Hasta La Gadget!

Last we thought, that mandatory $10 “premium data add-on” for Sprint’s EVO 4G would additionally include YouTube and Qik video chat, and well, we may have been only half right. The gang at Android Guys have what’s alleged to be a scan from Sprint’s training materials, and according to one image, Qik’s gonna cost you another $4.99 monthly via PayPal (not through the carrier) to use. We’ve reached out to see if we can confirm, but if true, it’s a bit of a bummer to see the premiums continuing to add up. At least Fring’s Skype video is still free, and as you can see in the video after the break, it works pretty well.

Update: We’re now privy to the official May 26th edition of the Evo 4G launch guide and can confirm the $4.99 fee. While Sprint hasn’t said anything publicly, it’s looking like that fee will stick saving a last minute call from the governor.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Qik charging $5 monthly for EVO 4G video chat (updated)

Qik charging $5 monthly for EVO 4G video chat (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 May 2010 21:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Android Guys  | Email this | Comments

You knew it was coming, and today it’s been activated: Skype calling is now available on 2010 Panasonic Viera Cast-enabled HDTVs. You can also now pick up Panasonic’s Skype-enabled communication camera (the TY-CC10W). This collaboration was announced back at CES in January, but is just becoming available today.

Owners of 2010 Viera Cast-enabled Plasmas (specifically the VT25, VT20, G25, and G20) can make video calls right through their sets. You’ll need that previously mentioned camera to do so, and it sells for a hefty $169.95. There’s no love in that price tag; even the best Logitech webcams go for $40 less than that.

Mac and Linux users are still being asked to hold their horses, but Windows loyalists can begin testing out that hotly-anticipated group video calling feature today. Skype‘s latest beta, which was detailed earlier in the month, is now available to download for those willing to take the risk, with Skype 5.0 Beta adding support for “group video calls with up to four people.” Hit that source link to get things rolling, and be sure to drop us a line once you and your four besties have had a chance to give ‘er a go.

Skype’s group video calling beta now available for Windows originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 May 2010 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Pocket-lint  |  Skype  | Email this | Comments

Well, it’s taken long enough, Skype! Starting next week you will finally be able to video call with up to five people using the company’s Group Video Calling feature. The beta, which will be available sometime for download during the week of May 10th, will initially be free, but Skype plans to start charging for the multi-party video fun later in the year. We’re not sure if it will support HD calling, but you can bet your bottom dollar that corporations may consider replacing their surely complex videoconferencing setup with this. In other Skype news, the company is rolling out new calling plans to more than 170 countries — from the looks of the PR after the break, it seems like it could end up saving you big time in comparison to the pay-as-you-go rates. We like savings, sure, but we’ll be even more stoked should this ever land on camera-equipped smartphones and tablets.

Continue reading Skype to roll out five-way video calling next week, remote partying to surge

Skype to roll out five-way video calling next week, remote partying to surge originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 May 2010 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Reports are coming in that the iPad Camera Connection Kit has finally shown up on a couple buyer doorsteps, and that the pair of white dongles may actually have been worth the wait. While one is a simple SD card adapter that adds one-touch image and video import (including RAW, complete with EXIF data) to the iPad, the second provides a USB port with some exciting new functionality. TUAW reports one reader could type on an iPad via USB keyboard, and those rumors about USB audio were true, too: TidBITS was actually able to make a Skype call after connecting a USB headset. Before you get too excited, however, please note that the USB and SD image transfers are one-way, and not all peripherals are supported — for instance, TidBITS‘ iPad sneezed at an external hard drive. Also, according to the Apple Store, Camera Connection Kit shipments are still two to three weeks out, so don’t be surprised if it still takes some time to get yours. For now you can make do with the video after the break.

Continue reading iPad Camera Kit ships with USB headset and keyboard support

iPad Camera Kit ships with USB headset and keyboard support originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Apr 2010 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Electronista  |  @jerrodh (Twitter), TUAW, TidBITS  | Email this | Comments