*Coming soon to Skype for Windows: advertisements
-- Mon Mar 7, 12:05 pm ET
Got the Skype desktop client for Windows? Then get ready to start seeing
ads---big ones, in some cases---appearing in the Skype interface.
Skype announced Monday that the advertisements will begin appearing this
week under the "Home" tab of the Windows Skype client (version 5.1 and
up). For now, the ads will be restricted to Skype's Windows-based
software, meaning that Mac and mobile Skype apps will remain ad-free, at
least for now.
The initial banner ads will be as big as 650 by 340 pixels and may
include "large format, rich and interactive" experiences, although Skype
promises that users "will not see annoying pop-up ads or flashy banners
in the middle of your conversations."
The first companies slated to be selling their wares through Skype ads
include Groupon, Nokia, Universal Pictures, and Visa, according to a
Skype press release.
In a FAQ on the Skype Web site, the company says that selling ads will
"help us continue to invest in great products" such as "low-cost"
Skype-to-mobile and/or landline calls and free Skype-to-Skype calls.
The "majority" of those who see ads in their desktop Skype clients will
be "non-paying users," Skype says---presumably meaning that at least
some paying customers will see the ads, too.
Ad-supported VoIP or instant-messaging software is nothing new, of
course, but this is first time that Skype has ever served ads in its
free software. Skype also runs the risk of ruffling the features of
those who are already paying for services such as "Skype To Go" phone
numbers or the ability to call mobile and landline numbers.
The reaction all depends on how the ads are implemented---and
specifically, how annoying (or hopefully unobtrusive) the interactive
banners end up being.
For its part, Skype swears that its software user experience is "our
first priority" and that "we've taken a lot of time working through and
testing what kind of advertising will be a positive experience for you."
So, anyone see ads appear in their Skype clients yet? Will
advertisements in the Skype software bother you, especially if you're
already paying for Skype service---or, on the flip side, would you
rather deal with ads than higher prices?
(Image credit: Skype)
--- Ben Patterson is a technology blogger for Yahoo! News.* --
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