Skype rolls visual ads during some Windows calls, wonders what the hang up

[BoredBozirini]

Skype has been raising the prospect of ads during calls for some time, and has already been running between-call ads before that, but now it's taking more definitive action. As of today, Skype for Windows users who don't have any credit their accounts will see -- thankfully, not hear -- ads during pure Skype-to-Skype voice conversations. The ads won't disrupt calls or take over the interface, but the company's attempt to spin location-targeted sales pitches as a way to "generate fun interactivity" between callers isn't exactly leaving us warm and fuzzy. There's no mention of whether or not Mac or mobile users will get the ads as well -- not that there's exactly a rush to embrace them or the "additional commercial experiences" coming in the future.

Source: Engadget

[Growled Member]

Is there any good alternatives?

[ArialBlue]

So there will be ads starving bandwidth during bandwidth critical moments? Good Job Skype - go rot in a fire.

[PsYcHoKiLLa]

Anyone else sick of these companies treating us like lab rats?

[funkydude]

Most people like I probably minimize the client after initiating a phone call, so who cares? If they can make money from me not even viewing it then that's fine by me.

[moloko]

And yet I am not bothered by this?

WHY are you looking at the skype screen on an audio call? Video yes of course, but audio, you should be doing other things.

[The Teej]

As long as it's just an image or animated gif (no more then say, 100kb, one time download per call?) then I don't see the big deal. If you don't want the ads use the paid service, similar to most free services out there on the internet (including the board you're using right now!). Besides, even if it was during video calls (which it isn't) as long as it's not overly obtrusive (say, only a smaller banner at the top/bottom like Youtube does) then once again I don't see a big deal. Skype-to-Skype video calls never take up the whole screen anyway so it's not like it's going to plaster an ad over a guys face. And when it's audio, this is even more irrelevant.

This is only a minute fraction of bad compared to the ridiculous patent awarded to someone that allowed someone to produce audio-ads that replace the ringing tone. Now THAT is a PITA.

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

Wait, the way I read it is this: If you have zero credit and are making a FREE AUDIO call (not video, AUDIO) then the screen will display an advert?

Sorry for not being up-in-arms over this...

[myxomatosis]

I'm already paying for credits Microsoft, and you'll use my bandwith and my screen to show me with ads? Go f*** yourself.

[rfirth]

I'm already paying for credits Microsoft, and you'll use my bandwith and my screen to show me with ads? Go f*** yourself.

If you're paying for credits, you won't see ads... read more than just the title before commenting?

[Noir Angel]

I'll just repeat what I said on the front page

If they're just doing this to bolster their bottom line it's a bit of a tacky move but if they put the money into improving the service I'm all for it. Either way, it's not much of a hardship as the ads don't appear to be all that intrusive.

[HighwayGlider]

It's not such a big deal that you guys are making it to be. Just minimize the damn client and voila. :)

[moloko]

If you're paying for credits, you won't see ads... read more than just the title before commenting?

BURNNNNN

[ozgeek]

This is a big problem for those who rely on video to communicate like me. I need video to sign to other people over the net. Now ads will distract me from us signing.

[rfirth]

This is a big problem for those who rely on video to communicate like me. I need video to sign to other people over the net. Now ads will distract me from us signing.

I don't think the ads show up if you Skype with fullscreen video.

Alternately, if all else fails, you could purchase the smallest amount of Skype credit possible. If you have Skype credit, the ads don't show apparently. You don't ever have to actually use the credit.

I also see a "close ad" button in the screenshot. Not hard to click... that's what I'll be doing likely.

Does anyone know if this is released yet? I'm using my one Windows 8 RP machine that really really doesn't like Skype, and I'm away traveling.

[nohone]

Complain about Google scanning your email, documents, and gdrive information to feed you target ads, then you are a tin-foil hat wearing hater of a company just trying to make a buck who wants to give their users a good product at a good price. Google does no evil.

Skype/Microsoft shows ads for a free phone call - those evil ********, how dare they try to capitalize off of my free phone calls and use my bandwidth for their nefarious deeds? And to quote an earlier post, "Good Job Skype - go rot in a fire."