Skype

Skype is free downloadable software, which allows you to turn your PC into a (stereo!) Internet phone (if you have speakers and microphone). In 2 months time the software had been downloaded 1,6 million times. The article predicts the death of Verizon (and its ilk), but I see that as mainly a US view.

I read before about it, but did not have the chance to check it out yet. I am intrigued why this is a success now. People have been talking about VoIP for years and many experiments have gone down the drain. Is it because the Broadband penetration is sufficiently high? From their website I get the impression that their soundquality is better and it has more functionality. Or, ... Unfortunately I can not try it on my Mac.

[via Slate]