There are plenty of things to love about Skype for Windows 8, as it brings a full Skype experience to Windows 8.

You can perform audio and video calls, text, and instant message your friends. It's a shame that it doesn't integrate with Facebook like Microsoft's Messaging app so you can have all of your friends in one app. Still, what Skype for Windows 8 does, it does very well. Calls were loud and clear and video started up quickly, though the image looked a bit grainy.

The interface looks a bit sparse but it works well. Your recent calls, favorites, and contacts are all available from the home screen. You can change your Skype status on the top right. Skype for Windows 8 includes a bunch of fun, animated emoticons, which are sure to please emoji lovers.

Overall, Skype for Windows 8 provides a great video and messaging experience for Windows 8 users but could be improved with Facebook integration.

Download Skype for Windows 8 1.7.0.141 in Softonic

Just bear in mind - as it is a beta, it's not final and could still be a little buggy. If you'd like to stick with the stable version, check out the standard Skype review instead!

Facebook integration has been improved in this version. Previously, you would have to create a Skype account and then log in with your Facebook account but now you can log in only using your Facebook account, which makes getting started with Skype much quicker.

Besides checking what your friends are up to on the Facebook Wall – which you could already do in the previous version – this new Skype lets you interact with their posts by liking or commenting on them, and more importantly, use Facebook chat right from Skype. In this way you can chat with your Facebook friends from a much more comfortable interface.

Skype Beta also offers a few details about your Facebook contacts, though if you want to check their complete profile you’ll need to open that up in the web browser. Also, if your friends have included their phone number in their Facebook profile, you’ll be able to call them via SkypeOut right away.

Besisdes Facebook integration, the new Skype Beta includes improved call controls, which are now larger, more elegant and easier to use, and the ability to share the screen in computers with more than one monitor. On the downside, this beta is quite heavy on system resources, and very unstable as well – we had lots of problems while making video calls during our tests.

In this newest version of Skype, users can log in with their Microsoft IDs and will be able to send messages to friends using Windows Messenger, Xbox, Hotmail or the new Outlook.com.

The new beta of Skype offers better call controls and an almost perfect integration with Facebook –but it’s still pretty unstable.

Download Skype 6.5.0.107 Beta in Softonic

Skype Portable is the standalone version of the popular VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) program that allows you call and talk to other Skype users, video chat and more for free over the internet.

Just like its desktop counterpart, Skype Portable lets you have voice chats on your computer – like telephone, only for free – and also make real phone calls at much lower rates, using the so called SkypeOut service and paying with Skype credit. Besides voice chats, Skype Portable also includes the standard IM functionalities (written conversations, emoticons, user avatars and so on) and also lets you have group video conferences.

These video calls are precisely the main focus on Skype Portable's latest version. The program's interface has been completely redesigned with video conferences on mind. This means Skype Portable has been made wider so that video fits in perfectly with your written chat, your contact list and a toolbar to manage conversation. The new interface in Skype Portable is transformed when you make a call, getting rid of all the clutter, so you just see the video images, and controls.

The sound quality in Skype Portable during our testing was perfect: loud and clear. Video sometimes appeared a bit pixelated, but nothing we couldn't really deal with. There was also one nice detail, and that's the ability to see your own video image built-in on your contact's video, and the option to take a snapshot of your own image.

The other major development in Skype Portable is Facebook integration. This is a pretty big thing, as not only does it give you your news feed in the app - anyone can do that - but adds call and SMS buttons to any of your friends who share their contact numbers. If you’ve paid for Skype minutes, you can call your Facebook friends, and if they’re also signed in to Skype Portable you can call them for free. One of the best new features is the automatic call recovery - drop a call and it’s put in pause. Restarting it is now really easy.

Skype Portable is just like the desktop version: complete interface overhaul that now focuses more on video chats; some handy improvements to the way you communicate online and no installation required!

Download Skype Portable 6.3.0.105 in Softonic

Features

With Skype you can not only have voice chats on your computer – just like telephone, only for free – but also make real phone calls at much lower rates, using the SkypeOut service and paying with Skype credit. Besides voice chats, Skype also includes standard IM functionalities (written conversations, emoticons, user avatars and so on) and also lets you have group video conferences and share screens.

