Does Skype Work With iChat?
Skype is a popular program that allows you to make free voice and video calls and send instant messages to other Skype members. Other voice-over-Internet-protocol applications offer similar features to Skype and also allow you to make voice and video calls, send instant messages and file share. IChat, developed by Apple Inc., is one of the available Skype alternatives, available for Mac computers. IChat does not, however, work with Skype.
Other People Are Reading
-
Skype
-
One of the primary advantages of Skype compared with other VoIP services is that voice calls and video calls between Skype users have no fees attached. Skype users can also make calls to landline and cellular phones for a small fee. Additionally, Skype offers other features, including instant messaging, file transfer and videoconferencing. Both PC and Mac users can use the Skype application.
Alternatives to Skype
-
Other popular alternatives to Skype include GoogleTalk, SightSpeed, ooVoo, Vbuzzer, Yahoo! Messenger and iChat. GoogleTalk has a number of free options and supports conference calls. SightSpeed offers a 30-day free trial, but ultimately you have to pay for the service. Both GoogleTalk and SightSpeed work with PC and Mac computers. Oovoo offers free two-way video and audio calls, but calls between more than two users incur a charge. Vbuzzer features free PC-to-PC calls with an additional 300 free minutes to landlines per week. Yahoo! Messenger allows instant messaging, as well as free PC-to-PC calls.
-
Mac iChat
-
IChat is a popular alternative to Skype but exclusively available on Mac computers running the OS X operating system. Like Skype, iChat offers free text messaging, voice and video calls. However, iChat functions only between Mac computers or compatible applications. Additionally, to use this application you need to have a MobileMe, AIM, Jabber or GoogleTalk account. The unique aspect of iChat is that it offers a three-dimensional view. IChat also features parental controls. IChat 6.0 functions with Yahoo! Messenger and supports third party plug-ins that may allow compatibility with other applications.
Considerations
-
Mac users can use either Skype or iChat. IChat is a built-in program that comes with the OS X operating system. On the other hand, you need to download and install Skype. Both programs have similar features and allow you to import contact lists automatically upon installation. When using iChat, you can connect directly with GoogleTalk and Jabber accounts. Alternatively, PC users can download and launch the AIM client software to communicate with iChat users. To connect through Skype, both users need to set up Skype accounts.
-
