Skype’s web-based version is now available worldwide
You no longer have to live in one of a few fortunate countries to make a Skype call while checking your Outlook.com email: as of today, Skype for Outlook.com is available worldwide. All you need now is to download a browser plugin and link your Skype account. The global release comes alongside improved software support, too. PC users can now participate in HD video chats, while Mac users get a Safari plugin. If you’re heavily invested in Microsoft’s internet services, everything you need to get started is at the source link.
Filed under: Internet, Microsoft
Source: Skype
Skype now lets you sign up with a Microsoft account, updates its Windows Phone app
It’s been a long time coming, but Skype’s revealed that folks can finally sign up for service using a Microsoft account. Skype believes this feature is perfect for users who perhaps want the least amount of logins possible, and it also points to Microsoft’s two-step verification as a benefit for having such an account. Meanwhile, the Windows Phone app has been updated with a number of security improvements, plus an indicator which lets you know when the person on the other side is typing. As part of the integration with its parent company, Skype will now require a Microsoft account (like the one used to set up your WP device) when registering for a new account through the application. This new version is only available for Windows Phone 8, however — as you might recall, support for the app on earlier versions of the OS was cut off months ago.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Mobile, Microsoft
Via: The Next Web
Skype rival Viber purchased by Japanese e-commerce giant for $900 million
Japan’s answer to Amazon, Rakuten, has just got into the mobile communications business by purchasing internet calling app-maker Viber for $900 million. Viber was one of the first to introduce 3G VoIP on the iPhone, and now lets you call any land-line or mobile phone, send messages and even push-to-talk. The app is available on all major mobile and desktop platforms, and is one of Skype’s biggest rivals with over 300 million users worldwide. According to the WSJ, Viber’s global userbase helped draw Rakuten, which is trying to expand its business interests beyond Japan’s shores. It also recently purchased a huge stake in Pinterest and bought e-reader maker Kobo. Rakuten’s CEO confirmed that Viber “perfectly compliments” its goals and said the acquisition “will enable it to penetrate new markets with multiple digital content offerings.”
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile
Via: WSJ
Source: Rakuten
Bolt offers free voice calls and replaces your Android dialer
When it comes to making free VoIP calls using your Android phone, you have a bunch of options. Services like Skype or Fring let you call other users for free, but you’ve got to remember to fire them up before you start dialing. Instead of using one app for regular calls and another for VoIP, newcomer Bolt replaces your phone’s dialer with a one-stop solution for both. Unlike other services that require you to buy credits to make regular calls, the app connects to traditional phones the old-fashioned way — over your wireless carrier’s network. Calls made to other Bolt users are routed over the web for free, and sip a meager 60KB per minute. That means even with FreedomPop’s free deal (which includes a paltry 500MB of data), you’d be able to chat with mom for more than 142 hours before getting hammered with overages.
The company hopes to ultimately become a fully formed communication platform, and offer messaging services as well. Long-term that could mean users could pare down on mobile minutes and messaging packages, and instead spring for a slightly larger data package on their mobile bill. Android users can snag the app now from Google Play, and an iOS version is already in the works.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile
Via: The Verge
Source: Bolt
US phone companies to explore replacing all phone numbers with IP addresses
Voice-over-IP (VoIP) is nothing new as a technology, of course, but so far it’s been regarded merely as an add-on to America’s regular, analog-based copper and cellular voice networks — networks that are currently maintained as a matter of legal requirement. The FCC isn’t necessarily such a stickler for tradition, however, as it is now encouraging phone networks to explore what would happen if VoIP replaced everything else. In other words, how would the system cope if the only phone numbers were Internet Protocol addresses; if even emergency calls were transmitted over the web; and if remote rural communities became dependent on VoIP, with no other type of network as a backup? Companies that want to participate in the experiment have until late February to submit their ideas, with approvals expected to be granted as early as March — but don’t fear, the tests will only be permitted in “discrete geographic areas or situations,” which is the FCC’s way of politely reminding telecom providers not to get ahead of themselves.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile
Via: Reuters
Source: FCC
Viber improves notifications and statuses in latest Windows Phone 8 update
Popular VoIP service Viber today released a new version of its Windows Phone 8 app. This update focuses on delivering smarter notifications and giving users more customization options for their statuses. For example, the application can now play a sound when a notification comes in, and it also gives you the ability to choose whether or not you want to hide these. In addition to that, Viber has added a “Seen” feature which shows when a contact has viewed a user’s status, while “Last online” keeps you better informed on who’s online and able to chat it up. And if you’re into Viber’s custom labels, like the ones seen above, then you’ll be happy to know the Sticker Market is now available on Microsoft’s mobile platform. We’re pretty into that “YES SIR!” one ourselves.
