02/03, 12:15pm
Skype Windows Phone app in employee testing stage
Microsoft has made a version of Skype available for download from the Windows Phone Marketplace, though it's only for employees, The Verge reported. The app is still undergoing testing, and will reportedly be customized to resemble the Metro interface, with a two-column grid for contacts, similar to the photo here. The app won't integrate Windows Phone's People Hub, however, as that's due later in 2012 as part of Windows Phone 8.
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02/02, 9:00pm
Client offers push-to-talk, Bing integration
Skype has released an update to its desktop software for Windows machines. Version 5.8 adds a number of new features, including 1080p video calling and support for Facebook audio and video calling. Users can also take advantage of group screen share, presenting an entire screen view or a single application window with up to 10 contacts.
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01/14, 7:20pm
Microsoft talks Skype tie-in for Windows
Skype product VP Rick Osterloh in a chat (video below) at CES this week promised that Skype for Windows Phone was "coming out soon." He didn't say more, but confirmed that the app for new corporate parent Microsoft was in development. Skype had shown its VoIP app running on Windows Phone as far back as , but it has remained mostly silent until now.
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01/12, 5:00pm
Makes video in incoming calls optional
Skype has released a new Skype for Mac beta, v5.5. The software includes a new and improved call interface. It also gives Mac users the option of accepting incoming calls with or without video, a feature already present in finished Windows versions of Skype.
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01/09, 7:35pm
Dragon TV integrates messaging, social media, TV
Nuance Communications has unveiled Dragon TV, a voice and natural language understanding platform for TV, device and set-top box OEMs and digital service operators. Similar to Nuance's plain-language speech recognition encoded in Siri's Assistant feature,
Dragon TV responds to voice commands in plain English. Viewers can find content by speaking channel numbers, station names, show and movie names. Searches by actor's name and genre are also possible.
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01/07, 6:40pm
Comcast preps Skype cam for cable hardware
Comcast is preparing its own webcam for Skype video calls that could bypass the usual computing link. Both an FCC filing noted by Wireless Goodness as well as a leak to Engadget have pointed to the camera, called Astro, attaching to a cable set-top box with an HDMI passthrough for other sources. It could work audio-only or with text and would support picture-in-picture to avoid completely interrupting an ongoing show.
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01/05, 1:05pm
TelyHD living room HD video chat supports Skype
A young company by the name of Tely Labs has just released a Skype-compatible HD video calling system for the living room. Its just-launched telyHD set-top has the ability to call Skype users on their smartphones, notebooks or desktop PCs. There are no monthly fees for this service, but users do need the set-top connected to their HDTV and have a free Skype account.
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01/04, 11:05am
Cisco stops selling Umi video conferencing gear
Cisco has stopped sales of its Umi video conferencing system Umi that has been price-dropped and re-branded for business use, SAI learned. While an official announcement to this effect hasn't been made by Cisco, a spokesperson confirmed to the source Cisco has stopped selling the system. When the system launched, it was expensive at $600 and included a 720p camera, controller and set-top box. In March, it was discounted to $400.
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12/30, 5:05pm
Offers free Wi-Fi services for 24 hours
Following on its recent promotion to air travelers for free Wi-Fi during the past holiday week, Skype will be offering free Skype Wi-Fi for New Year's Eve and Day in New York City. For 24 hours, the VoIP provider will be letting revelers have general Internet access. The promotion runs from noon Saturday until noon on Sunday.
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12/21, 11:15pm
System appears to be connected via 4G
GM subsidiary OnStar has teased a revamped infotainment system that takes advantage of 4G LTE networks to expand the range of connected features. The company is currently teasing the new system, which will allow users to participate in video chats via Skype. The faster connection speeds also enables users to access streaming multimedia content.
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12/13, 2:55pm
Update also improves performance & device support
Skype has released a new update for its Skype for Android app. The new release, Skype 2.6 for Android, lets users with mobile data plans send photos, videos and files over 3G and Wi-Fi networks (free, Android Market). The update also provides improvements for tablets running Tegra 2 processors.
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12/13, 1:00pm
EU, regulators urged to look into net neutrality
European Union ministers has asked the European Commission and pan-European regulator BEREC to look into whether some ISPs are throttling some services in favor of others. According to a Tuesday Reuters report, the concern is that net neutrality may be hampered, with Internet calling services such as Skype possibly affected. BEREC will publish a joint report from regulators in the 27 EU member states in February that will summarize its findings.
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12/09, 5:15am
Skype flaw allows geo-tracking of users
Researchers have uncoveredwhat looks like a serious security flaw in Skype that could easily allow a hacker to track a user’s movements as well their P2P file-sharing activity. Scientists from New York University’s Polytechnic Institute monitored 10,000 random Skype users and 20 volunteers over a two-week period discovered the vulnerability. They found that callers using VoIP can obtain the IP address of another user simply by calling them allowing them to use geo-IP mapping services to determine their location and ISP.