Usability

These video calls are precisely the main focus on Skype's latest version. The program's interface has been completely redesigned with video conferences on mind. This means it's been made wider so that video fits in perfectly with your written chat, your contact list and a toolbar to manage conversation.

The new interface is transformed when you make a call, getting rid of all the clutter, so you just see the video images, and controls. Group video is still being tested in this version, and it's pretty cool.

The other major development is Facebook integration. This is a pretty big thing, as not only does it give you your news feed in the app - anyone can do that - but adds call and sms buttons to any of your friends who share their contact numbers.

If you’ve paid for Skype minutes, you can call your Facebook friends, and if they’re also signed in to Skype you can call them for free. One of the best new features is the automatic call recovery - drop a call and it’s put in pause. Restarting it is now really easy.

Quality

The sound quality during our testing was perfect: loud and clear. Video sometimes appeared a bit pixelated, but nothing we couldn't really deal with. There was also one nice detail, and that's the ability to see your own video image built-in on your contact's video, and the option to take a snapshot of your own image.

Conclusion

Skype 6 features a complete interface overhaul that now focuses more on video chats, and also adds some handy improvements to the way you communicate online.

What's new

Log in with your Microsoft account
Select and pin your favorite contacts
Facebook and Skype contacts combined into one Contacts list
Easier to understand premium subscription notices
Possibility to control Skype video rendering technology for backward compatibility for people who have trouble with video calls

Download Skype 6.3.60.105 in Softonic

Revolutionary Drag and Drop Uploader makes image upload effortless. Simply by using SkyPath you receive free upgrade to a premium account on ImageShack with 25 GB of space. SkyPath offers outstanding image browsing and image sharing experience.

If you are photographer or simply love to take pictures and share images with your friends and family, SkyPath is the tool for the job. eBay sellers, software developers or business owners that need quick and easy way to get media online, try SkyPath

Download SkyPath 1.0.25 in Softonic

Feature list: 1.Split and add effects to physical webcam directly with no virtual webcam needed; 2.Add virtual webcam automatically for users have no webcam device. 3.Compatible with ManyCam,youCam, WebcamMax,Skype, MSN, Camfrog,ICQ,AIM,Movie Maker. 4.Use a image file or video file as webcam stream source 5.Easy capture and record webcam [www.GorMedia.com]

Split physical webcam directly with no fake webcam needed, it will not add a fake webcam to user's machine, users needn't to select a virtual webcam while they using the webcam; Add effects to friends while video chatting with Skype.

The only webcam software all world which can split and add effects to physical webcam directly with no virtual webcam needed;

Download GorMedia Morecam 3.27 in Softonic

This software works as an add-in to Skype. Takes up very little space and does not interfere with other applications. With one click, you can start a conversation or make a call.

This software is suitable for all Skype users especially for those whose taskbar is cluttered with other applications windows. This application will occupy only a small place in notification area and it will help users to quickly get to their friends

Download Skype Lite Client 1.1.5 in Softonic

Skype for Business has the same features as the general public release, with the exception of a few details. In fact, the average user is unlikely to notice anything difference - only the Skype administrator will really see how it differs.

Skype for Business is easy to install, as it comes in an MSI file which is perfect for an extended number of computers. Above all, it offers more flexibility network administrators. From the Skype Manager homepage, you'll be able to log into your company account and manage the service from there. Employees using the service are known as Members, and they'll be able to join your network with new or existing Skype accounts.

Some of these features, for example, include allocation of credit, so your employees can call non-Skype numbers, or the disabling of calls to personal numbers. You can pay by a variety of methods, and can enable or disable auto-recharge. Once you've purchased credit, you can set about assigning features to different members. These features include call forwarding, subscriptions, voicemail and online numbers.

When it comes to the everyday basics of using Skype, you'll find that Skype for Business has all of the same features as the standard version. To find out more about them, read our Skype review!

Skype for Business is convincing. Average users get the service they are used to, while Skype administrators get flexible, professional control over use.

Download Skype for Business 6.1.32.129 in Softonic

Skype Voice Recorder is easy to use, it has tcertain hotkey( Default hotkey is Ctrl + Alt + R) and security password protection, recorded sounds has high quality.

windows users who want to record skype voice chat or other voice conversations contents.

