We've seen Android used for home theater purposes before, but it's been rare that a company has wanted Google's OS used almost exclusively with that purpose in mind. Panasonic is gambling that its UN-W700 can use Android (2.3, unfortunately) for an all-singing, all-dancing compact video device. The 7-inch, 800x480 standee plays media from its SDXC card slot or over DLNA, including recordings normally destined for Blu-ray from one of Panasonic's Diga set-top boxes. If you'd rather dish out video than just receive it, there's a front camera for Skype video calls -- and the W700 is still Google-blessed, so you can visit Google Play if you'd rather play Death Rally than watch Death Race 2000. We're not sure about the idea of a tablet without much of the portability, but Japanese shops will give the opportunity to decide for yourself on July 25th for an unofficially estimated $446.

Panasonic's UN-W700 runs Android, streams Blu-ray video, takes Skype calls, isn't a tablet originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 23:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Skype CEO Tony Bates just took the stage here on the final day of D10, and he got right into the news delivery mindset: as of now, there are 250 million monthly connected users. Said Bates, "When we closed [the Microsoft deal], we had 170 million monthly users, so haven't skipped a beat in terms of momentum." Continuing on when asked from Kara Swisher about integration with Microsoft, Bates said: "I'm not going to talk about future products, but I'll steal a line from Tim Cook. We're going to double-down on integration with Windows 8, and we're doing to double-down on secrecy." Specifically, he mentioned that there'd be some "great integration points" with Windows 8, noting that Skype is viewed as an "experience, with most folks viewing it as a Swiss army knife, regardless of where and how it's used." Kara followed up with a question on Kinect, and Bates did his best to dodge the bullet by re-referencing intent on Windows 8 and Windows Phone -- there wasn't a peep mentioned in either direction on if it'd end up there.

Kara asked what his most important smartphone platform was, and Bates said: "I wouldn't classify it as one most important. As far as download numbers, it's absolutely iPhone, but Android is gaining momentum. Our top priority is mobile; we made two acquisitions in that space. The Android marketplace -- as many know -- is quite fragmented, and this was a big challenge for us from an engineering standpoint. This team in the Qik acquisition really helped us there. I'm very hopeful -- Windows Phone is very exciting for me because of that people-centric nature." Kara pushed to see if Windows Phone would get a "special" version of Skype, and Bates simply said that he "hopes they can add value." Given that both Windows Phone and Skype now live under the same roof, though, we're guessing that he's underselling things in the effort of "doubling-down on secrecy."

Continue reading Skype CEO Tony Bates confirms 250m monthly users, talks Microsoft partnership and future plans

Skype CEO Tony Bates confirms 250m monthly users, talks Microsoft partnership and future plans originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Putting the squeeze on those hardware specifications has lead to several more app casualties on Microsoft's ever-growing mobile platform. Unfortunately, it includes one of mobile gaming's biggest hitters: Angry Birds. We gave installation a go on our own Lumia 610 and were met with the unfortunate message seen above. According to WindowsPhoneApps Spanish, it's not the only one affected by the reduction in RAM on these lower-priced smartphones. PES 2012 won't run on the lower-specced smartphone, while videocall app Tango also joins its rival Skype on the no-go list.

Update: Nokia's confirmed that Rovio is, indeed, working on an optimized version of Angry Birds for the Lumia 610, though an exact release date is still up in the air.

Angry Birds and PES 2012 join Skype: won't work on Windows Phones with 256MB RAM (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 May 2012 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

It took nearly a full month, but Nokia has finally been convinced that Skype is indeed incompatible with low-memory Windows Phones. In reaching out to a spokesperson, the company confirmed to us that it has decided to yank the official client from the Marketplace on the Lumia 610. The device -- which utilizes a scant 256MB of RAM -- originally allowed the service to be downloaded despite Skype's claims that 512MB was the minimum amount of memory required for the app to function properly. The internet phone service, as it turns out, was correct: Nokia, stating that the user experience is "workable" but not "up to par with Nokia's and Skype's expectation," has pulled the plug on any future downloads. Users who managed to snag the app before it disappeared can still enjoy (or hate, depending on your experience) it on their Lumia 610, but until Skype is able to lower the memory restrictions, it looks like everyone else is out of luck. Head below for the full translated statement.

