Hasta La Gadget!

It would seem that the folks at Skype have accidentally let loose their next big feature for the world of video-connected citizens: Video Messaging. This leak has occurred in one of the most excellent places for leaks, that being Skype’s own update of its official Terms of Service. Remember everyone: there’s always someone digging through your files – even when its the least likely place.

Here we’re to understand that the next-generation service will be attached to Skype Premium uses who already pay $8.99 a month to get bonus privileges for communicating with their best friends and colleagues. In this update it may very well be that they’ll be able to “send and receive an unlimited number of Video Messages”, so says IT World. This update also mentions that “any Video Messages you send and/or receive shall have no expiry date.” Sounds pretty solid for a video message service, wouldn’t you say?

This service will be extended to non-premium users as well in a bit of a lesser-awesome way: “If you are not a Skype Premium subscriber, the number of Video Messages you can send are limited, however you can receive an unlimited number of Video Messages.” So receive away, folks, it’s time to get video like mad!

“As a non-Skype Premium subscriber any Video Message you send or receive will expire within 90 days, except for Video Messages received from a Skype Premium subscriber or where you upgrade to a Skype Premium subscription before the 90 day expiry period ends, and in either case the Video Message shall cease to have an expiry date.” – Skype

This could very well have a giant effect on the way we communicate with one another if such a service takes hold. Much in the same way we understand that a relationship is not official until Facebook makes it so, it may be the case very soon that we get offended when someone sends us a mere text message when they should be recording a video – your privacy, coming up!

[via The Verge]

Skype Video Messaging leaked in service details update is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Apple‘s iMessage service is experiencing intermittent sending issues. This same issue cropped up previously back in September, with users reporting that the progress bar would sometimes hang, and issues with the service were reported again a few days ago. Apple issued a brief statement that it is looking into the problem and will provide more information as it becomes available.

According to Apple’s iCloud Support page, “some” users experienced issues with iMessage and FaceTime this afternoon. Users reported that while attempting to send a message with iMessage, the progress bar would hang, causing the message to fail. Apple responded with the brief statement, “We are investigating and will update the status as more information becomes available.”

iMessage is Apple’s messaging system that allows iOS users (iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad) to swap messages without the associated text messaging fees. iMessage is available with iOS 5 and later, and with OS X Mountain Lion 10.8+. Back in September, the problem followed an outage at Apple’s iCloud service.

Currently, the Apple iCloud Support page says that the service is back up, but some users around the Internet are still reporting problems. It is possible this issue is due to superstorm Sandy, which has been wrecking havoc on the east coast. Gawker, The Huffington Post, and other websites and services have all experienced outages as a result of the storm.

[via CNET]

iMessage experiencing difficulties as Apple works on fix is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

As much as Gmail shines when it’s on the web, some of its most avid users stay in native apps for the multitasking; having to check a past message in the web client has usually meant putting the current draft on hold, or at least maintaining a near-photographic memory. Google wants to translate some of that desktop experience to the web through a new composition interface it’s testing as of today. New messages start off in a shrinkable pop-up that lets us find old threads without having to put the new conversation on ice, even we’re indecisive enough to leave multiple unfinished e-mail messages open. Other upgrades lurk in the background for the more focused among us, such as a pared-back composition interface, in-line photos and a reply box that dynamically adapts to the space it needs. Only those in the preview will see the Gmail update for now; Google is promising a wider launch in the months ahead that could save us all a few precious minutes each day.

Filed under: Internet, Google

Gmail composer goes to a simple pop-up, gives multitaskers freedom to fly originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 12:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft has already packed Windows 8 with a bunch of apps from the get-go, but one thing we haven’t heard too much about is the company’s Skype app for the new operating system. That all changed today, as Microsoft has officially unveiled its Skype for Windows 8 app, detailing all of the new features in a Big Blog post. Needless to say, if you’re a Skype user who will be installing Windows 8 at the end of the week, you’re in for a lot of new features.

First and foremost, Skype will be getting its own Live tile on the Start page, allowing you to launch the program with a single click (or touch, if you’re using a touch screen). The Skype Live tile will display missed messages or calls right there on the Start page, so you can easily see if someone is trying to get in touch with you. Once you launch Skype, you’ll see your recent calls and messages displayed next to your favorite contacts.

With Windows 8, Skype will always be running in the background, so you’ll be able to get message and call alerts on the desktop even if you’re using a different app or program. Skype has also launched a special full-screen mode with this version of the app, and checking out the video below, we have to say that it looks perfect for touch screens. The new Skype also comes with support for the Windows 8 People app, allowing you to integrate all of your Skype contacts and get in touch through the app, which acts as something of a digital address book.

As if that weren’t enough, Windows 8 users also have the ability to snap Skype to the left or right of their screen, so they can continue the conversation as they look at another app. All in all, it looks pretty cool, and it will be available on the Windows 8 Store on October 26 – the same day the new OS launches. Still on the fence when it comes to Windows 8? Have a look at our review to see what we think about it!

Skype comes to Windows 8 with all new app is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Facebook has already been making its mea culpas for the state of its main Android app, and it’s showing further atonement through an Android-first update to its Facebook Messenger companion release. The new app is imbued with a “more conversational” (if fairly familiar-looking) bubble-driven layout for chats. Likewise, it’s easier to see if a conversation is needed in the first place: a friend status list is always available with a swipe, while fresh support for texting directly from Messenger can keep the discussion flowing when SMS comes into play. Android users can get the Messenger upgrade today, with promise of an iOS equivalent soon. The regular Android app is getting an update as well, although we wouldn’t cry with joy just yet: it’s more of a parallel to the Messenger update than the speed-up that some of us crave.

Update: The company’s Christian Legnitto has posted a lengthy explanation that the Messenger rework and the core Facebook update (already available) are part of a new strategy that brings Android and iOS updates at regular intervals, rather than waiting solely for major features. If all goes well, the social network can provide speed upgrades and bug fixes at a much quicker pace.

Update 2: And the hits just keep on coming — although today is mostly about Android, Facebook has tweaked its main app’s iOS version (App Store) for iPhone 5 and iOS 6 support.

Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile

Facebook revamps Messenger for Android with friendlier chats, teases core app update soon (update 2: iOS refresh as well) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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