Enjoying Skype – there’s so much I didn’t know!

When I started blogging a few years ago, I also began using Skype to keep in touch with the new blogging friends I had made. That was three years ago, and I still use it daily, and with the same group of friends! We typically just use the instant messaging (which is so incredibly easy, it’s ridiculous), and talk and laugh, get advice, and just “shoot the breeze” with each other. It’s nice to know that a friend is always available on Skype.

When I had my very first iPhone, I downloaded the Skype app, but at that time it was extremely sluggish. I deleted the app and kind of forgot about it until recently. I now have the latest, greatest iPhone (4S) and I got the Skype app again a few days ago to give it another try (I desperately wanted to be able to use this app!). After all, when I am waiting in line at the store, or in a waiting room at a doctor’s office, I still want to talk to my friends! This came in especially handy at a recent doctor’s appointment when I waited for 45 minutes to see the doctor!

I am happy to report that the Skype app is much, much faster than it used to be and it is nice knowing that my friends are “with” me wherever I am. When I had the app previously, it took forever to load all of the messages if you hadn’t used the app in a few days. Now it is instant and the messages you missed load right away, and I can jump right in on the current conversation.

If you don’t have an iPhone, there is no need to worry – the Skype app is also available on Windows Phone, Android, Symbian, and Verizon Wireless 4G LTE devices.

As a busy mom, Skype is a great way to keep in touch with my family as well.  Even something as simple as asking my husband what he wants for dinner, is a breeze.  Since I am on the computer most of the day, it’s just so convenient to send him a quick message and get an almost instant response back (depending on how busy he is).

Here is an interesting infographic which shows just how technologically advanced moms really are. Neat, right?

My 15-year old daughter will be leaving for Germany in a couple of weeks (sniff, sniff), as part of a Student Exchange program, and Skype will be our only form of communication for the three weeks she is gone. Her dad and I are a bit worried, naturally, since she has never been away from home for that long (let alone in another country!). We have discussed with her how important it is to Skype with us whenever the opportunity arises, so we know that she is okay. She will be bringing her laptop, thank goodness. We are  nervous and excited for her, but I am thankful that we will be able to see her beautiful face during our video chats on Skype.

Even if we don’t feel up to doing a video chat one or more of the days, we also have the option of just doing voice calling (Skype to Skype). Though our daughter doesn’t really care how we look, this is such a convenient option when you want to talk to a friend or colleague and you haven’t showered yet 🙂 All that is required for voice calling is a microphone and internet connection.

One other fun thing we may do while she is in Germany is to get her grandpa, uncle and other family friends in a group chat via instant messaging. That way they can ask her all the questions they want without us having to relay everything she has told us about her adventures. We might even have them all do a video chat with us too!

I will be reporting back while she is gone – and telling you all about our Skype video chat experience with our daughter. Make sure you check back to hear my thoughts on it, how easy or difficult it was, etc.  I will also give you an update on how my daughter is doing in Germany!

You can learn more about Skype by visiting their website, and don’t forget to like Skype on Facebook!

*I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Skype. I received Skype credits to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.