Search Results for: skype

Earlier this year, Verizon [VZ] started allowing some smartphones to run the Skype software. Since the launch the software has been restricted to working on a specific range of phones and none others.

It appears now that Verizon are opening up a little by allowing the software to run on non-smartphone devices. A few devices have started showing up on the Verizon database as being compatible. It isn’t clear who let them through the system (ie, Skype or Verizon) but it looks like a change of heart as Engadget words it. [Read more…]

Last night, a new version of Skype was approved and released in to the iTunes App store. The new Skype is version 2.0.1 and brings a few new features to the software, one of which includes the ability to run Skype in the background allowing you to leave the app mid-call and carry on talking while browsing the internet for example.

Running the app in the background also allows you to run Skype 24/7 if needed which allows people to contact you at all times.

Receive Skype calls and IM while other apps are running or when your iPhone is locked. You can also continue your call while you switch to another application.

[Read more…]

Yesterday Fring launched an update to it’s iPhone app for those using iOS 4 and in particular, the iPhone 4 it’s self. The new update allows users to make video calls to other devices such as Android, Nokia and anything else running or connecting through Fring. Video calls were enabled via 3G or WiFi.

Thanks to a huge amount of people uploading and testing video calling from their iPhone 4, Fring has had to take down support for Skype temporarily. When logging on to Fring today you may have noticed that Skype contacts are gone as well as the small square login box for Skype found on the Add-Ons menu. [Read more…]

When Apple [AAPL] announced the Apple iPhone 4 the other day, one of the new features called FaceTime was announced that would “finally” bring video calling to a mobile phone. However, we have seen this in the UK for maybe 7 or even 8 years now, but anyways!

We suspected the other day that companies like Skype would look to using or integrating with FaceTime that would allow video calls to reach beyond the current iPhone 4 to iPhone 4 requirement that is in place. If Skype could integrate it could allow the iPhone 4 to make video calls to millions of users on Skype and other video services.

Pocket-Lint spoke to Skype about this where they said it…

“would welcome the opportunity to work with Apple”, when it comes to enabling Skype video calls on the new iPhone 4.

[Read more…]

Skype launched it’s update VoIP app over the weekend by releasing version 2 of the software. New features in the Skype update included the ability to make VoIP calls over 3G rather than being restricted to just Wi-Fi like the previous version.

However, when installing the software update and running it for the first time, a message popped up saying calls over 3G are currently free (ie, Skype to Skype), but that in the near future from August 2010 a small monthly fee would be charged for the service.

Skype has changed their minds on this and is now extending the free period from August 2010 to the end of 2010 and will start charging the small monthly fee beginning next year. [Read more…]

Version 2.0.0 of Skype for iPhone went live today in the iTunes store. The main new feature that was added to the VoIP software includes the ability to now make Skype calls over 3G. This means the previous restriction forcing you to use WiFi has now been removed.

Currently there is no charge to make calls over 3G although in August 2010, a subscription charge will be made whereby you’ll be charged a small monthly fee to use the service.

In testing, the application works as good as any other VoIP app and if signal and cell area is right, you get a decent call. If not, it will be a little choppy sometimes. However, the ability to make cheap calls overseas with a 3G connection is a great addition, even if it is a little bit behind the times so to speak. Other VoIP software has had this ability for a while now. [Read more…]

Skype is coming to Google Android smartphones in the near future. Right now, only those on Verizon can download the Android Skype app due to a deal with Skype and Verizon [VZ].

We learn today though that this is changing and that Skype will be launching an Android (and BlackBerry) application that will not be restricted to just Verizon, ie, any carrier in the world can be used. The information comes from a chat that Skattertech had with someone at Skype who said the following…

Skype envisions a world where video plays a larger role in the way we communicate. The next generation innovation involving video calling will not be bound to the computer. We’re seeing a proliferation of video calling shared between all kinds of connected devices. It’s on computers (today 1/3 of all calls on Skype happen via video), televisions (Skype bringing video calls to living rooms via Panasonic, Samsung & LG partnership), and it will eventually be coming to mobile devices too. We’re betting big on video, and we intend to set the bar on mobile video calling, and it’s something we’re going to do this year.

We will be bringing a direct to consumer app to the Android marketplace later this year. This application will be available for all consumers globally to download regardless of carriers. (i.e. similar to how we offer the iPhone app today)

Brianna Reynaud, Skype PR

[Read more…]

We are hearing today that Skype will not be creating a version of it’s VoIP software for Windows Phone 7 devices that will launch later this year. Instead, the company will focus their efforts on iPhone OS, Android OS and Symbian based devices.

Right now the reasons are unknown for this decision, but perhaps it’s due to restrictions that Microsoft [MSFT] have put in place for developers where Skype might feel they cannot do enough. Alternatively they might have just lost a bit of faith in the platform.

Although they have said no to creating a WP7 VoIP app at an event in Sydney Australia, this could change closer to the time and we’ll never know for sure until Skype make an official announcement – or, when Skype never appears for WP7 devices. [Read more…]