Windows 8.1 Ships With Skype Pre-Installed

Windows 8.1 Ships With Skype Pre InstalledAt the end of June, there were whispers that Skype could be integrated into Windows 8.1 as Microsoft had already decided to drop Messenger along the way. Well, there is nothing quite like some patience to wait things out and see whether the rumors in question would pan out eventually or not, and here we are with official word from Microsoft themselves that Windows 8.1 will ship with Skype pre-installed, now how about that?

This means folks who have yet to download and install the instant messaging/VoIP client will be able to enjoy it after they perform an operating system upgrade, or alternatively, pick up a machine that runs on Windows 8.1 as the operating system of choice. Existing Skype users would not notice any changes, but with this happening, we could very well see a leap in the overall Skype adoption rate, assuming that sales of new Windows 8.1-powered machines pick up. At the very least, this bit of news would mean you are able to get connected to another person right from the get go (assuming you already have a Skype account in the first place) without having to go through a pesky installation experience whenever you pick up a new Windows 8.1 machine. [Press Release]

  • Follow: Computers, , , ,
  • Windows 8.1 Ships With Skype Pre-Installed original content from Ubergizmo.

        



    Windows 8.1 to ship with Skype pre-installed

    Windows 81 to ship with Skype preinstalled

    We already suspected that Windows and Skype were going to get particularly cozy after Microsoft phased out Messenger, but it’s now official: Windows 8.1 will ship with Skype pre-installed. Those who haven’t already downloaded the messaging client will get it when they upgrade their OS (or buy a Windows 8.1 PC) after October. The move won’t change much for existing Skype users, but it could easily lead to a jump in Skype adoption when the app will soon come bundled with the majority of PCs.

    Filed under: , ,

    Comments

    Source: Windows Experience Blog

    Skype update brings 720p video to Retina-display iOS devices

    The latest Skype update has arrived in the iOS App Store and this one has a focus on video calling. Specifically, those sporting an iPhone 5 or fourth-generation iPad will now be able to make 720p HD quality video calls. While the 720p video is limited to the Retina-display devices, that is not where this […]

    Skype update brings HD video calls to fourth-generation iPads (update: and the iPhone 5)

    Skype update brings HD video calls on fourthgeneration iPads

    One of the few big upgrades in the fourth-generation iPad was the HD front camera, but you wouldn’t know it you’ve been relying on Skype’s standard-definition video calls. Thankfully, a Skype for iPad 4.1 update has just enabled HD video calling for Apple’s latest-generation tablet. There isn’t much more to the release unless you’re craving better call stability, but there’s enough here to justify a visit to the App Store.

    Update: A few hours later, Skype has an additional treat — it just released an iPhone app update that brings HD video calls to iPhone 5 owners.

    Filed under: , , ,

    Comments

    Source: App Store (1), (2)

    Why the Hell Are the Xbox One’s Best New Features Behind a Paywall?

    Why the Hell Are the Xbox One's Best New Features Behind a Paywall?

    You don’t buy a Big Mac and pay extra for special sauce. You don’t buy an iPhone and pay extra for FaceTime. So why in the hell is Microsoft putting some of its most heavily promoted Xbox One features behind an idiotic Xbox Live Gold paywall? Because it can. But that doesn’t mean that it should.

    Read more…

        

    Xbox One’s Game DVR, TV guide and NFL streaming inoperable without Xbox Live Gold

    Xbox One's Game DVR, TV guide and other features inoperable without Xbox Live Gold

    Microsoft’s Xbox One won’t allow users without Xbox Live Gold subscriptions to access its Game DVR, touted as one of the game console’s most important features. The console also won’t allow access to services like Skype, One Guide (the TV guide-esque software built in) and a variety of other internet-based services should its owner not pay the requisite $60 per year for Xbox Live Gold membership. An Xbox.com page lists the features (seen above), while OneHitPixel reportedly got confirmation from Microsoft on the Game DVR not working without XBL Gold.

    Of course, the Xbox 360 version of Xbox Live Gold membership enables basic internet-based functionality like streaming Netflix / Hulu / etc., and multiplayer gaming. By contrast, Sony’s PlayStation Plus membership on PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 3 offers free games each month (Microsoft started doing something similar recently as well), though non-members on both consoles can use various online services (including online play and content streaming); that’s changing on the PlayStation 4, where PS Plus membership is required for most online games.

    Update: A Microsoft rep tells Engadget, “The features listed will need an Xbox Live Gold membership.”

    Filed under: , , ,

    Comments

    Source: Microsoft

    Skype for Windows Phone 8 updated with new People list, UI enhancements

    Skype for Windows Phone 8 updated

    Got an itchy update trigger finger? If so, your Windows Phone is patiently awaiting. Skype for WP8 just been refreshed to version 2.9, which offers up a couple UI enhancements that should be pretty useful. First, you’ll now be able to filter your People list so that you can choose to view only Skype contacts if you prefer; there’s also a new contact layout within the app that lets you see more people on one screen. On top of this, you’ll also benefit from the obligatory bug fixes and speed improvements — after all, who doesn’t love fewer bugs and getting things done faster? If you do, head straight for the Store and get up to date.

    Filed under: , , ,

    Comments

    Source: Skype

    Skype Premium subscribers will now get access to Skype Wi-Fi for free–The service allows you to con

    Skype Premium subscribers will now get access to Skype Wi-Fi for free—The service allows you to connect to "more than one million hotspots worldwide" using only your Skype account. That means that for $5 a month, you’ll (almost) never have to sign up for a random service in random place just to get online.

    Read more…

        

    Skype Premium Subscribers Enjoy Free Wi-Fi Throughout August

    Skype Premium Subscribers Enjoy Free Wi Fi Throughout AugustJust how connected is your life when you take stock of all the devices in your pockets and bag? I am quite sure that most of us would have taken the built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for granted where a feature on any decent device worth its salt is concerned these days. Well, there are moments in life when Murphy just loves to prove his law on you, and you are stuck in some place where there is no 3G or 4G LTE signal available, and the Wi-Fi rates there are just way too expensive to justify hooking up to the internet to scratch that social network itch. Good to know then, that this will not be the case if you are a Skype Premium subscriber, as you are then eligible for Skype WiFi for free throughout the entire month of August.

    Yes sir, no longer do you need to purchase Wi-Fi according to your needs and drain your Skype credits along the way, Skype Premium subscribers are able to take advantage of this offer for the entire month, and to know that Skype WiFi is available at more than 1 million hotspots worldwide is another comforting thing to hear. Just remember that Skype WiFi is available on Windows desktop, Windows 8, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS and Android only at the moment, and Internet access will remain subject to the terms and conditions of the hotspot service provider. In case you are wondering, this is not the first time Skype is offering free WiFi, as they have done so at airports and conferences in the past.

    Like It , +1 , Tweet It , Pin It | Skype Premium Subscribers Enjoy Free Wi-Fi Throughout August original content from Ubergizmo.

        

    Why Doesn’t Skype Protect You Against Eavesdropping?

    Why Doesn't Skype Protect You Against Eavesdropping?

    Skype has long claimed to be "end-to-end encrypted", an architectural category that suggests conversations over the service would be difficult or impossible to eavesdrop upon, even given control of users’ Internet connections. But Skype’s 2005 independent security review admits a caveat to this protection: "defeat of the security mechanisms at the Skype Central Server" could facilitate a "man-in-the-middle attack" (see section 3.4.1). Essentially, the Skype service plays the role of a certificate authority for its users and, like other certificate authorities, could facilitate eavesdropping by giving out the wrong keys.

    Read more…