Plantronics today launched a rare Bluetooth headset aimed primarily at the desktop. The Voyager Pro UC bundles a USB Bluetooth adapter with the familiar Voyager Pro and lets any Mac or Windows PC handle calls over the wireless earpiece if they don't already have built-in Bluetooth. Its functions can work natively with many VoIP apps, including Skype and business-class apps from Cisco.
UK wireless provider 3 said it will soon offer its first Android-powered phone, the HTC Hero with the unique addition of unlimited music. The Android smartphone will include a free Spotify Premium account, allowing users to access the online music service both on the phone and on a computer. While Spotify is available for iPhones and Android devices thanks to an app, and a monthly subscription, this is the first time it is bundled into an existing device, with the equivalent $16 monthly subscription fee waived as well. Also included with the 3 Hero is Skype access to VoIP calls.
The Mini 3G handset introduced by INQ earlier this summer is now being offered by wireless provider 3. The candybar handset is meant for younger owners heavily involved in social networking, as it can be customized with body covers in eight different colors and has shortcuts for access to Facebook, IM programs, Skype and Twitter.
AT&T on Tuesday afternoon confirmed rumors and said it would allow voice over IP apps like Skype to work on the iPhone's 3G access. It had previously forced these apps to use Wi-Fi and justified the change of heart by arguing that it had taken a "fresh look" at the Apple smartphone's support for the feature as part of periodic reviews. Apple and the FCC have both been notified of the move.
(Update with official news) AT&T may back away from its policy against Internet calling apps on the iPhone based on a leak circulating just before the fall CTIA show. Those close to the provider's executives reportedly told the Washington Post it's "close" to accepting voice over IP apps on all phones, including data-heavy devices like the iPhone. When this would take effect, if at all, isn't clear.
AT&T on Friday accused Google of running against net neutrality principles with its Google Voice service. A letter sent to the FCC by the carrier claims that the service would technically violate the terms of the FCC's existing Internet Policy Statement, as well as proposed formal rules, as it deliberately blocks calls made through the phone gateway to certain rural numbers to save Google money. That unfairly discriminates against AT&T and other conventional carriers that are required to allow those calls, the message read.
The FCC is on the verge of introducing a new rule that would ban US cellular carriers from blocking Internet-aware mobile apps, a source from within the government agency claims. The tip claims that Chairman Julius Genachowski will use a keynote at the Brooklings Institute on Monday to provide early details of the rule. The only known detail at the Washington Post is that it would prevent carriers from filtering what users could see and do with online mobile apps.
Yamaha on Friday announced the upcoming release of its SoundGadget SoundGadget PSG-01S and Projectphone PJP-25URS speakerphones that are certified to work with Skype calls. Besides providing a microphone, the two are entirely USB powered and don't need drivers. The PSG-01S is meant as a personal speaker, while the larger PJP-25URS is meant to cater to small conference rooms where more than one individual is at one end of the conversation.
ASUS has finished the week by adding a pair of communications devices to its lineup, including one of its first headphone combos tailored to the Mac. The HP-100U combines an over-ear headphone set, a desk array microphone and a Xonar U1 that gives Mac users OpenAL audio acceleration as well as Dolby Home Theater processing. The Xonar hub also provides a headphone amp and in Windows provides a boost to DirectSound, EAX and OpenAL.
Sakar International has launched a new line of Kodak webcams, which includes a driver-free webcam, the S100; an auto focus webcam, the T130; and a webcam with a three megapixel sensor that produces HD quality video, the P310HD. The series also features the W100, an entry level model, and a two megapixel auto focus webcam called the L200. The new Kodak line of video cameras can automatically connect to IM and VoiP services including AOL, MSN Instant Messenger and SKYPE -- which automatically launches the designated application without the user having to navigate their computer to open the program.
Vonage today said that Apple has approved its iPhone VoIP app. The company doesn't have details of when it expects the software to reach the App Store but says it's already conducting a beta test of the software. It's expected that Internet calling will only work over Wi-Fi, however, due to policies from AT&T and some other carriers that bar VoIP on 3G due to lag and other claimed quality issues.
Auction site eBay has completed a deal to sell off its Skype VoIP division, according to an announcement. The deal is said to be worth $2.9 billion, granting a 65 percent stake to an investor group including Silver Lake, Index Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. eBay is holding on to a 35 percent equity investment, and gaining $1.9 billion in cash, plus a note in the principal amount of $125 million.
