Skype offers 1 month of free worldwide calling

After the recent release of Skype v6.0 for Mac and Windows, Skype is now offering free international calling for a month. In addition to making free Skype-to-Skype calls, you can also call offline contacts on their mobiles and landlines. Skype states that the free calling offer is worth 10.49 euros, which roughly translates to Rs 726.

Mobile calling through Skype is available in select countries such as Canada, Guam, Hong Kong SAR, China, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. Calls to landlines through Skype are available only in 40 countries, which do not include India. The free worldwide calling trial must be redeemed before November 15, 2012, and you will be required to enter valid payment details. Upon the expiration of the free calling scheme, you will be billed according to normal tariffs unless you cancel the scheme. Each account will only be eligible for one free month of worldwide calling, and only accounts created at least 29 days ago are eligible.

Skype is giving users one month of free worldwide calling

Skype had released the latest version of its voice-calling software – Skype v6.0 – recently. The update has brought to the table Microsoft and Facebook Account Integration. Users can now sign into Skype using either their Microsoft or Facebook accounts. In Skype v6.0, users can send instant messages to their Windows Live Messenger, Hotmail, and Outlook.com contacts via Skype. Users with Microsoft accounts can merge the Microsoft account with Skype. All they have to do is sign in to Skype with their Microsoft accounts.

Skype v6.0 for Windows desktop users has been updated with new localised versions of Skype in Thai, Croatian, Slovenian, Serbian, Catalan, and Slovak. The total number of languages that Skype supports has now gone up to 38. Skype v6.0 has undergone a facelift on the Windows desktop. The Skype user interface (UI) now bears a simpler and less cluttered look. Instant messaging and SMS areas have been refreshed as well. The online user counter at the bottom of the Skype Contacts list has been done away with for the Windows desktop in a bid to unclutter the UI, offering more space for the user’s contacts in the list. Also, now if users want to change their profile pictures, they will be shown all their previous profile photos to choose from.

The latest version Skype for Windows desktop users comes with additional 'opt-in' telemetry reports for users who choose this option: "Tools>> Options>>Advanced>>Tick Help improve Skype...". The reports may contain the user’s Skype ID and or Microsoft Account ID, but Skype clarifies that it will not use the information to identify or contact the user.

For Mac desktop users, the latest version of Skype brings open chats across multiple windows, while also introducing support for Retina Display.

You can redeem your free month of worldwide calling by visiting the subscriptions page for Skype.