papadi DevBlog : 5 simple (non state of the art) features that make Skype so easy to use

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Έχουν δημοσιευτεί Τρίτη, 9 Φεβρουαρίου 2010 9:32 πμ από το μέλος Dimitris Papadimitriou

5 simple (non state of the art) features that make Skype so easy to use

I have been using Skype intensively for some months now, to make both personal and professional voice and video calls. Put aside the superb quality of voice and video (which I've seen also in other solutions like Live Messenger), I noticed some very simple, yet extremely useful features that differentiate it from the competition:

Incoming call notification on all speakers: This means that you can have your headphones pluged in so that you can use them to communicate, but still hear the incoming call notifications when you are not wearing them! (see 1st picture)
Order of preference for sound devices: This is very useful if you are using a laptop and your sound equipement changes frequently. You can specify which device (speakers/microphone) will be used for communication. If not found the next available will be used etc. So if you want to use the microphone of your external camera at work but the integrated microphone of your laptop when you are on the move, you don't have to get into the options page every time. You specify this once and you are done (see 2nd picture).
Mute is canceled when you answer or start a call: Often when you are about to make or answer a call you may forget that you muted your speakers just a while ago. This can also happen to the other participant, especially if he/she is not very comfortable with this way of communication. Skype takes initiative and enables your speakers when a call is started. It's obvious that since you started or answered a call you want to use them! When call is completed speakers are muted again.
Auto answer call: Enable this feature and Skype can be used as a remote surveilance system (see 3rd picture).
Echo / Sound Test Service: A very simple idea that helps you identify microphone, speakers and bandwidth problems. Echo user is a virtual user always present in your contact list. Call this user and see if and how other users hear you.

It seems that web conferencing and remote collaboration will become daily activity of mine in the near future. So stay tuned for more details about this experience.