eBay to buy Skype in $2.6bn deal

[edesignuk]

Online auction site eBay has agreed to buy internet telephone company Skype Technologies in a $2.6bn (£1.4bn) deal.

eBay said it would pay half the amount in cash and the other half in stocks to create "an unparalleled e-commerce and communications engine".

Holy smokes batman!

 

[iGary]

*Google says: "Mother****ers!!!!"

 

[Counterfit]

I'm sure Google has something in the works, probably SIP based too.

 

[AmigoMac]

That's a deal, this world is going to end in the hand of few companies...

BTW and OT, I really was surprised watching an IBM ad, when they talk how powerful Intel processors are...

 

[Chappers]

bugger

 

[dubbz]

I don't actually use Skype all that much, but I think it'd suck if this happened.

 

[xsedrinam]

We do use Skype, well, did. They've sold out. I'll call them Skudas from now on. So much for Open Sores spinners.

 

[Diatribe]

We do use Skype, well, did. They've sold out. I'll call them Skudas from now on. So much for Open Sores spinners.

That was bound to happen. Everyone following Skype should've known that. They always presented their "numbers" in a buyer-friendly way... no surprise. That it is eBay kinda sucks but oh well. A lot of people will leave Skype for other services now, which is a good thing I think, considering it was a proprietary protocoll anyway.

 

[NWAMacTech]

*Google says: "Mother****ers!!!!"

Press Release:

Google buys eBay


LOL

 

[yippy]

Dang, I really like Skype how it is. I was planning on using it a lot next year when to keep in touch with family and friends while on my study abroad program. If it stays the same and free I will probably use it but if not anyone know some good, free, simple VoIP programs? It would need to be cross platform.

 

[cheekyspanky]

I've been using Skype for ages, but now Ebay has bought it I find myself thinking about finding an alternative - Paypal's reputation has totally put me off anything Ebay.

Anyone know of any other similar products?

 

[Jaffa Cake]

It could have been worse, I suppose – imagine if Microsoft had bought them...

 

[notjustjay]

What the heck is eBay going to do with Skype?

 

[minimax]

What the heck is eBay going to do with Skype?

That's what everyone's asking themselves.

 

[Music_Producer]

I use Skype all the time, and it is one of the best telephony products I have ever used. It was amazing when I could use it with my 12"powerbook in Singapore's Changi airport.. to talk to my wife back home in California.. for a super low rate. Its worked everywhere I've been and its functionality is not going to change by ebay buying it. I mean, why does everyone run for cover when they hear that ebay took over a company? Ebay is not going to ruin the company, is it?

I would think they could use Skype as a phone service for ebay sellers (powersellers) as some sort of customer service number that buyers can use to call (at discounted rates) Just like a live chat application..except that this would be a live 'call' app. Picture yourself looking at an auction.. and at the bottom there's a "Click here to talk to the seller" skype button.. You click on it and you can communicate with the seller regarding the product, etc. I would guess thats one way ebay would use skype.

 

[mcarnes]

What the heck is eBay going to do with Skype?

Sell it on ebay.

 

[maya]

Sell it on ebay.

Good one.

Could care less, I used to use Skype. However every time the call would cut off o there was some other interference. I did all the recommended solutions, however was never 100% pleased with it.

I use a VoIP box now for LD calls. Far far better, and cheaper too.

 

[Jon'sLightBulbs]

As long as Skype continues to let me use Yapperbox, who cares what huge conglomerate owns the service.