Microsoft has announced that it is buying Skype. The deal will see Microsoft pay $8.5 billion in an all cash deal.
The acquisition will increase the accessibility of real-time video and voice communications, bringing benefits to both consumers and enterprise users and generating significant new business and revenue opportunities. The combination will extend Skype’s world-class brand and the reach of its networked platform, while enhancing Microsoft’s existing portfolio of real-time communications products and services.
Yesterday, Skype hit a record in the number of people who were simultaneously using the service. During peak hours, 27 million users were logged in to the service which is up 2 million from the previous record.
Skype for the iPhone has received an update bringing it up to version 3.0. This is the very same version we reported on a couple of days ago that had leaked on one of the Skype websites.
The message above shows what we could be seeing early next year… that is video calls on Skype on a Verizon iPhone if the image is to be believed.
Viber is a VOiP iPhone app that allows you to make free phone calls to other Viber users wherever they are around the globe. The app requires no in-app purchase to be made and all you do is simply install it and use it.
Recently, Windows users of Skype were able to download the beta version of 5.0 that allowed group video calls to be done. The video chat feature allowed up to 10 people to connect over video for larger conference calls.
When the Samsung Galaxy Tab launches on Verizon [VZ] in the next few weeks, the ability to make Skype calls over 3G will not be available.
Skype has announced that the latest version is now ready for download. Skype 5.0 is the version number and it brings a few new features to Skype users on Windows based computers.
When Skype for Android was released a few days ago, US users, as well as a few others, lacked the ability to make 3G calls.
Skype for Android is now available to download. The Skype download requires Android 2.1+ to function and is compatible with all devices (other than the Galaxy S that has a few bugs at the moment).
Skype is rumoured to be heavily integrating Facebook features in to the next version of Skype. The information reveals that Facebook Connect could be pushed in to version 5. It will allow users to log on to Skype via their Facebook username and password.