Continue reading Nokia axes Skype client on Lumia 610, claims user experience wasn't 'up to par'

Nokia axes Skype client on Lumia 610, claims user experience wasn't 'up to par' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Now you can Skype on Xfinity, and beyond. Comcast's re-branded cable arm is touting a new trick beginning today, with customers in Boston and Seattle among the first to have access to the new Skype on Xfinity videoconferencing service (Atlanta, Augusta, Ga., Chicago, Detroit, Harrisburg, Pa., Indianapolis, Miami and Pittsburgh will be online by the end of the week). Interested parties can add a $9.95 monthly fee to their Triple Play service to take advantage, enabling "free" (read: $10-per-month) instant messaging and video chatting services. That monthly fee will presumably cover the requisite all-in-one kit, which includes an adaptor, a "high-quality" camera and a spiffy new Skype-enabled remote control with an IM-friendly keyboard on the rear. Naturally, your bud on the other end doesn't need any special equipment, unless of course they plan to chat through their HDMI-capable Comcast box as well. Eligible customers can hit up the source link past the break to sign up, and breeze through the attached PR for a bit more detail.

Continue reading Comcast switches on Skype on Xfinity in Boston and Seattle today, eight more metros this week

Comcast switches on Skype on Xfinity in Boston and Seattle today, eight more metros this week originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Life, Liberty and the pursuit of free WiMAX? According to FreedomPop, yeah, that seems to be the deal. The outfit, started by one of Skype's co-founders, is peddling $99 WiMAX-equipped iPhone cases that share up to 500MB of free data per month via an embedded WiFi module. The case also extends battery life by six hours and enables FaceTime everywhere you go. FreedomPop Sleeve rumors have been circling the net since December, but now the company is taking things to the next level by officially accepting pre-orders for a launch some time after July 1st. It seems that the company intends to get you hooked on free data in the hopes of selling you premium features later on, such as a VoIP tool and a $0.01 charge per megabyte over the monthly data limit. There's a video of the device in action after the break.

Continue reading FreedomPop Sleeve wants to spread 'free' WiMAX love in the form of a $99 iPhone case

FreedomPop Sleeve wants to spread 'free' WiMAX love in the form of a $99 iPhone case originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 02:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We don't understand exactly what European big-hitter Telefónica is set to gain from its new app. Free VoIP calls and messaging doesn't sound like a massive money-spinner for a company that steers several of Europe's biggest mobile carriers, but that's what its new app is offering. Tu Me can connect through either WiFi or your own phone signal and throws in some location-sharing features for good measure. The app still will still find it tough to break through on the iPhone, which already has plenty of options, include VoIP champ Skype and the home-grown iMessage. According to The Verge, an Android version is already in the pipeline, but if you're driving an iPhone, you can grab the free download from the App Store now.

Telefónica launches Tu Me app: brings free VoIP calling and messaging to the iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Investigators at the FBI supposedly aren't happy that social networks like Facebook or Google+ don't have the same kind of facility for wiretaps that phones have had for decades. If claimed industry contacts for CNET are right, senior staff at the bureau have floated a proposed amendment to the 1994-era Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) that would require that communication-based websites with large user bases include a backdoor for federal agents to snoop on suspects. It would still include the same requirement for a court order as for phone calls, even if US carriers currently enjoy immunity for cooperating with any warrantless wiretapping. As might be expected, technology firms and civil liberties advocates like the Electronic Frontier Foundation object to deepening CALEA's reach any further, and Apple is thought to be preemptively lobbying against another definition of the law that might require a government back channel for audiovisual chat services like FaceTime or Skype. The FBI didn't explicitly confirm the proposal when asked, but it did say it was worried it might be "going dark" and couldn't enforce wiretaps.

[Image credit: David Drexler, Flickr]

FBI reportedly pressing for backdoor access to Facebook, Google originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Your dreams of WiFi connectivity from within NYC's subway stations will soon be a reality. Boingo has announced an agreement with Transit Wireless to offer wireless internet service inside the Big Apple's subway stations. The partnership will allow eager commuters the chance to connect via their smartphones, tablets, e-readers and other WiFi-equipped devices. One-click access will be available to those with a Boingo subscription as well as through the outfit's roaming partners: Skype, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon. Right now, the plan is to roll out the new service to subway stations over the next five years. If you're jonesing for a few more details, hit the PR button below to read on.

