skype

Microsoft's multibillion-dollar Skype acquisition is starting to pay off.

The software giant today announced that Skype for Windows Phone Beta is now available. Windows Phone 7 device owners can opt to download the software directly to their device or from the Marketplace on their PC.

Skype for Windows Phone Beta comes with features one might expect, including free audio and video calls to other Skype users over 3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi, as well as the ability to call landlines or mobile phones for a fee. Group chats and one-to-one instant messaging are also available.… Read more

If you've ever copied and pasted text from a Skype call or conversation, you've probably noticed that Skype adds a time stamp and some quotation texts to whatever it is you copied. This can be handy for showing someone else exactly who said something and when, but it becomes rather tedious when copying a string to be entered into, say, a search box. If this bothers you, then you're in luck. This additional information is completely optional (albeit on by default) and can be easily disabled from within Skype. Read on to learn how.

Step 1: Open … Read more

Cisco said that the European Commission should have imposed restrictions on Microsoft's purchase of Skype in fear of a potential monopoly on video calling.

The networking giant, which competes with Skype and Microsoft with its WebEx software, said it doesn't oppose the EU's approval of the merger, but wanted restrictions.

Cisco's Marthin De Beer, senior vice president of Cisco's video and collaboration group, said in a blog post:

Imagine how difficult it would be if you were limited to calling people who only use the same carrier or if your phone could only call certain … Read more

Niklas Zennstrom changed the telephone industry when he co-founded VoIP juggernaut, Skype. Now he's preparing to attack the industry again with the introduction of free mobile broadband from FreedomPop.

FreedomPop today announced that it would partner with Clearwire for its upcoming mobile broadband service. Backed by Skype co-founder Niklas Zennstrom, FreedomPop aims to disrupt the mobile broadband industry by providing mobile Internet to consumers free of charge.

FreedomPop had previously named LightSquared as its launch partner, but it appears that relationship has stalled due to mounting complications in the LightSquared camp. The FCC yesterday suspended LightSquared's waiver to … Read more

Trying to explain to your your grandma, or even your parents, how to get Skype set up so you can video chat with them can be infuriating and frustrating for all involved.

By using Vidless, setting up a video chat is as simple as creating a room, and sharing the link to that room. No user names, no downloads, no installing, no logging in. The only requirements are a solid Internet connection and the latest version of Flash.

Still not convinced? Below you will find the steps required to create a video chat.

If you don't take care of your skin, it could come up in your next Skype conversation, as Skype for Windows (download) updated today with support for high-def resolution.

The new version of the VoIP software also gets Facebook audio and video chat, the power to share screens with more than one person, a push-to-talk option, Bing Bar integration, and a new software updating service for automatic updates.

The high-def isn't available to just anybody, of course. You'll have to have a Logitech C920 Webcam and an upload/download speed of at least 2 Mbps. Skype explained … Read more

Microsoft is testing out a Skype application for Windows Phone that could make its debut by the end of next month.

That's according to the Verge, which reported today that the app would have a Metro UI-style look, keeping it consistent with the rest of the Windows Phone user interface.

This version of Skype reportedly will be a standalone app when it launches and be integrated into the People Hub part of the phone with the release of Windows Phone 8. Skype could be introduced as early as Mobile World Congress, which begins in the last week of February. … Read more

One of Silicon Valley's most successful venture capital firms could become quite a bit richer if rumors that its founder is trying raise $1.5 billion are true.

The New York Times reported today that one of tech's most influential investors, Marc Andreessen, is looking to raise $1.5 billion for his Andreessen Horowitz investment firm. According to the Times, if Andreessen comes up with the funds, it could more than double the firm's assets. Right now, Andreessen Horowitz has $1.2 billion distributed between three funds.

Since launching in 2009, Andreessen Horowitz has been one of … Read more

LAS VEGAS--A few days ago, we wrote about how Tely Labs, a startup out of Silicon Valley, had launched an Android-based Skype HD video phone for TVs. Well, the $249 TelyHD now has company, as Samsung Techwin America has introduced a very similar product, the InTouch camera system, for $50 less.

Like the TelyHD, the Samsung InTouch is designed to be hooked onto the top of your flat-panel TV, runs on the Android operating system, offers Wi-Fi connectivity and 720p video, and has the Skype application integrated right into the unit. The service is free, and if you're a Skype subscriber already you can log in immediately and start making video calls.

Also like the TelyHD, the InTouch comes with additional preloaded apps, such as YouTube, Google News and Weather, and full Web browsing, plus it can display photos stored on a thumbdrive (there's a USB slot on the back of the camera).… Read more