Hasta La Gadget!

You may not have noticed it yet, but Google is in the middle of sweeping changes to Hangouts that should offer big improvements to image quality and accessibility. The company tells GigaOM that it’s currently upgrading its video chat service to 720p by switching from the H.264 video codec to the more efficient (and Google-controlled) VP8 standard. HD-quality Hangouts should be available soon after Google finishes the VP8 rollout to web users late next week. A sharper picture is just one part of the puzzle, however. The switch to VP8 also sets the stage for WebRTC support, which will let Google offer plugin-free Hangouts in browsers like Chrome and Firefox within the next several months. The search giant will still offer a plugin for holdouts, but they may soon be the exceptions to the rule.

Filed under: Internet, Google

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Source: GigaOM

Attention folks on AT&T: you can soon video chat on Hangouts over a cellular connection now that the feature is being green-lit by the carrier and the Android app has scored an update. As discovered shortly after the release of the standalone Hangouts app, the perk could be accessed solely via WiFi — an inconvenience shared by other chat apps on AT&T’s devices. While Ma Bell originally claimed the issue could only be remedied by the OS and manufacturers, it soon changed its melody and announced its intention to activate video chat over 3G / 4G for all pre-loaded apps within the year. Don’t be surprised if the function still doesn’t work after you’ve installed Hangouts’ latest update, however: the carrier’s still not done flipping the switch across the board, but it expects to complete the rollout by year’s end. Head past the break to read a statement from AT&T on the matter.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, AT&T

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Via: Android Community

Whether or not you believe that laughter is the best medicine, it should do some genuine good at Google’s just-launched Hangout Comedy Club. The multi-day event is raising funds for Comic Relief by measuring the laughs at comedy gigs hosted through Google+ Hangouts — yuk it up and Google will optionally make a donation. The particularly brave can also sit in the virtual front row and heckle from the comfort of home. Sanderson Jones has already taken to the Hangout Comedy Club stage as we write this, but those who miss out on his show can check out subsequent gigs at the source link.

Filed under: Internet, Google

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Via: Google Official Blog

Source: Hangout Comedy Club (YouTube)

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: Tablets, Mobile, Apple, Microsoft

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Source: App Store (1), (2)

Rounds is doing the rounds (natch!) this morning with a significant update to its video calling and instant messaging app. The company teamed up with Channel.me to add co-browsing to an already broad list of features. Users can now browse the web together during a video chat and see / control the same page at the same time. In terms of security, the experience mimics two people surfing the web in the same location (usernames are visible but passwords are hidden. for example). While users can enter any URL, the app also includes an icon grid of compatible sites, such as Google (for search), Wikipedia, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Reddit, Amazon and eBay — to name a few. As a refresher, Rounds lets friends watch YouTube videos and play games together during a video chat and even apply filters and scribble over each-others live video streams. It also supports instant messaging and photo sharing and ties it all together with Facebook Login. The app is available for most Android and iOS devices but is optimized to run on phones. Hit the break for the promo video and obligatory PR.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile

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