Hasta La Gadget!

Assuming you are one of those folks out there who have resisted the clarion call of the smartphone industry, and have stuck to a featurephone all this while, good for you. Surely you are one of the tough nuts for the smartphone industry to crack, and Skype knows that there is always the possibility of working into the psyches and minds of this particular crowd. In fact, you might be using one of the more modern featurephones in the market that runs on the Symbian Belle FP1/FP2 operating system, so why not enjoy a little bit of Skype on it as well?

Skype has just introduced a version of their super popular VoIP software for the Belle FP1/FP2 platform, where among the hardware that will benefit from this move would be the sharpshooting Nokia 808 Pureview. So far, the app does seem to resemble like the old one, although you can expect the usual slew of improvements that accompany each new version release. Have you given Skype for Belle FP1/FP2 a go already, and how did you find it?

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Apple and Google team up to buy Kodak’s patents, AT&T HTC One VX Arrives,

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.

Skype has just released an update to its iOS app, bringing the requisite bug fixes along with some new functionality. Version 4.2 lets iPhone and iPad users merge their Microsoft accounts with the VoIP service, enabling calls and instant messaging with Messenger, Hotmail and Outlook contacts directly through Skype, catching up with the functionality available on the desktop version and Android. The update also adds IM editing via tapping and holding on text, plus an emoticon picker — and animated smileys with support for Retina displays — so you can express the joy that comes with streamlining your contacts.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Software, Apple

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Source: iTunes (1), iTunes (2)

After updating their Android app with Microsoft account login abilities, Skype is doing the same for its iOS app today. The company has issued an update for the app that follows along with their plans to merge Windows Live Messenger with Skype. Along with the Microsoft account login, the app adds animated emoticons and a few other welcomed additions that users will find useful.

Users are now able to login to the Skype app using either their Messenger, Hotmail, or Outlook.com credentials, and then merge their accounts once they’re in. Users can also chat with their friends who use any of these Microsoft services straight from Skype, thanks to the integrated Microsoft account support.

If you have an iOS device with a Retina display, you can now also enjoy animated emoticons. We’re not sure why Skype limited this new feature to only Retina displays, but if you’re using a last-gen iDevice, you’re stuck using the inanimate emoticons until you can upgrade, but it’s probably not a huge deal for most users.

The updated app also lets you set up a new Skype account from directly within the iOS app. It also allows you to edit instant messages you’ve sent to your friends by tapping and holding individual messages. And as usual, you’ll find that Skype also included a handful of bug fixes and general performance enhancements.

Skype for iOS is a free download, and the new update is available now in the iTunes App Store.

Skype for iOS updates with Microsoft account login, animated emoticons is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Microsoft recently revealed that it would be retiring its longstanding Live Messenger platform. However, instead of receiving a commemorative wristwatch and rocking chair for its services, the once prominent IM client will be integrated into Skype during Q1 2013. Taking its first step to get the ball rolling, the company issued an update to Skype for Windows 8. The latest software push brings group searches, improved video performance, bug fixes and most notably Messenger contacts are now available to call. While these changes are subtle, it’s good to finally see Microsoft making moves after shelling out $8.5 billion for the privilege a little over a year ago. Hopefully, this will lead to more practical roads, like finally bringing Skype to the Xbox 360. But that would make too much sense, wouldn’t it?

Filed under: Internet, Software, Microsoft

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Via: The Next Web

Source: Microsoft