SkypeCap has released version 3 of its Mac edition, audio session recorder. SkypeCap is used for recording media during online Skype conversations, for later playback or sharing with other users. In the newest version support as been added for capturing both audio and video chats from Skype, and enables users to open other windows on the Mac without having them captured in the recording. The application is also capable of converting captured video into various other formats such as MP4 and SWF.
Skype has posted an official v2.8 release of its self-named Mac client, which allows for conversations via VoIP, video and text. New in the update is screen sharing, which can be used to show a Skype contact an entire desktop, or only a select portion in order to preserve privacy. The receiver in the process must only have a video-capable version of Skype.
Sony spokesman Al De Leon today teased that Sony is considering downloads of non-game software for the PSP. In an early demo of the upcoming PSP Go, De Leon told Crave that most of the downloads from the soon to be expanded PlayStation Network store will be games but that there's a chance "non-gaming applications" will be available. What these would entail isn't mentioned, but Sony already incorporates utilities such as Skype in PSP firmware.
SkypeCap has released the v2.0 Mac edition of self-titled application. The software records media during online Skype conversations. All audio and video quality is controlled by the program while recording, and it recognizes audio-specific conversations.
Yuuguu has expanded its screen sharing cross network application to include Skype. The Yuuguu for Skype Beta enables Skype users to screen share and collaborate with one or more contacts. Yuuguu can also utilize the VOIP calling feature of Skype. Additionally, the application allows users to combine their contacts on a variety of instant messaging services such as Google Talk, MSN, AOL, Yahoo and AIM into one place.
Video site Joost is shopping itself around to cable and satellite TV providers as their possible hub for Internet streaming, sources claim. The company has been struggling to gain share in the face of competiton by Hulu and YouTube and is believed by CNET to be looking to a deal to save itself. While it's not certain how likely this may be, metered Internet advocate Time Warner Cable is unusually seen as one of those interested in buying Joost.
The European Commission is considering a measure to force acceptance of VoIP by cellphone carriers, reports say. The EU's telecoms commissioner, Viviane Reding, has called for the EU to undo arbitrary obstacles to "innovative services" on cellphones; a draft of the VoIP measure is thought to already be completed, but still unfinished due to a lack of precise wording. Current rules permit each country to decide what is blocked on the Internet.
German iPhone owners have been banned from fully exploiting the recently-released Skype app, writes the Associated Press. In spite of the title being legally available to download from the country's App Store, T-Mobile warns that it considers use of the app on its network a violation of contract. All VoIP services on the iPhone have been blocked since 2007, notes a representative for T-Mobile's parent company, Deutsche Telekom.
Skype today formally launched both iPhone and future BlackBerry versions of its VoIP calling app. The two editions will both support free calls and chat between fellow Skype users as well as calls to or from real-world numbers at Skype's normal paid rates. The service requires Wi-Fi for its voice functions but will consequently let second-generation or later iPod touch owners make calls using an in-line microphone.
Skype may be ready to launch an iPhone version of its VoIP and IM client, a source told gigaOM. The "very reliable" tipster claimed that the iPhone launch could come as soon as next week, possibly at the CTIA Wireless trade show which kicks off on April 1st. Skype can already be used on the iPhone, but through third-party apps such as Truphone that combines a number of messaging and VoIP services.
A survey of web surfers in Europe paid for by Google, Yahoo and Skype showed 90 percent of those polled want their Internet service providers to allow unrestricted access to the Internet, says a Wednesday report. The survey polled 944 consumers in France, Germany and the United Kingdom and was conducted by market research firm Synovate, and coincides with the ongoing process of the European Parliament and the EU's to invoke an Internet freedom law.
Nokia's plans to offer Skype on its Nseries handsets has stirred conflict with several cellular carriers. O2 and Orange have reacted negatively to the suggestion of introducing VoIP services on the upcoming N97, according to Mobile. The disagreement could drive the carriers to reject consideration for the device altogether if Nokia does not pull the Skype client.
Two prominent companies, Mozilla and Skype, have joined in opposition to Apple's stance on the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Apple recently challenged an exemption to the DMCA proposed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which would guarantee the legality of jailbreaking iPhones and other handsets. In its formal response, Apple complained that opening the law would risk damage to phones, and encourage breach of contract as well as copyright infringement.
