What is the Difference Between Google+ Hangout and Skype?

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Google+ Hangouts and Skype are both popular communication tools that offer video calling, voice calls, and instant messaging. However, there are some differences between the two platforms:

  1. Video Conferencing: Google+ Hangouts allows up to 10 people in a video chat without charging extra, while Skype charges for the feature to video call more than one person at a time.
  2. Video Quality: The video quality of Hangouts is reported to be better than Skype.
  3. Integration: Hangouts integrates with Google+, Google Drive, and YouTube, while Skype integrates with Facebook and Outlook.
  4. Group Chat: Hangouts supports group chats with up to 100 people, while Skype supports up to 25 people.
  5. Screen Sharing: Both Hangouts and Skype offer screen sharing features.
  6. Platform Availability: Both Hangouts and Skype can be used on desktop and mobile devices and support several different platforms, including Android and iOS.
  7. Widgets: Hangouts supports widgets, while Skype does not.
  8. Customization: Skype can be personalized, while Hangouts cannot.
  9. Encrypted Group Chats: Skype has encrypted group chats and provides more privacy options, while Hangouts does not offer encrypted group chats.
  10. Launch Date: Google Hangouts was launched in 2013, while Skype was launched in 2003.

Both services are free, but they also offer paid options for businesses with additional features.

Comparative Table: Google+ Hangout vs Skype

Here is a table comparing the differences between Google+ Hangouts and Skype:

Feature Google+ Hangouts Skype
Integration Google+, Google Drive, YouTube Facebook, Outlook
Chat Rooms Create before inviting participants Only after establishing video call
Screen Sharing Integrated with Google Drive Over IM or audio/video calls
File Sharing Google Drive, Google+ Photos IM or audio/video calls
Presence Not available Status and mood setting
Call/Chat History Save Hangout history; Gmail archive View past call/IM history
Supported Platforms Chrome, IE, Firefox, Safari, Mac OS X, Windows, Vista, XP, Ubuntu Chrome, IE, Firefox, Safari, Mac OS X, Windows, Vista, XP, Ubuntu