Update 5/10/11: Skype was recently purchased by Microsoft for $8.5 billion. With Microsoft’s history of, well, making products worse instead of better, we wanted to highlight some alternatives for you. (On top of this, many weren’t happy with Skype’s latest product release and new interface.) Here are three Skype alternatives you should consider, from simple to more feature rich:

Logitech Vid HD

Logitech Vid HD lets you to make video calls quickly and with ease. With a tagline, “Isn’t it about time video calling became easy?” the app supports high definition video calling with a simple-stupid interface – making it perfect for staying in touch with family and friends. All you need is your webcam and an Internet connection, and you can skip the screen names, avatars, and bajillion features that come along with Skype. To connect with friends, simply add their email address and connect with them. End up loving Logitech Vid HD’s simplicity? Purchase a HD webcam to enjoy even more detail and HD quality on those video calls.

FaceTime

If you’re a Mac owner and have lots of friends who are Apple owners, too, know that FaceTime is not just an app for the iPhone and iPod touch: it’s also a $0.99 app for your Mac. Download this to make video calls directly to your Apple fiend friends over wifi, whether they’re on their Macs, iPhones or iPod touches. To get setup, all you need to do is enter your Apple ID and your contacts will automatically be organized from your address book. Just like Skype, a little box within your video chat shows how you appear to the people you’re connecting with.

ooVoo

This company in fact boasts “8 out of 10 Skype users prefer ooVoo” – so make sure to give them a test drive if you’re looking for a feature-rich Skype alternative. This product offers video chat, phone calls, desktop sharing, and video conferencing with up to 6 people all in one download. One of the best features about this product is the ease in which it allows you to invite people to video chat without their having to download ooVoo at all; instead, just send them a unique URL over email, IM or over your social networks (all they need is a webcam to join). As for voice over internet phone calls, you have the ability to pay as you go with credits or purchase a low-fee monthly plan. ooVoo’s desktop sharing also sets it apart from Skype, providing a one-click icon that allows whomever you’re video conferencing or chatting with to see what’s on your screen instead of your face in front of the webcam.

What other Skype alternatives would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments!