Hasta La Gadget!

Skype for Outlook.com isn’t the only new software the VoIP firm has today, with Skype Video Messaging for Windows desktop also emerging for those who want to send quick video snippets to each others’ inboxes. Joining February’s Video Messaging functionality for iOS, Android, and Mac, the new Windows beta works fully on Windows 7, but those running Windows 8 only get partial support.

If you’re a Windows 8 user, or a Windows Phone user for that matter, you’ll be able to receive and view video messages but not actually create them. That will be added in “soon” Skype says, though is no more specific than that.

The new functionality basically switches Skype from a real-time communication platform to one more akin to email. Users record a brief video using their webcam and, upon selecting a recipient, it’s shuttled off to that contact’s inbox ready for when they’re next online.

Each message can be up to three minutes in length, and you get to send up to twenty of them for free; after that, you’ll need to cough up $4.99 per month for a Skype Premium account. The new beta also addresses some calling bugs in previous Windows versions, particularly when there’s no webcam plugged in.

Skype for Windows adds video messaging (but Windows 8 has issues) is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Banks are great. They allow us to store our money in a safe place, that way we don’t have to deal with it ourselves, but sometimes we need to make a withdrawal or a deposit, and you’re just not in a talking mood that day. That’s where ATMs come in, but Bank of America is looking to take the social aspect of bank tellers and bring them to ATMs as well.

Bank of America is calling the new technology Teller Assist, and it will allow customers to video chat live with tellers in order to do more at ATMs than what would traditionally be offered. This includes cashing checks and receiving change, making withdrawals in denominations other than multiples of 20, and even make loan or credit card payments straight from the ATM.

Bank of America says that Teller Assist will allow customers who prefer human interaction an improved way of banking during after-hours or on the weekends. I know that I enjoy the social aspect of banking, but sometimes I can only make it there in the evenings and on the weekends. This method, however, provides a nifty compromise.

The Teller Assist program is beginning to roll out now starting in Boston, and will make its way to other markets throughout the year. It won’t be a 24/7 program, but the company notes that Teller Assist ATMs will be open from 7 AM to 10 PM, and 8 AM to 5 PM on weekends, which should give early risers and night dwellers more time to hit the bank during the week.

Image via Flickr

Bank of America bringing teller video chat to ATMs is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

The newly Microsoft-bought Skype video-chat service has received an update for Windows Phone 8. Users will now be able to call their loved ones and stream over high definition video, so make sure your hair looks good and you have your best smile on. The app also received People Hub integration, meaning that all of your Skype contacts will be available in the Windows Phone People Hub.

This marks the first time that Skype has enabled HD video chatting in its smartphone app, and it’s compatible with any new Windows Phone 8 device that supports HD video recording, like the Nokia Lumia 920, HTC 8X, and the Samsung Ativ S. On devices that don’t support HD video, Skype will automatically use VGA video instead.

The app will also automatically set the video quality based on the speed of your WiFi or data connection, and Skype callers can use either the front-facing or rear-facing cameras, as well as switch between portrait and landscape mode for both cameras. Overall, the addition of HD quality should make calls a lot more pleasant.

The People Hub integration also makes it easier to start a Skype call with someone. All your Skype contacts will automatically be added to the People Hub on your Windows Phone device, that way you can start up a Skype call without having to open up the app in the first place. You can also switch between user accounts for Skype calls.

Skype for Windows Phone 8 updates with HD video is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

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.

If you’re looking for a way to get a hold of your relatives who are in a different country, and aren’t wanting to pay a whole lot in international calling fees, Skype is offering free international calling for one month, as well as free calling to landline and mobile phones. However, in order to claim it, you have act by the end of the day or the deal will be gone.

Skype-to-Skype calls have always been free inside of the country, but if you ever wanted to call your dear Aunt Tilda who lives across the pond, you have to make use of your Skype credits. Same thing goes for calling landline phones and mobile devices. However, Skype is making all of that free for one month starting today.

We’re not sure if a lot of people actually make phone calls nowadays, but if something’s free, you might as well as take advantage of it. There is, however, a “fair usage policy”, meaning that you can’t chit-chat for too long and hog the line, and premium and satellite numbers remain ineligible. Still, though, the policy seems pretty generous.

You’ll also have to attach some sort of payment method to your account, just in case you want to use it after your free one month is out, and international calling is eligible in over 40 countries. You must claim your free month by the end of today, so be sure to head to Skype’s website as soon as possible to grab your free month.

[via Ubergizmo]

Skype offering free international calling for one month is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.