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11/30, 3:25pm
Sony updates Bravia TVs with YouTube HD, Facebook
Sony has detailed a software update to its Bravia Internet-connected HDTVs that will bring with it a number of new features. They include access to YouTube HD movies, Facebook photos and videos on the full screen, ticker-like Twitter updates while watching TV, and more. TrackID song search results can also be sent directly to Twitter.
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11/17, 9:50am
Skype Mac and Windows get Facebook support
Acting on a promise from July, Skype has rolled out new test versions for Macs and Windows that give both of the apps support for full Facebook video chat. Both an updated 5.4 beta for Mac and 5.7 beta for Windows let users make a call from their own Facebook accounts inside the app to others' without one or both having to go to the web. The only stipulation is having a Facebook account linked to Skype to get contacts.
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10/17, 5:30pm
Vdio to carry top TV shows in subscription
Following an earlier investigation, Vdio has confirmed plans to launch as a direct competitor to Netflix and other major movie services. Created by Skype and Rdio creators Janus Friis and Niklas Zennstrom, the company told GigaOM that it would provide the "best in TV and movies, right now." Its teaser page includes TV shows such as Mad Men as well as movies like The Dark Knight, suggesting it had at least lined up deals with AMC, Fox, Showtime, Sony, and Warner Bros., among others.
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10/14, 3:00pm
New update "fixes" bundled Google software "issue"
Yesterday, Microsoft officially
finalized its $8.5 billion acquisition of Skype. Although the VoIP service provider is now a unique division within Microsoft, and the company reiterated it would stay
platform agnostic, subtle changes are already taking place. Skype today released version 5.6 for Windows users (free, Skype), and it includes a noteworthy functional change. Google apps are no longer bundled in the installation package.
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10/14, 5:45am
Microsoft subsumes Skype for VoIP
Microsoft late Thursday officially closed its acquisition of Skype. The $8.5 billion deal now sees Skype become an internal division of Microsoft, with its former CEO Tony Bates now reporting directly to Microsoft's Steve Ballmer. Although the company would be focused on Microsoft, Bates reiterated Microsoft's claims that Skype would stay platform-agnostic and support more than just Windows and Windows Phone.
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10/12, 6:30pm
Carrier to begin trials of Skype-like service soon
UK carrier O2 today announced it plans to trial a VoIP service for its mobile phone customers. Called O2 Connect, the Skype-like service will allow smartphone users to use voice and text services over a Wi-Fi network from their mobile device, and call or send a message to any UK mobile or landline number. The app initially will be available on iOS devices and Android smartphones.
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10/11, 5:30pm
Microsoft-Skype deal near wrapped up in US
Microsoft's buyout of Skype could be formally completed in the US this week, multiple tips indicated Tuesday. They explained to AllThingsD that it was "likely" the deal would be done in the next few days. The agreement already has American and European approval and is likely just waiting on formalities.
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10/07, 12:45pm
Skype buyout by Microsoft approved by EU
Microsoft's $8.5 billion purchase of Skype has been approved on Friday by the European Commission. The software giant's largest-ever buy was announced in May and received the blessing of the US Federal Trade Commission back in June. The European Commission found that the two companies overlap in video communications and there are no competition concerns regarding the acquisition.
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10/06, 4:30pm
FCC says Verizon lawsuit lacks jurisdiction
Verizon's second attempt to appeal the FCC's net neutrality rules has been met with a rebuttal from the FCC. The governing body is now arguing Verizon's lawsuit is not valid because it doesn't have the needed jurisdiction. The new rules are due to take place into November 20.
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09/29, 1:40pm
Performance tweaks, video zooming also included
Skype has released a new version of its VoIP chat client for Android phones. Skype 2.5 (free, Market) adds video chat support for 14 Android devices, including the
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (T-Mobile version), Acer Iconia Tablet (A500), Motorola Photon and Motorola Xoom. As with the latest client for Mac and iOS, Skype 2.5 for Android brings ads to the free version. Ads are not shown to users with Skype Credit or a subscription.
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09/27, 10:50am
Skype iOS apps get anti-shake and hands-free calls
Skype added two of its more commonly requested features to its iOS apps. Both Skype for iPads (App Store) and for the iPhone (App Store) now have software-based anti-shake correction. The trick helps reduce the jitter effect from natural handholding and bumps, especially when walking.
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09/20, 7:25pm
Users' address books could be copied
A security researcher going by "Phil P" and running the Superevr security blog has found a serious scripting vulnerability in the chat messaging feature of Skype versions 3.01 and earlier for the iPhone and iPod Touch that could execute malicious Javascript code without the user being fully aware, giving the attacker access to file contents of any file that the Skype app would have access to -- such as a user's address book.
