When it comes to Voice over Internet Protocol software, Skype is one of
the most robust and popular options available. It’s stable, it's
newbie-friendly and it does exactly what you expect it to do, without
making you jump through hoops. If you’re a power user looking to go
beyond the software’s basic functions, Skype’s library of third-party
plugins provides dozens of options that allow you to add new features
and extend the program beyond its basic off-the-shelf experience.
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Pamela for Skype offers a set of features that business
users will appreciate. These include the ability to automatically record
audio and video calls, enhanced voice-mail options like custom
greetings for different types of callers, and the ability to save voice
mails to your computer. The plugin also provides the ability to
automatically schedule calls, add notes to calls and record and upload
podcasts using Skype. Pamela for Skype is also available -- with limited
features -- in basic (free) and business editions from the Skype App
Directory or the official website.
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If you use Skype’s IM feature to communicate with users
around the world, you’ve likely encountered a language barrier at least
once. Clownfish attempts to remove, or at least mitigate, that barrier
by offering automatic text translation into 50 different languages. When
you type your outgoing messages in your language, the plugin
automatically translates them and displays them in the recipient’s
native tongue. The Windows version of Clownfish also includes a host of
other features, such as the ability to record calls, encrypt messages,
play background music and change your voice during calls. The plugin is
free and available for download from the Skype App Directory or the
company’s homepage.
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VodBurner provides the tools you need to record video and
audio calls in high quality, edit them and share them with the world --
features that are very useful to you if you use Skype to record podcasts
with distant contributors. Editing options include the ability to trim
portions of the call, choose who is shown onscreen at any point, add
background music and external video clips and add text captions to your
videos. If both parties on a call are using VodBurner, the plugin is
free. To use VodBurner to record a call with someone who doesn’t also
use it, you must upgrade to the full version. The plugin is available
from the VodBurner website and the Skype App Directory.
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IDroo is an online multiuser whiteboard that integrates with
Skype to enable you to quickly and easily share sketches, drawings and
notes with an unlimited number of participants. Unlike a real
whiteboard, which has to be erased when it gets full, IDroo allows you
to open multiple pages and export your sketches for later reference.
IDroo is ideal for users who tutor online or conduct meetings virtually.
The plugin, available in the Skype App Directory, is free for
noncommercial use and a commercial license is available for those who
want to use it for business purposes.
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Messenger Plus provides some functions found in other
plugins, like the ability to record calls, but it also provides a few
new features worth checking out. Add a little fun and silliness to your
calls with new emoticons, sound effects and video effects that include
backgrounds and funny facial distortions. Use the video-sharing feature
to watch YouTube videos in real-time with a friend. Messenger Plus is
free and available in the Skype App Directory. Despite the name's
similarity to Microsoft Messenger, this app is owned by an independent
company, Yuna Software.
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