Skype and Nokia at Mobile World Congress on Tuesday announced they will enter into a partnership that will have the Skype Internet calling service integrated into Nokia handsets. The first Nokia handsets that will have Skype functionality integrated into them are the Nseries cellphones, with the very first Skype-enabled handset being the N97 when it ships in the summer.
Sony today reached an unofficial milestone with news that it has sold its 50 millionth PSP. The achievement comes just over four years after the handheld PlayStation's launch in December 2004 and after two minor revisions to the design that have slimmed it down and added functionality, including a built-in mic in the PSP-3000 for game chat and Skype calls. The game system has also since gained direct access to a download store for PSP and PS1 games that has put increasing reliance on flash-based Memory Stick storage instead of the UMD disc format Sony initially pushed not just for games but for movies.
Skype announced on Tuesday that the latest Skype 4.0 version for Windows is now available to download. Callled the most distinctive Skype release yet, build 4.0 includes the company's first-ever full-screen video calling capability. As well, the software is easier to use and retains all the previous features Skype users have come to expect. With a minimum of a 400Kbps Internet connection, a PC with a dual-core CPU and a Skype-certified webcam, users can experience 30fps video calls.
Acer Thursday updated its Ferrari notebooks with the Ferrari 1200. The 12-inch portable is the third generation of the notebook and keeps the carbon fiber, F1-themed shell but updates to a newer AMD Turion X2 Ultra processor and gets a newer mainboard platform that includes faster Mobility Radeon video. It continues to sport an LED-backlit display and holds as much as 4GB of DDR2 memory in higher-end trim.
Skype will introduce new applications for its VoIP software at next month's Mobile World Congress in Spain, Pocket-lint maintains in a Monday report citing a statement from the company. Specifics are unknown, but the company has said that the new software versions will be made for various mobile operating systems and the company will announce partnerships with major handset and mobile technology vendors.
SkypeCap has announced its namesake program for the Mac, an audio recording application that works with Skype's VoIP software. With SkypeCap, users can record any audio conversations made through Skype. The title recognizes all Skype audio sessions, and can be used to automatically detect and save them.
HDTV, digital camera and photo camera maker GiiNii introduced its Movit Mini Mobile Internet Device (MID) at last week's CES. The device comes with a 4.3-inch touchscreen that's good for 480x272 resolution. While it's not a cellphone and has no access to wireless data networks, the device ships with a Skype application that lets users make phone calls over the Internet. There is an option to connect to the web via a mobile phone's data access, though how exactly has not been defined.
Skype has announced the latest version of its communication software, Skype 2.8 beta for Mac. The update features Skype Access which integrates Boingo's Wi-Fi hotspot service that includes over 100,000 global locations. The program scans for available connections and prompts the user with a per-minute charge that can be deducted from Skype Credit. A new screen sharing function transfers the computer's desktop view in real-time to another user, while encrypting the data to ensure privacy.
Truphone (booth no. 3228) on Monday debuted the ability to make and receive Skype calls and instant messaging (IM) from its iPhone and iPod touch applications. Scheduled to be available to all customers during the week of January 12th, Truphone customers on both Apple devices can now reach their Skype friends via their Skype IDs. Separately, Truphone also announced today the availability of well-known instant-messaging services using the Truphone application on the iPod touch and the iPhone. The new features include full two-way instant messaging over MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger and Google Talk on the iPod touch and on the iPhone (with the latter beginning next week) as well as support for Twitter in its TruFriends view so users can view posts and post directly from within the Truphone application.
Pleasant Software has posted a major update to Ubercaster, its podcast production software. The app handles all stages of the production process, including note preparation, recording, editing and eventual publishing online. New to v1.6 is the implementation of Skype support, popular with podcasters for handling phone conversations through VoIP. Users can now make phone calls from within Ubercaster, eliminating the need to run separate clients.
European wireless provider 3 announced it will soon launch its INQ1 handset, integrating Facebook by delivering alerts and synchronizing contacts with their Facebook profiles. The handset will also pair existing contacts with their respective Skype and Windows Live Messenger accounts. The data network connected handset is thus able to replace a user's PC for chat and social interaction, and also complement it thanks to its ability to act as a plug and play modem for notebook PCs.