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09/15, 10:30am
Skype 5.4 for Mac beta has Facebook chat
Skype caught Mac users up to their Windows equivalents quickly with the launch of the 5.4 for Mac beta. The new release gives users the first stages of Facebook integration with cross-platform text chat if they choose to connect. It's similarly possible to post Facebook status updates and view Facebook updates from others inside the app filtered by the originating network.
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08/25, 11:15am
Qik Premium reaches Android devices
Qik users on Android were put back on par with their iOS counterparts Thursday with a Premium option in the app (Android Market). Paying for the extra service works with a companion desktop app to automatically sync videos and manage them when away from the phone. Some devices also get the option of recording videos in 3D and HD if the hardware allows for it.
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08/25, 8:35am
Microsoft says Mango has front camera support
Ending exploration and other speculation, Microsoft during a Tech Ed New Zealand session Thursday confirmed that Windows Phone 7 Mango has front camera support. While it had been suspected given digs into the SDK and very early reference hardware, it will now be available to any device that has the option. Microsoft's buyout of Skype will also pay off quickly as the WP7 app will support the front camera for video chat, the company said.
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08/21, 7:35pm
Skype acquires GroupMe for messaging strategy
Microsoft's soon-to-be acquisition Skype on Sunday said it had itself bought GroupMe. The deal with the year-old startup gives it access to mobile group messaging. Skype has been quiet as to the exact intentions but plans to fold in the "best in class text-based communications."
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08/17, 12:35pm
Skype WiFi app hits iOS devices
Skype took a distinctive approach to using its credit Wednesday with the release of Skype WiFi for iOS devices (free, App Store). The app lets users load up the previously computer-only option on an iPad, iPhone, or iPod and get Wi-Fi access from third-party hotspot providers on a per-minute basis and without having to sign up for a separate account. It's intended for those who might need only a quick jump online, especially when traveling to a country where the language might be a barrier to using a hotspot.
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08/16, 6:00pm
PSVita gets free social and VoIP from the start
Sony's Gamescom keynote on Tuesday saw it give future PSVita buyers a slew of social apps for when the console is ready. The handheld will have apps available on or near launch for Facebook, Foursquare, Skype, and Twitter. All will be free in the PlayStation Store.
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08/10, 9:35am
Skype outlines plans post-MS acquistion
Skype’s forthcoming Windows Phone app will integrate deeper than the Skype app for both the iPhone and Android devices. After its $8.5 billion acquisition by Microsoft is approved by European regulators (expected by the end of the year), the future Skype division of Microsoft has plans to make Skype functionality an integral component of the Windows Phone experience. Skype’s VP of products and marketing, Neil Stevens, says that Skype plans on creating a different kind of app, something that feels part of the phone.
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08/08, 6:10pm
Unclear how soon Skype will actually be integrated
There are new indications that Microsoft will be providing video chat capabilities into its Wave 5 release of Messenger within Windows Live. Liveside.net has posted Skype-like video icon images for Wave 5 Messenger. It is still not clear to what extent Microsoft will be able to incorporate video chat capabilities from Skype, which the company announced it was buying in May for $8.5 billion.
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08/04, 11:35am
Adds video chat for 'most' Android 2.2 devices
Skype has announced the release of version 2.1 of its app for Android (Android Market), which now includes two-way video calling on many Android phones and tablets. The announcement included a list of 17 Android devices that the company has certified as fully functional, in addition to the four phones that were certified when the mobile video chat function was introduced. Skype claims the app should work on a majority of other phones and tablets running Android 2.2, but using a front-facing camera will require at least Android 2.3.
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08/03, 8:20pm
Skype using VP8 even with Microsoft patent gripes
Google had an unusual celebration Wednesday as it claimed that Skype 5.5 was now using the video format behind WebM, VP8. WebM Product Manager John Luther said that that any video chat between two or more users on 5.5 will switch over to VP8 for the stream. The format had been chosen in part because of its low lag in live situations and ability to gracefully handle lost data.
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08/03, 6:00pm
VoIP company looking for WP7 experience
Skype may be preparing to bring its video chat functionality to the Windows Phone platform. The company's careers site currently includes a job listing for a video software engineer to help deliver the Skype Video Engine on mobile and embedded devices. Windows Phone experience is explicitly listed as a "big plus."
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08/03, 5:25pm
Vonage Time to Call uses iTunes to buy call time
Vonage staked out a first on Wednesday with an iPhone voice over IP app that uses in-app purchases. Time to Call (free, App Store) can make calls to real-world numbers by buying calls in blocks of 15 minutes. Prices range from 99 cents to $2 for about 100 common countries and peak at $10 for 90 more difficult to reach countries. As iTunes handles the infrastructure, users don't have to be Vonage subscribers and can pay with whatever they already use on Apple's store.
