My assignment 3 for class, EDIT 5393. The assignment compares VOIP conference tools: Skype and Google Hangout.

1. Video Conference Tool
Comparison (Skype & Google
Hangout)
Danton Shoemaker
2/19/17

2. Introduction
 In the field of education, video conference tools are useful for long distance
communication with the added benefit of multimedia presentation and instant
messaging.
 There are multiple tools for video conferencing, but I will focus on two tools: Skype
and Google Hangout.

3. Skype Introduction
 Skype was originally released on August 29th 2003 as a Voice-over-Internet-
Protocol (VOIP) software that provides video chat and phone calls.
 Skype follows a freemium model where the basic features are available for free to
all users, but requires a subscription or “Skype credit” in order to use all features
(e.g. larger online storage and larger group meeting size).
 Skype credit is a point system that requires payment

4. Skype Features
 Skype can connect to modern mobiles, landline, or computer with internet
connection for simple voice calls. Also, Skype has similar abilities to a cell phone
including SMS texting and leaving voice mail.
 However, Skype can be used for video calls on computers and modern mobiles with
video screen.
 Skype can contact multiple contacts for group meetings and presentations. This
can be done through “screen sharing”.
 Screen Sharing is a function that allows users to present what is visually shown on the
desktop or view screen.
 Finally, Skype has been integrated with Microsoft Outlook and different web
browsers for easy access and to set up future video conference meetings.

5. Google Hangout Introduction
 Google Hangout is an online platform initially released on May 15th 2013. It has a
VOIP application for mobile and tablet use, but can work on its online Google+ site
for computer users.
 Google Hangout uses a similar freemium model as Skype where the basic features
are free, but a subscription is required to use the full features (e.g. larger online
storage and larger group meeting size.)

6. Google Hangout Features
 Google Hangout has very similar features to Skype.
 These include file sharing, video chat, and screen sharing.
 However, Google Hangout requires a web browser if using a Google+ site and is
integrated with different Google software including Google Drive, Maps, Docs as
well as the online platform, YouTube.

7. Technical Requirements for Windows
Skype for Windows
 Version
 Windows 10
Windows 8.1
Windows 8
Windows 7
Windows Vista
Windows XP SP3
 Processor
 At least 1 GHz
 Ram
 At least 512 MB
 Additional Software
 DirectX v9.0 or above
Google Hangout for
Windows
 Version
 Windows 10
Windows 8.1
Windows 8
Windows 7
Windows Vista
Windows XP SP3
 Processor
 At least 1 GHz
 Web Browser
 Possible browsers include Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Fire Fox, and Safari.
 Processor Minimum Requirements:
 Any 2 GHz dual core processor or greater.
 Bandwidth
 For 1:1 connections, we suggest a 1 mbps/1 mbps (up/down)
 For group video connectivity, we suggest 1 mbps/2 mbps (up/down)
 In addition, you need to have a broadband connection to the Internet.

8. Prices
 Basic features are free for both Skype and Google Hangout.
 However, you can access a full suite service from either G Suite or Office 365.
 A basic Office 365 Business Essentials account and a Google Hangout Basic Business user
account cost $60 per year.
 Google Hangout Business user account costs $120 per year.
 Office 365 Business Premium user account costs $150 per year.

9. Software Selection (S for Skype & GH for
Google Hangout)
Claim Strongly Agree Agree Disagree N/A
The directions are
clear and easy to
follow.
S; GH
It is easy to start
and exit the
program.
S; GH
Users can easily
resume where they
left off in the
program.
GH S
The program
functions well and
is free of bugs.
S; GH
The program is
enjoyable to use
S; GH

10. Software Selection Part 2
Claim Strongly Agree Agree Disagree N/A
The graphics
elements are
meaningful and
appropriate.
S; GH
Sound can be
turned on and off.
S; GH
The software
contains useful
management
features.
S; GH
Basic tasks are
easily learned and
intuitive.
S; GH

11. Software Selection Part 3
Claim Strongly Agree Agree Disagree N/A
Advanced
features are
easy to access
and apply.
S; GH
Menu- Driven
tutorials are
built into the
program.
S; GH

12. Software/Platform Comparison
Skype
Google
Hangout
Integrates with Google+, Google Drive,
and YouTube.
Only domestic SMS available through
Google Voice and not on PC or Mac.
Operator charges still apply.
Not yet available
Has an option to improve video quality
through adjusting bandwidth.
Integrates with Facebook and Outlook.
Skype Credit must be used. Domestic
US SMS costs 11.2 cents per message
not including Hawaii or Alaska.
Can set Status or Mood
Has received complaints on bad video
especially on cellular connections and
inability to adjust bandwith.
VOIP Software
Audio/Video
Conference
Presence
IM & SMS
Social Media
Integration

13. Skype Pro and Cons
Pros Cons
Capable of communication with mobile,
landlines, and computers.
Not fully integrated; e.g. Office 365 users
have 60 minutes of international Skype
calls free per month, but cannot share 365
documents via Skype just yet.
Does not require any personal information No ability to adjust setting for video
quality
Easy installation Cannot connect to an online storage
system
Requires only one account

14. Google Hangout Pros and Cons
Pros Cons
Can be used through online site or
application
Requires Google Voice for SMS texting
and calling
Can adjust setting for better video quality Requires a Google+ account
Great integration with social media
Can connect with Google Drive

15. Conclusion
 Both Google Hangout and Skype are very capable for video conferencing.
 However, Google Hangout has great integration with Google+, but one would need to
change their privacy settings in order to hide any private information that is located in
their Google account. Also, Google Hangout is still implementing SMS texting, has not
enabled presence on its systems, and has only recently been able to contact cell phones.
 Again, presence refers to how Skype allows one to insert a “mood” and insert any message or
title to show one’s current status.
 Skype is a fully developed application that has existed for over a decade. Although it
does not have adjustment setting for better visual quality like Google Hangout, it still has
all of the main features of Google Hangout and more features that were implemented
long before Google Hangout’s existance.

16. Recommendations
 I prefer Skype over Google Hangout. Skype has more features and is just more
well-rounded than Google Hangout in my opinion.
 Google Hangout is catching up to the amount of features that Skype has, but still
needs more time for development.
 Maybe in the future, I would prefer Google Hangout over Skype when Google
Hangout has finished developing the features that Skype already has.
 Until that time, I will continue recommending Skype over Google Hangout.

17. References/Resources
 Google. (2013) G Suite by Google Cloud. Retrieved from
https://gsuite.google.com/products/hangouts/
 Skype. Skype | Free calls to friends and family. Retrieved from
https://www.skype.com/en/