[Image credit: pspyro2009 / Flickr]

Continue reading Boingo to offer its WiFi services to New York City subway stations

Boingo to offer its WiFi services to New York City subway stations originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 May 2012 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Been itching for Facebook's iPhone-dedicated Messenger app to make its way over to the iPad? ? Maybe for the iPhone variant to finally reap the benefits of Skype video chat integration as well? Well, according to 9to5Mac, Camp Zuckerberg is testing both in-house, with the latter planned to hit iPhones this summer. According to the site, one of its trustworthy tipsters was able to grant it access to beta versions of the new apps, and it has the pictures to prove it. Unsurprisingly, the Messenger app for iPad is described as simply a sized-up port of the iPhone version, but surely the bump would be appreciated by many if it ever gets officially released. Perhaps more interesting, though, is having Skype video chat baked into the iPhone version -- tapping an arrow next to a contact initiates your video session, and 9to5Mac reports that it's "smooth most of the time." Of course, it's always worth taking such leaks with a grain of salt, but hit up the source link below if you'd like to find more information and screenshots of the apps in question.

Facebook's iPhone Messenger to get video chat, enlarged variant for iPad? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Everyone's favorite VoIP service, Skype, has rolled out a fresh update to its iPhone / iPod Touch and iPad clients. First off, the Microsoft-owned outfit added a revamped login screen to both iOS applications, and now offers the ability to move your vid preview around the screen -- much like FaceTime does. To go along with the new pair of features, Skype's changelog also notes the app will now automatically restart after a sudden crash, while other undisclosed enhancements were made to improve the overall UI, stability and accessibility. Of note, Skype v4 requires folks to be running iOS 4.3 or later. So, those of you keeping that Cupertino OS current can hit either of the iTunes links below to get the goods, or grab it from the App Store on your device.

Skype iOS apps hit v4.0: improved stability, minor UI tweaks in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Skype continues to spread itself to anything with a data connection, and while while we don't expect this to be the last gaming device it'll appear on, it's the second. Yes, the Microsoft-owned Skype will be available to download for free on the Sony-made PlayStation Vita later today and it's capable of video calls from the get-go -- although we're yet to test whether that's possible on a 3G signal. Embarrassingly, the app looks far more capable than its recent gone-gold compadre on Microsoft's very own mobile platform. While the Windows Phone version is unable to tick along in the background, the Vita (with all that top-end processing power) can still keep your account online while you're running other apps, even take those video calls mid-game. Thankfully, Skype has drafted in professional gamer Fatal1ty to give us a quick tour of the UI and how it's all meant to click together -- it's included right after the break.

Update: To allow the Skype app to connect in the background, games like Uncharted, which switch off wireless connections, are unfortunately not supported.

Continue reading Skype launches on PS Vita, can do video calls in the middle of gaming sessions (video)

Skype launches on PS Vita, can do video calls in the middle of gaming sessions (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Remember the unfortunate news that Skype's new Windows Phone app wasn't compatible with low-memory devices? Well, the app is now working fine with the incoming Nokia Lumia 610. After "some challenges early on", Nokia tells us that the app is primed for use when the entry-level Windows Phone eventually hits Asian store at the end of April. Now one problem remains; which color?

Skype for Windows Phone working on Nokia Lumia 610, scoffs at memory restrictions originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 05:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Buried within Skype's announcement that its app has finally graduated from beta on Windows Phone, the mention of a 512MB minimum memory requirement reveals that the Internet phone service won't -- currently -- work with the likes of Nokia's Lumia 610 and the ZTE Tania. Skype has logged this under "current issues", which we hope means the company is working tirelessly to squeeze the app into cheaper Windows Phone hardware. Other features still being worked on include Bluetooth compatibility and Skype SMS messaging support. C'mon, they're part of the family now -- can't they all just get along?

Update: Nokia's told us that it's now got the Skype app working on the Lumia 610.

Skype app won't work on low-end Windows Phone devices (update: works on Lumia 610) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Skype's fledgling Windows Phone app broke out of beta today, adding contact searching and landline calling to it's VOIP repertoire. The update comes just shy of two months of the Beta's introduction in February, and boasts a handful of minor improvements that should keep your calls connected. You'll still be making those calls yourself, however, as the full version doesn't yet have support for receiving calls in the background -- if the app isn't running, your phone isn't ringing. Hit the source link below to update.