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08/01, 11:20pm
Skype on iPad hits App Store
A rare late-night intro saw the release of Skype for iPad (free, App Store). The app as anticipated gives iPad owners audio chat and, if they have an iPad 2, two-way video chat. Skype exploits the larger canvas to have pop-over text chat in mid-video as well as to produce an overall interface closer to the desktop app.
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07/28, 12:45pm
Skype 5.5 for Windows out, integrates Facebook
Skype has just released version 5.5 of its software for Windows. A beta version of the software launched in June, and Skype made several enhancements based on user feedback to the final version. As hinted at by the recent Facebook tie-in, the new software has more Facebook integration.
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07/22, 2:50pm
$8.5 billion deal on track subjet to EU scrutiny
Tony Bates, Skype's CEO said yesterday that he expected Microsoft's $8.5 billion acquisition of the Internet voice and video services provider to be completed by October. The transaction still requires approval from the EU's regulatory bodies, but he expects that, as in the US, it will proceed smoothly. Once that happens, it should only be a matter of a couple of months.
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07/20, 3:30pm
Viber text and calling Android app now available
Viber has taken its limited-availability beta Android app and now made it widely available (free Android Market). Like the iOS variant, it allows users to make calls and send text messages for free over 3G and Wi-Fi, much like Skype. Exclusive to the Android version, however, is a full call screen when Viber calls are received, pop-up text notifications, and a default dialer setting that lets users make all their calls over Viber.
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07/18, 12:50pm
Could indicate resistance from Apple
Skype and Google are refusing to comment on the status of new but significantly delayed iOS apps, statements from spokespeople show. Google revealed that it had submitted a Google+ app to Apple at least two weeks ago, but the title has yet to appear on the App Store despite the marketing and momentum attached to the social network. The launch of a Skype iPad app was anticipated on June 28th, following months of testing, but is also missing in action.
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07/06, 1:55pm
Facebook and Skype confirm tie-in
Facebook at its special event Wednesday brought out Skype-based video chat. The approach lets Facebook members hold one-to-one video calls between each other without having to load a separate app; complete newcomers should be talking in 30 seconds, Facebook says. The platform should also work tightly with an updated desktop app and, eventually, mobile versions.
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07/05, 10:55am
Skype 5.2 now out for Mac with group video calls
Skype has now released the full-blown version of its latest software, Skype 5.2, for Macs. Like the beta version, it allows for group video calls but also now allows sharing of the screen during group calls. At the same time, group video call members can share documents, photos and other files. This feature does require the paid Skype Premium subscription, however.
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06/30, 6:30pm
WP7 Mango camera app has button for front cameras
A discovery in the recently launched new Windows Phone 7 Mango beta has given support to beliefs the new OS will support front-facing cameras. Microsoft has added a new button in the camera app, unseen even in the initial beta, that switches between front and back cameras. A WPCentral contact, beyond showing the emulator, said that front camera hooks were allowed in Microsoft's official chassis specs.
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06/30, 12:35pm
Skype video calling finally reaches Android
Skype after prolonged delays at last enabled video calling in its Android app (Android Market). The update allows two-way calls on certain devices with front cameras and will talk to any other Skype platform, including iOS devices as well as Macs and Windows PCs. It also touts a much easier interface with better access to contacts, account info, and a new mood menu to share status independently of any call.
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06/24, 6:30pm
Skype says iPad app is real
Following a brief leak, Skype design VP Rick Osterloh has confirmed the development of a Skype app for the iPad. The long-awaited app is expected to get nearly all of the features of the desktop version and even some trace similarities to Skype 5 on the desktop. TUAW was told iPad 2 owners should get full video chat support, while everyone with Apple's tablet will get voice and text.
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06/22, 2:50pm
Follows US into protecting Internet access
The Netherlands has become the first European country to embrace network neutrality. Dutch lawmakers have passed legislation that prevents the nation's Internet service providers from charging customers extra for, or blocking access to, online-based services such as Skype. To date, the US is the only other country to have enacted net neutrality provisions.
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06/19, 11:05pm
Skype drops execs just after Microsoft deal
Skype in the immediate aftermath of FTC approval of its deal with Microsoft has fired several executives. Don Albert, Doug Bewsher, Chris Dean, Anne Gillespie, David Gurlé, and Russ Shaw have all either left or had clear intentions to leave. Much of the focus has been on marketing and human resources executives like Albert, Bewsher, and Gillespie, but Shaw was the general manager of Skype's carrier deals and considered instrumental to getting Skype as a mainstay on smartphones.
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06/17, 6:40pm
FTC approves Microsoft's Skype takeover
The FTC on Friday said it had given approval to Microsoft's buyout of Skype. The clearance determined that the deal wouldn't create any significant anti-competitive issues. The filing didn't say whether other agencies had to close the deal, which Microsoft had only said would be approved by the end of 2011.
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