When you have a new baby, the first thing you want to do is show her off to family and friends! But what happens when you live out of state away from family? One of the great ways to communicate in real time with your loved ones is by using Skype with the assistance of a webcam. Resident Tech Expert for Skype, Jamie Sorcher, wanted to share with us the benefits of using Skype for new Moms:
What is Skype?
Skype is free software that lets you use your computer and Internet connection to communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world. On Skype, you can make free Skype-to-Skype video or audio calls or calls to landlines and mobiles at very low rates.
How Can I use Skype?
To get started on Skype, just download the free software from www.Skype.com. If your computer has a built-in Web cam, you’re ready to make calls. If not, check out the Skype Certified™ Web cams and headsets available at http://shop.skype.com like the FREETALK Buddy Cam and Everyman Headset for great sound. More tips on how to make a call can be read here.
What Should I do During a Skype Video Call?
One of the easiest rules to remember when interacting with anyone during a video call is to be yourself and smile. There is nothing more engaging than smiling throughout your call – just like you would in person! Also important is to make direct eye contact. Your family and friends from around the globe want to see you so stay focused on the Web cam lens so it looks like you’re making eye contact with the person on the other side.
What Will My Friends See?
While you are the focus of the call and the video, remember that there will be background material that your friends and family will see. Think about what you want to show. It could be the baby’s room or the kitchen if you’re having dinner. Whatever is in the camera’s lens when you turn it on is what they’ll see. Look at what the Web cam will show in the Skype “options” menu before the call.
Light Up the Room
Grandma and Grandpa want to see your little one’s smile but won’t be able to see it if it’s too dark in the room. Check to be sure you have enough lighting that doesn’t create shadows or throw too harsh a look into your screen.
Can I Call Regular Phones on Skype?
Yes, you can call landlines or cell phones around the world using Skype. These voice calls can be made for pennies using Skype credit or a monthly subscription, which starts at just $2.95 per month.
Labor of Love Giveaway #9: Webcams and Skype Subscriptions
Skype wants to help you connect with family and friends so they don’t miss one minute of the excitement surrounding your new baby! They have generously offered TWO Not-So-Blog readers the following package:
- One (1) Skype Unlimited U.S. and Canada Subscription (to make regular calls to land lines for those friends who are not yet on Skype) – this is a three-month subscription package.
- One (1) FREETALK® Buddy Cam, an effective and user friendly webcam which clips anywhere and is ready within seconds to send stunning images across the globe.
How to enter:
1. Visit Skype and tell me something you would love to won from their store!
Additional entries:
1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog.
2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)
3. Subscribe to my blog.
4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.
5. Favorite me in Technorati!
Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on September 30th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.
Skype has changed my life. When I first started traveling in Asia in 2002, I only talked to my parents on the phone like once every two months. THe process involved them going to an ethnic grocery store and buying a prepaid international phone card. Then we would nervously and hurriedly talk, all the while thinking of how expensive it is.
Now, no matter where I am, I can talk to friends and family all over the world for just pennies. I can actually talk and not worry about the cost.
I would love the Philips USB corded phone. I think it would help my kids when we are talking on Skype. My toddler tries to put the headset mic in his mouth
I love the Philips USB corded phone
subscriber.
fb fan. amy bolda pugmire
follow on twitter and tweeted.
http://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/3902294275
I love the Polycom Communicator.
I follow on twitter and tweeted. http://twitter.com/susanlanai/status/3903237799
I follow.
I’m a subscriber.
I faved in Technorati.
I also like the FREETALK® Everyman USB Headset. Please accept my entry. Thank you.
I like the Logitech Quickcam Pro for Notebooks!
faved you on Technorati! AnnetteD
tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/statuses/3909339301
I like the Philips USB corded phone.
I’d love to own the Logitech Quickcam Orbit. I always hate when people use their web cam and have to manually adjust it with their hand in front of the lens or making me dizzy as the bounce it around.
mattschmunk at hotmail dot com
I follow and tweeted.
http://twitter.com/matt0701/status/3911034732
mattschmunk at hotmail dot com
I subscribe to your blog in google reader.
mattschmunk at hotmail dot com
Here’s a 2 minute explanatory animated video that will help most understand the basics of Skype. http://sayitvisually.com/skype
A Philips USB corded phone.
I’d like this: Philips Webcam SPC1330NC to replace my old webcam
would love to win the FREETALK® Everyman USB Headset
I’d love to win the Freetalk Micro Talk headset! I LOVE skype and have used it befoRE!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Email subscriber:
ajoebloe(at)gmail(dot)com
already a fan on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/ajoebloe
I follow you on twitter @JoeyfromSC and here’s my tweet:
http://twitter.com/JoeyfromSC/status/3925875042
You’re in my faves on technorati:
JoeyfromSC
philips usb corded phone
subscriber
fb fan
The Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000 would be nice to own.
member(dot)thao(at)gmail.com
I subscribe via email.
member(dot)thao(at)gmail.com
http://twitter.com/twinpowells/status/3928809434
I follow in twitter.
http://twitter.com/twinpowells
member(dot)thao(at)gmail.com
FREETALK® Wireless Stereo Headset
I follow you on twitter.
I twitted:
http://twitter.com/edeliz/statuses/3945689327
I subscribe to your blog.
i would love to win the Polycom Communicator, it gives you the ultimate handsfree Skype experience.
cathy b
projecthope7 at gmail dot com
i subscribe to your blog.
cathy b
projecthope7 at gmail dot com
I follow you on twitter and I tweeted. @projecthope7
http://twitter.com/projecthope7/status/3951741356
cathy b
projecthope7 at gmail dot com
I’d love to win the Logitech Quickcam Orbit.
transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com
Im a subscriber.
transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com
I’d like the belkin wifi phone.
Follow on twitter and I tweeted.
http://twitter.com/brennaboo/status/4000867133
I subscribe.
I’m a FB fan.
Technorati faved. Username brennaboo.
tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/statuses/4003819960
This came would be a fun, great way to help keep in touch with my son who is away at college for his first year. The Freetalk buddy cam looks hip, like something my son would like. When we bought him his laptop we didn’t think we would need a built in cam but now wish we had one now that he is away at school.
Added friend on facebook Tanya Lecy Dandurand and subscribed too
FREETALK® Everyman USB Headset is something I would love to have!