There is also an option to make the video full screen. This could be helpful if you want to share links with the person you’re speaking to. If you want to see the person you’re talking to, yet exchange text instead of talking verbally, you can provide a video in the back, and text in the front. It displays an icon on the screen to let you know that you’re on mute. If you need to discuss something in private while you’re on your call, there’s a Mute option that works either with just audio, or with the video.

You can even switch back and forth so that everyone there can get in on the action. With the iPad 2 and its back and front cameras, instead of having the video be of yourself as you are calling, you can have it be of a person or people who are with you and facing the back of the camera.

The sound and video are off slightly, but that’s to be expected. With the video option, it provides a larger video of the person on the other line, and a smaller video of yourself. You have the choice of completing your call with video, audio, or text. It shows you your own contact image as well as the image of the person who is calling you, or who you are calling, as it works on connecting you. The visual for the iPad app is so much better than it was for the iPhone app. You can initiate a call to see if everything is working right before you place a more important call and find it failing you when you need it the most. Skype gives you an option for a test call, just so that you can check your settings and audio. Contacts that are online have a green checkmark, and those that are offline have a white X. It also allows you to make changes to your profile by clicking on your name at the top left.

When you sign in to the Skype app for iPad, it takes you to a Home screen where you will see your contacts and most recent calls. The basic use of Skyping is free, and it gives you a phone number that your friends can use to contact you. Those who aren’t familiar with it can either sign up at the site or via the app once it’s downloaded. Those who have used Skype before are familiar with the process and will already have a Skype Name and Password. If long distance is too expensive, or you don’t have enough minutes left, the call can always be completed via Skype. Skyping is a way to avoid the phone calls that are limited by regular landlines or cell phones.

Download skype on ipad