Battle lines drawn as Apple’s Facetime Competes for Same Market with Skype

Digital calling, using the internet was first simplified by Skype. What began as a Voice Over Internet Protocol service, has morphed into a complete communicating tool, thanks to its continued focus on innovation. It is now currently poised as a technology that is more than a powerful calling app and almost a social networking site. As Skype’s acquisition by Microsoft has changed not only the topography of the popular calling app, it has also meant previous proprietary programs are now available on the connected Skype platform. The reference here is to integration of the desktop’s most trusted productivity suite by Microsoft Corporation, Office on the Skype.

However, as the boundaries are blurred between calling apps and other Instant Messaging Apps, Skype now has to deal with new contenders on the scene. Apple Inc has introduced its Facetime App for video calling. Facetime is known to have excellent voice as well as picture quality delivery on WiFi as well as cellular connections. When iOS devices are used to make the calls, the experience is more advanced.  However, there are quality drop when Mac Desktop and Laptop are used.

iOS 6

Skype does have an edge over most calling and video apps because of its long development and implementation curve.

Earlier iOS devices could not initiate calls with the same ease as with Skype. It is only now with the 6^th version that the iOS device users can initiate calls. Skype on the iOS has always allowed free video calls using mobile data as well as WiFi connections.

In the initial stages Facetime users could make video calls only with Wifi connectivity. Now, with latest iOS versions, Facetime can make video calls using LTE, 3G as well as 4G. But iOS devices are known to consume nearly 3MB of data per minute on a video call.

Skype oldest and best

Even with new entrants, Skype’s long history (since 2003) definitely gives it an edge over video calling apps. Skype runs on compatible platforms from Blackberry to Windows Phone to Nokia X. This app can be used with ease on PlayStation Vita to Xbox One and Portable as well. New players have a long way to go to amass the same market share as Skype.