it to friends via Hangouts.

VBuzzer

Website - vbuzzer.com

Russian language support- No

VBuzzer is a unique platform that offers VoIP calls using a computer or mobile phone. You can also make free calls to your friends on vbuzzer messenger. You can chat with friends and family and also send text messages using the application. The vbuzzer messenger supports video conferences for up to 4 people. It also supports sending and receiving faxes using its unique messenger - Vbuzzer number (installed separately).

Tinychat

Platforms - Windows, Android, iOS

Website – tinychat.com

Russian language support- No

Tinychat is an online chat site that supports instant messaging, voice and video calling. In addition to this, users can join one or more chat rooms. Each chat room can have a maximum of 12 members who can make voice calls or video calls to each other. Users can also transfer the image online. The best thing about Tinychat is the fact that you don't need specialized application to run it on your computer since it supports Adobe Flash. With around 5 million minutes of usage every day, Tinychat claims to be one of the largest voice chats and communities on the Internet.

ooVoo

Platforms - Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

Website – oovoo.com

Russian language support- No

With ooVoo, users can make voice and video calls using a computer or mobile phone with oovoo installed. You can have a Group Chat with up to 12 people, although video conferencing is only available for premium customers. Users can communicate with non-oovoo users by sending messages via email, instant messaging, or via social media. You can also record a video message (up to 50 minutes free) and send it to other users or publish it on YouTube.

IN Lately, there is a sudden rise of VoIP providers, everyone is trying to cash in on such a lucrative business. However, Skype remains the unrivaled leader, with its huge client base, the rest are still just catching up with this VoIP giant.