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Skype for Android update fixes some issues, ignores others

Posted by Jazz English Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Software,

Skype for AndroidSkype update it's Android application today with version 1.0.1.

The first thing addressed is the support for screen resolutions common to more Android phones. Skype also announced that the hardware back key will now send the application to the background, while still allowing calls and IMs. Skype stated that this fix should also lesson battery consumption. Other fixes include: 

  • Signing out from Skype now exits Skype.
  • Improved login stability and behavior.
  • Improved performance with large contact lists.
  • Reduced application size.

Problems having to do with the Galaxy S line of phones remain and Skype simply states that they "do not recommend installing Skype 1.0.1 for Android on this device with Android 2.1 and below."

Read More | Skype Blog

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VIDEO: Barbara Walters’ Brief Return to The View


How do you know when is “fully recovered”? When she starts name dropping.

During her first appearance on The View since having heart valve surgery, the daytime co-host took time out to thank those - including Hillary Clinton, Woody Allen and Queen Rania of Jordan - who offered words of support during her absence.

“I have to say thank you to my friends and the fans because it helped me get better; it meant so much,” Barbara sincerely stated.

Click to continue reading VIDEO: Barbara Walters’ Brief Return to The View

Read More | The View

Fring on iPhone 4 brings Skype video calling over 3G and WiFi

Fring Video Chat

Hey, don’t look now, but if you’ve been wanting to use your front camera to do video calling outside of FaceTime (and on 3G,) the newly updated Fring app is where you’ll wanna look. They updated so that you can do a video chat with any Skype user or anyone else running Fring, and you can do it over Wi-Fi or 3G. Now the cool thing here is that you can do video chats with people who are sitting at their computers connected to Skype, this isn’t just iPhone 4 to iPhone 4 like FaceTime currently is. The call quality will vary depending on your connection, but still, its another video calling option, and the app is free. You can download Fring now from the App Store.

Oh, and please don’t drive while video calling. That can lead to all sorts of trouble.


Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 Now Available at Wiredia

Posted by Finnian Durkan Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds,

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2

Today, the uber-expensive and not-so-much-better-than-anything-else-out-on-the-market-already Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 becomes available on the Wiredia website.  At nearly $700 this thing had better come with the entire DVD set of StarBlazers and 42 ninja stars, or I am going to be seriously disappointed.  According to the press release, you are going to be able to do everything that other smartphone users can do, plus the X2 is Skype-friendly.  Is this a bonus?  Who knows?  All I know is that, judging by what I look like while fielding phone calls in the morning, this might end up being more of a curse than a benefit.  Plus, if you think that Skype isn’t going to drain your battery faster than choosing vibrate/full volume on your settings then you probably still believe in the moon-landing too.  Hippie.

Read More | Wiredia

Unlimited Skype calling comes to Verizon next month

Verizon unlimited SkypeWe are loving how mobile wireless carriers in the US seem to be opening up their previously locked down networks. First, AT&T allows 3G access to SlingPlayer Mobile, and now Verizon Wireless has just announced that they will allow unlimited Skype calling over 3G from their smartphones, starting next month. All you need is a smartphone with data plan, and you can both make and receive Skype-to-Skype voice calls right on your phone over 3G. You’ll also be able to use Skype Out, instant messaging, and remain online in the background to stay connected to the service. At launch, unlimited Skype services will be available on nine Verizon handsets, and you can take a look at the full list after the break.

Click to continue reading Unlimited Skype calling comes to Verizon next month


INQ introduces two new Smartphones for the Twitter-patted

Posted by Mark Rollins Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds,

INQ Chat and Mini

For those of you who don’t want or need a , but do want some of the features of a smartphone, then you might want to check out two new phones from INQ.  The purpose of the INQ Chat (with QWERTY keyboard) and INQ Mini (candybar model) is to bring “mobile Internet to the mass-market.”  Each of them come with some Twitter-friendly applications and the user can also get some one-click apps for Facebook, Skype, IM, and Gmail.  Details are sketchy on these phones, and we don’t even have a release date or price.

Oh, and speaking of Twitter, you can follow Gear Live to stay updated on the latest news.

Read More | INQ Press Release

C100S Polycom Skype Communicator

Posted by Mark Rollins Categories: Accessories, USB, Internet, Peripherals,

C100S Polycom Skype CommunicatorMaybe it’s the word “communicator” in the name of the Polycom Communicator, but it reminds me of a certain tool that Captain Kirk used on the original Star Trek series, except the flap is on the other side. 

This Communicator enables the user to hold hands-free conversations, using high-quality microphones that can eliminate feedback and echoes.  It hooks up to your computer via USB, and is perfect for Skype conversations or as an external speaker.  You should be able to get the Polycom C100S USB Speakerphone for about $112.

Read More | Communicator C100S on Amazon

INQ to Release Twitter Phone

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Internet,

INQ1INQ Mobile, a subsidiary of Hong Kong’s Hutchison Whampoa, previously made the INQ1 Skype phone (shown) and has sold about 700,000 of them since 2007. In addition to releasing a new one for the holiday season, they will also be producing a cell phone specifically designed for Twitter. At a price of less than $140.00, the phone will use an Internet connection to send 140 character messages. Get yours before tweeting goes out of style.

Read More | Reuters

Star Trek Communicator Internet Phone

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, USB, Smartphones,

Star Trek CommunicatorWe found a very kewl Star Trek gadget in honor of the movie’s opening day. Plug the Communicator Internet Phone with built-in speaker, earphone and mic into your USB port and speak through Skype, MSN, AIM, Ichat and other IMs. Its LCD Moirà spins when the cover is open and of course it has 12 different side effects. Compatible with both Windows and Mac, it also has a 6 ft. cord, mute button and volume switch. The Communicator carries a MSRP of $44.00.

Read More | gadget4all

Skype on iPhone and Blackberry

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Internet,

iPhoneYou can now receive Skype on your iPhone/touch, and Blackberry owners can look forward to the service in May. COO Scott Durchslag claims that it has been the #1 request from its current customers. More than 400 million already use the service with their PC, so that is a pretty good target area. One of its pluses is that subscribers can use the phone numbers in their existing iPhone address book. There is no charge for the download and calls between Skype users are free.

Read More | Wired

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