I am actually one of the ones who like Skype, even though I don’t use it, because its forgettable. I forget it even exist. What I’ve learned about Skype is that most people don’t use it because the non-techie don’t know how to use it. They find its difficult and confusing.
Let me ask you? How do you make a free call with Skype? Do you know?
It’s really simple, but they have lacked educating the public on their product. They should take the time to making people understand how they can make a phone call with a download. On their site pages it’s hard to find information about how to actually use the product, it goes as far as the download installation, but that’s it. I am not talking about the product manual or help pages, but just simple hey this is how you talk — here’s what you’ll need. This should be broadcasted on the homepage or highlighted, but it’s not!
How would you use MagicJack? If you heard of MagicJack or seen a commercial within seconds you knew how it could be used. You plug in a USB jack then attach your phone cord…that’s it! This made the product look simple, easy, and useful. Skype lacks this same interpretation, because not only are their ads non-educational, but their homepage doesn’t show any simplicity for their product. All you know is you can make free phone calls using Skype, but you don’t know if you need your telephone, headset, microphone, or have to shout into the computer!
The next hurdle Skype will need to overcome is the increasing number of cable subscribed VoIP solutions, such as Time Warner Cable, Comcast, etc. These big name brands have vested interest in their subscribers, even though overpriced subscribers are more likely to take on a contract with their cable company because they already trust them, they already rely on them, and the bill is consolidated with their other household luxuries such as cable TV, Internet service, and phone.
Ebay was smart enough to get rid of Skype for $1.9 billion plus an $125 million I.O.U. from a team of investors. They purchased Skype in ‘05 for $3.1 billion after it was all said and done. Ebay outbidded Google and Yahoo! who both were trying to acquire Skype at the time, but Ebay jumped out the window to win the bid. Since its acquisition it hasn’t proved to be worth the investment. Ebay is lucky enough to get as much as it has for this deal.
