Skype 3.0 vs Tango

Tango is one of the alternatives that popped up against Skype on the iPhone. Both software offer video calling but there are many features that are not shared by them. Depending on your preference, either could actually be better than the other. Skype 3.0 is for the iPhone while Tango works for both iPhone and Android phones. Although Skype 3.0 is for the iPhone, there are other versions that are intended for different platforms like Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and many others. This gives Skype an edge as you can contact more people on Skype 3.0 than on Tango.

To provide a more seamless experience, Tango opted to go with mobile number integration. This means that you do not have to sign-in every time as your mobile number would identify you as soon as you connect. The downside to this is that you cannot simply move your account from one device to another routinely. Say if you have an iPhone and an iPad, each device would have separate contact details. With Skype, you can move from your Android phone, to your iPad, or even your computer and still retain the same contact ID; your contacts need not add multiple IDs just for you.

A feature present in Skype that many of its competitors fail to implement is instant messaging. You can send messages to your online friends with Skype 3.0 just like when you are on your desktop and carry on conversations in areas where silence is needed. There may be issues that need to be addressed in Tango to incorporate instant messaging without breaking its integration with the iPhone. Skype 3.0 does not even attempt integration and acts as a totally separate application.

Lastly, one of the major draws of Skype is its ability to make calls to phones that are not on Skype; or even online. This is achieved by Skype’s facilities that switch the call from VoIP to the standard call medium. You need to pay Skype a minimal fee but the savings is very clear when you are calling someone from another part of the world. Because Tango is just software and its makers do not have the infrastructure that Skype has, it is easy to say that this feature would not appear anytime soon.

Summary:

1. Skype is available on almost all platforms while Tango is only available for the iOS and Android platforms
2. Skype uses a distinct username and password while Tango uses you mobile number
3. Skype has instant messaging while Tango does not
4. Skype can make or receive calls from non-members while Tango cannot

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