Skype for Windows Phone sheds beta title, graduates to v1.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Skype recruiting Xbox developers for 'next generation services' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

There's something thrilling about using job postings to parse a company's strategy, especially when the advert is so gosh darn low on secrecy. Take Microsoft, for instance, which posted four openings for developers to work on its Skype for Browsers project. If that weren't self-explanatory enough, the various ads each explain that Microsoft is looking for code monkeys to help "bring [the] Skype experience on to the Web," a position that calls for HTML5 know-how, along with proficiency in C#, Java or C++. That's as official a heads up as any, though if you've been paying attention you know Skype already powers Facebook's web-based video chat service. So it shouldn't exactly be surprising, then, that a Skype-branded version is likely in the works as well. Armchair investigators can find the postings at the source links, where any brilliant, Europe-based developers can try their hand at one of the four openings.

Microsoft job ads hint at a browser-based version of Skype based on HTML5 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

FreedomPop plans to give away mobile internet, still make money somehow originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Osaka University wants to shake your hand with its robotic glove (video)

Osaka University wants to shake your hand with its robotic glove (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Logitech's business webcam is an eye on a stalk, and it's pointin' at you

Logitech's business webcam is an eye on a stalk, and it's pointin' at you originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Skype for Mac gets mild refresh, adds auto updates and improved UI in group calls originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Skype videoconferencing app and add-on camera come to Vizio Internet Apps HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In the midst of this week's mobile madness, Skype has announced that its finally ready to arrive on its good friend's mobile platform. Yes, Windows Phone is getting its very own Skype app -- at least, a beta version. Compatible devices include the Nokia Lumia 710, Lumia 800, HTC Titan, Radar, Samsung Focus S and Focus Flash. A spokesperson has told us that the app will be available on most devices running Windows Phone 7.5 and above. This early version will allow free audio and video calls over WiFi or 3G, alongside those any-number paid-for calls. There's a brief video overview right after the break and the beta's available to download now.

Continue reading Skype app launches beta version on Windows Phone Mango and up (video)

Skype app launches beta version on Windows Phone Mango and up (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 02:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Our office here in Sydney is getting some big screen HDTVs hooked up to a PC running Skype. We'd like to put together an amazing HD video conferencing setup with a webcam that can show the six or seven people around our table as well as a noise canceling microphone or USB table mic. Any suggestion anyone has would be great, thanks heaps!

Ask Engadget: Best boardroom Skype gear? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Panasonic prices, dates some of its 2012 HDTVs (VT, GT, ET) and accessories in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Skype rolls out update for Windows with full HD video calling, group screen sharing originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Skype exec confirms that Windows Phone product is 'coming soon'

Skype exec confirms that Windows Phone product is 'coming soon' originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Skype for Mac Beta update adds revamped call UI, incoming video calls

Skype for Mac Beta update adds revamped call UI, incoming video calls originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Panasonic Skype tablet eyes-on

Panasonic Skype tablet eyes-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Warpia ConnectHD hands-on

Warpia ConnectHD hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Skype-controlled Mindstorms NXT car: toys over IP?

Skype-controlled Mindstorms NXT car: toys over IP? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Sony's new BX, EX & HX HDTV series

Continue reading Sony announced three new series of HDTVs for 2012

Sony announced three new series of HDTVs for 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Sharp interactive displays

Continue reading Sharp unveils an 80-inch touchscreen for the boardroom

Sharp unveils an 80-inch touchscreen for the boardroom originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Samsung's inTouch brings 'Apps' like Skype and a browser to your TV

Samsung's inTouch brings 'Apps' like Skype and a browser to your TV originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Comcast Skype webcam pics

Comcast Xfinity Skype webcam for cable boxes revealed by FCC (Update: Pics, pricing and details!) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Skype and Tely Labs deliver Tegra 2-powered Android videochat to your HDTV

Skype and Tely Labs deliver Tegra 2-powered Android videochat to your HDTV originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920

Continue reading Logitech outs C920 HD webcam, lets you Skype with your mates in 1080p

Logitech outs C920 HD webcam, lets you Skype with your mates in 1080p originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Skype gifts NYC with NYE WiFi, so you can miss the ball drop while Skyping the ball drop originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

OnStar ready to flaunt LTE Skype-enabled system on GM rides originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Skype turns into Santa, gives you free airport WiFi during the holidays

Skype turns into Santa, gives you free airport WiFi during the holidays originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.