As for Viber CEO Talmon Marco, he’s pretty thrilled and had this to say about the refreshed Windows Phone 8 application:
Bringing the Viber Sticker Market to Windows Phone 8 is a very exciting step for us and we are sure that our users on the platform will love it. This is the first time we are bringing a monetization feature to Windows Phone 8 and it’s another part of our commitment to the platform. More importantly, this release is part of our commitment to our users who want to communicate with their contacts no matter what OS they use.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Mobile
Source: Windows Phone
BitTorrent’s peer-to-peer Chat service will use strong encryption to protect your identity
In the NSA age, being paranoid really doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you, so placating your fears has suddenly become a cottage industry. BitTorrent, for one, has just spilled more beans about Chat, it’s peer-to-peer, encrypted messaging service that recently sent out a call for alpha testers. Rather than receiving a username, you’ll actually be given a so-called cryptographic key pair, making it nearly impossible for others to guess your identity. Security is also enhanced with distributed hash tables (DHTs) — like those used in uTorrent — so that message requests are passed securely along the network to your intended recipient. That also avoids the use of a central server which could give a single point of attack for snoopers. There’s no word yet on a release date, but the group is busy upgrading its backend for the service so you might be able to put the tinfoil hat in mothballs soon.
Filed under: Internet, Software
Source: BitTorrent
Viber continues to expand as it rolls out Windows 8 app
Fresh off of the announcement that it’s now allowing users to make calls to any mobile or landline number, Viber today is reaching yet another platform by way of a Windows 8 application. Aside from providing access to the VoIP calling services it has become known for, Viber’s also bringing a few features tailored specifically for Microsoft’s operating system. Namely, we’re talking things like pinning conversations to the Start screen as well as the ability to be used in Snap View mode. Additionally, Viber for Windows 8 offers full Live Tile support, allowing you to easily spot notifications and have quick access to the app. CEO Talmon Marco says coming to Windows 8 was “the natural next step” for his company, adding that this is part of Viber’s big picture strategy and “commitment to wide, cross platform availability.”
Filed under: Misc, Internet, Software
Source: Windows Store
Razer Comms for Android keeps in-game chat alive when you leave your PC
It can be tough to leave in-game voice chats — step away to walk the dog and you may miss an important strategy session. You’ll stay in the loop with Razer’s new Comms for Android, though. The free app improves on rival clients from Steam and Teamspeak by supporting both voice chats and text while on the road; you won’t have to miss out on either team banter or private messages. Comms for Android is also useful if you’re still sitting at your desk, as it lets you respond to SMS and turn down calls through its Windows equivalent. The mobile software is available now through Google Play, and Razer promises that iOS users will get Comms sometime in the first quarter of 2014.
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Tablets, Mobile
Via: Razer
Source: Google Play
Skype for Windows Phone comes to China with app upgrades in tow
Skype’s newest Chinese partnership may not allay fears of government snooping, but it’s paying dividends for mobile users — Skype for Windows Phone has just reached the country for the first time as part of a larger app update. Microsoft’s messa…
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