Download Skype Voice Recorder 3.26 in Softonic

Automated: recording starts automatically with your call. Full Quality: records are saved in a high-quality audio format to match the clarity of the call itself. Unlimited: no limit on recording time. Never lose a minute of your conversation! Track & Annotate: quickly search or sort your call history. Add notes or Mp3-tags to any record to emphasize key points in your conversation.

Automated: recording starts automatically with your call. Full Quality: records are saved in a high-quality audio format to match the clarity of the call itself. Unlimited: no limit on recording time. Never lose a minute of your conversation! Track & Annotate: quickly search or sort your call history. Add notes or Mp3-tags to any record to emphasize key points in your conversation.

End users, business users. Amolto Call Recorder is a great recording tool that enables you to record your voice chat on Skype.

Download Amolto Call Recorder for Skype 1.1.0 in Softonic

If you're a frequent Skype user, you already know what a fantastic program Skype is. Along with instant messaging, Skype offers free video and audio calls to other PC users and low cost calls to mobile phones and landlines.

Messenger Plus! for Skype aims to improve your Skype experience through an easy to install and use sidebar on Skype's interface. Inconspicuous but easy to access on the left side of Skype's interface, Messenger Plus! for Skype is full of useful features such as a recorder for voice and video chats, animated icons and message history saving logs.

After installing Messenger Plus! for Skype, you'll need to authorize the add-on via the Skype notification that will appear the next time you log into your Skype account. Once done, the Messenger Plus! for Skype will appear on the left side of your Skype interface.

To record a call or a video, press the record button bar on the Messenger Plus! for Skype sidebar. You can stop recording at any time and open the folder with the recordings to access them. Everything is recorded with respectably high quality.

Messenger Plus! for Skype also includes animated emoticons, some of which are quite amusing. You can superimpose them on your video chat without any noticeable effect on the quality or speed of the call. Note that the person with whom you're speaking will only be able to see these animations if they also have Messenger Plus! for Skype installed though.

Without a doubt, Messenger Plus! for Skype is a fantastic add-on that'll enhance your Skype experience considerably.

Download Messenger Plus! for Skype 6.00.0.773 in Softonic

With Skype Voice Changer, you can customize the funny sound emotions by yourself locally. And you are allowed to save the voice changing test out of a Skype call.

It is cute, clear, funny and easy to use. It can not only change your accent in Skype call, but also record the Skype call in high-quality audio formats. More than that, you can also send funny sound emotions to the contacts.

Skype user who wants to make fun of his/her friends and gain the new experience in using Skype.

Download AthTek Skype Voice Changer 2.2 in Softonic

Record Skype Video Calls Automatically Record Skype Record Skype Call Details Recurrence Of Skype Calls Offline Recorder.

1. Recording length Unlimited . 2. Recording quality Excellent. 3.Auto Recording and Auto Saving 4.Video Recording.Record Skype Video call and capture other Windows. 5.Support Game Recording 6.Support Silent Mode 7. FTP Uploader.Auto upload record file. 8.Non-Skype Recording.

RSkype Recorder has the best recording quality among all the Skype recording tools.

Download RSkype Recorder V5.9.5 in Softonic

DialDirectly for Skype allows the dialling of phone numbers and names via clipboard. Furthermore, DialDirectly offers the possibility of redialling the last number or name as well the last 10 automatically recorded numbers/names called.

DialDirectly enables a direct calling of landline and mobile phone numbers by customizable hotkeys via Skype. DialDirectly is for all Skype users calling also to landline numbers and to cellular networks. With DialDirectly for Skype no manually typing of phone numbers is necessary anymore.

DialDirectly is for all Skype users calling also landline and mobile phone numbers with Skype. With DialDirecly for Skype no phone number has to be typed manually anymore but can be called by individually defined hotkeys.

Download DialDirectly (for Skype™) 1.12.03.08 in Softonic

AthTek Skype Recorder Lite is the lower version of AthTek Skype Recorder - the most quality Skype call recorder. It has a smaller interface and the same high recording quality with AthTek Skype Recorder. More than that, it only costs less than 10 dollars for a lifetime lite license.

AthTek Skype Recorder Lite Version is mainly developed for private Skype users who want to take audio notes from the Skype calls.

Download AthTek Skype Recorder Lite 1.2 in Softonic