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Skype alternative

BJB Productions

BJB Productions

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Nov 10, 2008
1,314
136
Hey everyone.
With the new beta of Skype, I've pretty much decided I want to dumb Skype all together. The whole design (imo) is a complete disaster. It makes me stressed just looking at it.

Here's the problem; I still would like to have my Skype contacts, but I don't want to use the Skype client. Is it at all possible to use another client to chat with my Skype contacts?

Currently, I've switched to iChat, which is pretty good, (feels outdated in some ways) but for the most part, is clean and works well. Problem is..about 2% of my friends use iChat. Everyone else uses Skype.

Is this at all possible?

Much thanks,
 
I'm just sticking with the current 2.8 version of Skype. No need to install the beta.
 
100% agree! The new beta SUX! Skype, please listen and PLEASE do not leave the next release in the state is is in now.... The UI is horrible!

I will be sticking with 2.8 as well until I find a replacement if this is where they are going with it!
 
Sbowen67 said:
100% agree! The new beta SUX! Skype, please listen and PLEASE do not leave the next release in the state is is in now.... The UI is horrible!

I will be sticking with 2.8 as well until I find a replacement if this is where they are going with it!
Click to expand...

They probably won't read your comments here. If you want to give feedback I suggest heading on over to the Skype forums. They are active on the forums and read all feedback. :)

..but glad I'm not the only one who thinks it's a mess.
 
Just to add some more thoughts: Here's currently what I've found:
Best for chatting: iChat
Best for Video calling: Facetime (or Google Talk)
Best for Audio calling: Google Talk
Best for Screen sharing: iChat
 
I gave Skype 5 beta a go yesterday night, I liked the idea of its multi user video calling option.

However the app did not even load, it just crashed every time I launched it.

Needless to say I went back to 2.8.

I have checked pc version of Skype 5 and I prefer version 4 in every aspect.
 
jmazzamj said:
I gave Skype 5 beta a go yesterday night, I liked the idea of its multi user video calling option.

However the app did not even load, it just crashed every time I launched it.

Needless to say I went back to 2.8.

I have checked pc version of Skype 5 and I prefer version 4 in every aspect.
Click to expand...

But you have to pay for the multi-way video conference.. iChat can do that..for free.
 
There is a Skype plugin for Adium. You can only do instant messages with it, though. There is a button to do audio/voice, but it'll bring up the skype app for you.
 
Cougarcat said:
There is a Skype plugin for Adium. You can only do instant messages with it, though. There is a button to do audio/voice, but it'll bring up the skype app for you.
Click to expand...

Good to know. I've always avoided Adium, I don't know why. Anyone have a review on it?
 
Cougarcat said:
There is a Skype plugin for Adium. You can only do instant messages with it, though. There is a button to do audio/voice, but it'll bring up the skype app for you.
Click to expand...

BJB Productions said:
Good to know. I've always avoided Adium, I don't know why. Anyone have a review on it?
Click to expand...

I tried the Adium/Skype plugin a while back and found it buggy, IIRC there were issues with alerts for new messages and other info being relayed correctly. Also, AFAIK because of how the Skype API works, the plugin needs the Skype app to the installed and running in order for Adium to access it, which kind of defeats the object.
 
Last edited:
GGJstudios said:
I'm just sticking with the current 2.8 version of Skype. No need to install the beta.
Click to expand...
This. Unfortunately Skype is a closed protocol, so nothing else but Skype will support it. EDIT: Okay, Adium does, but badly.

Alternatively you could try Facetime, Microsoft Messenger 8 or AIM (iChat). But none of them will import you're Skype contacts or give you the ability to talk to Skype contacts.
 
BJB Productions said:
Here's the problem; I still would like to have my Skype contacts, but I don't want to use the Skype client. Is it at all possible to use another client to chat with my Skype contacts?
Click to expand...

Not really. Skype uses a closed, proprietary protocol so you're not going to find an application that integrates all its features.

There are various hacks which let you IM or audio chat with Skype users but these usually rely on a copy of Skype running (either on your local computer or a remote one in the case of Skype - SIP audio).

The simplest solution is, as someone else suggested, sticking with Skype 2.8. They're not making it a forced upgrade at the moment.

If you're determined not to use Skype then you'll need to get your contacts to move to a different service too. What client you choose depends on your needs:

Adium is the best for IM, especially if you've got contacts on multiple services.
iChat is good for audio/video if your contacts are all using Macs.
Google Talk is a good, standards-based, way of audio chatting across platforms.

A client i've been keeping a beady eye on is Blink. When i first saw it a year ago it was Mac-only but now there are Windows and Linux versions too. It can do IM, audio and screensharing. No video yet, but i'm sure it's only a matter of time. It uses SIP as the protocol, so is standards-based, and can integrate with the tens of thousands of VoIP providers available.
 
Yeah. Well I guess I will just do like what everyone is saying and download the current version again, and just never upgrade unless future beta releases show major improvement.
 
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