Nokia in a low-key move has started shipping the N810 WiMAX Edition in the US, giving Sprint's new Xohm network its first handheld device. Following a long delay from its April launch, the tablet is Nokia's first with long-range wireless and should have broadband-level Internet speeds anywhere in Baltimore and future cities that will get Xohm. Sprint estimates 2Mbps to 4Mbps downstream, which should allow full video streaming, VoIP, and other services sometimes too demanding for 3G.
Nintendo is developing its first real update to the DS since the Lite and may be prepared to launch it soon, according to claims from alleged sources for the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri. The new upgrade would have an integrated camera and would use at least photos in games. Nintendo would also focus on expanding the handheld's role as a wireless data device and would create a more "user-friendly" look for the system. Prices would be kept under $189 in the company's home country and could see Nintendo release the new DS before the end of the year, according to the report.
ASUS and Skype have collaborated to bring the AiGuru SV1 videophone to market, announcing its release on Thursday. The ASUS AiGuru SV1 has a 7-inch, 800x480 LCD and a built-in 640x480 webcam that allow users to make free video calls to other users of the Skype VoIP phone service without relying on a computer; the device is the first of its kind, the firms claim. Skype reveals more than a quarter of all Skype-to-Skype calls involve video, and the AiGuru SV1 is seen as a response to that trend.
Skype, together with network operator 3, have once again teamed up to bring the second-generation of the 3 Skypephone, dubbed S2. Functional changes from the original VoIP candy bar handset include the addition of a bigger screen and HSDPA wireless network support. The 2.2-inch, 320x240 resolution display replaces the old 176x220 unit, while the built-in camera now takes 3.2-megapixel photos as opposed to 2-megapixel captures.
Logitech this morning made one of its rare webcam offerings for Macs with the advent of the QuickCam Vision Pro. A close cousin of the QuickCam Pro 9000, the USB camera is targeted at Mac mini and Mac Pro owners whose computers don't already have built-in iSight cameras but who want a better-than-average replacement for iChat, Skype, or other video apps. The Vision Pro not only has true glass optics from Carl Zeiss, rather than plastic, but also has a voice coil motor for autofocusing which is much faster and more fine-grained than the stepper motors on most webcams.
HP's performance label Voodoo PC today launched a complete overhaul of tis designs with systems that directly challenge the design aesthetics of the MacBook Air and the Mac Pro. The Envy 133 notebook joins both the Air and the ThinkPad X300 in the newer class of ultra-thin but still fast portables: the use of an LED-backlit screen and a carbon fiber chassis help the Envy measure 0.7 inches thick at every point while weighing under 3.4 pounds. A new generation of Intel's notebook platform helps reach these dimensions while still supplying speed, the company says. Voodoo's design is also the third after those from Apple and ASUS to sport a multi-touch trackpad with support for pinching and scrolling.
Resellers in the US today began stocking the PSP Headset Kit for Skype, the earpiece and remote combo designed to take advantage of the VoIP service on the handheld console. Sony's American release follows just days after the Japanese launch and mirrors its functionality, with both street-style earphones, an adjustable boom mic, and a remote control for managing volume without reaching for the PSP itself.
Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) announced a PSP Headset with Remote Control on Friday. The kit is meant to be used with the PSP's Skype functionality, which was enabled late in January with firmware update 3.90. To use the devices to make VoIP calles using Skype on the PSP, the gaming system's firmware must be upgraded to version 3.93, according to SCEJ.
Skype on Monday announced it will offer unlimited international calling to land lines in 34 countries for $10 a month under its Unlimited World plan. In a few countries, including US, Canada, China, Hong Kong and Singapore, the VoIP company's newest plan includes calling to cell phones as well. With the plan, subscribers will also be able to use their cell phones or traditional land lines to call a local number, which then forwards their call to one of the 34 countries and does not incur long distance charges.
Skype Technologies recently unveiled Skype for Mac 2.7.0.257, bringing with it 38 bug fixes, and much tighter compatibility with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. Among the Leopard-specific fixes, Skype would sometimes crash when ending video calls, or when moving the "Send Video" windows. In addition, chat window emoticons would sometimes be shown in the wrong "Space" in Leopard; this has been resolved. Skype 2.7.0.257 is available for download from Skype's website.
