Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Skype CEO Tony Bates confirms 250m monthly users, talks Microsoft partnership and future plans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/skype-ceo-tony-bates-microsoft-kinect-future-voip-communication-d10/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/skype-ceo-tony-bates-microsoft-kinect-future-voip-communication-d10/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/skype-ceo-tony-bates-microsoft-kinect-future-voip-communication-d10/#comments Tony Bates and Kara Swisher at D10

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all things dall things d 10all things digitalAllThingsDAllThingsD10AllThingsDigitalatdatd10atdxcallingceoconferenced10dxskypetony batesTonyBatesusersvoipThu, 31 May 2012 14:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Xfinity Voice 2Go bridges the gap between mobile, VoIP and home phones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/xfinity-voice-2go-bridges-the-gap-between-mobile-voip-and-home/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/xfinity-voice-2go-bridges-the-gap-between-mobile-voip-and-home/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/xfinity-voice-2go-bridges-the-gap-between-mobile-voip-and-home/#comments Xfinity Voice 2Go bridges the gap between mobile, VoIP and home phones

Comcast took the opportunity at The Cable Show 2012 to introduce some new features for its Xfinity Voice service, dubbed Voice 2Go. The end goal is to bring the perks you enjoy with your smartphone to your landline. It all starts with an app that's available on iOS and Android (in both phone and tablet-friendly formats) that functions similarly to Google Voice. The Xfinity Connect Mobile app allows you to send and receive texts on your mobile device through your home phone number and forward incoming calls to multiple devices, including your cellphone, so you'll never miss a call again. What's more, your Xfinity account can be used to place VoIP calls from any connected device over WiFi, 3G or 4G. For more check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Xfinity Voice 2Go bridges the gap between mobile, VoIP and home phones

Xfinity Voice 2Go bridges the gap between mobile, VoIP and home phones originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecable servicecable show 2012CableServiceCableShow2012comcastcomcast voice 2gocomcast xfinity voiceComcastVoice2goComcastXfinityVoicehdpostcrosshome phone serviceHomePhoneServicemobilepostcrossthe cable show 2012TheCableShow2012voice 2goVoice2govoipxfinityXfinity Connect Mobilexfinity voiceXfinityConnectMobileXfinityVoiceTue, 22 May 2012 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Sidecar comes out of beta, reinvents phone calls]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/sidecar-comes-out-of-beta-reinvents-phone-calls/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/sidecar-comes-out-of-beta-reinvents-phone-calls/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/sidecar-comes-out-of-beta-reinvents-phone-calls/#comments Sidecar comes out of beta, reinvents phone calls

Smartphones have revolutionized how we communicate and the way we create, share and consume content. Yet there's one aspect of using these devices that remains stuck in the last millennium, and that's the calling experience -- yes, apparently some people still make phone calls. Sure, there are plenty of VoIP and video calling apps out there, but few are simple and beautiful.

Enter Sidecar, a free app which aims to reinvent the way we make phone calls by adding messaging as well as real-time video, photo, location and contact sharing to that antiquated calling experience. It achieves this through an intuitive and polished user interface plus a handful of standards such as SIP and XMPP. Phone calls between Sidecar users are free anywhere in the world -- the app even supports free WiFi calling to any number in the US or Canada.

While Sidecar's been available in beta on Android for several weeks, it's launching on iOS today with support for the iPhone and iPod touch. We've been using the app on and off for a few days on several handsets, including a Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ and an iPhone 4S and it works exactly as described. Looking for additional details? Check out the demo video and full PR after the break.

Gallery: Sidecar for iOS

Continue reading Sidecar comes out of beta, reinvents phone calls

Sidecar comes out of beta, reinvents phone calls originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>address bookAddressBookAndroidappAppledialerGoogleiOSiPhoneiPod touchIpodTouchlocation sharingLocationSharingmessagingmobilepostcrossphone callsPhoneCallsphoto sharingPhotoSharingsharingSidecarSIPsmart callingSmartCallingvideovideo callingvideo callsVideoCallingVideoCallsVoIPXMPPTue, 22 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sounder launches, we go hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/sounder-launches-we-go-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/sounder-launches-we-go-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/sounder-launches-we-go-hands-on-video/#comments Sounder launches, we go hands-on (video)

We don't know about you, but most of us Engadget editors live in a perpetual state of inbox insanity. Keeping on top of voicemails, text messages, emails, IMs, Twitter DMs, Facebook and Google+ messages -- to name just a few -- is a herculean yet unavoidable task. As a result, personal messages often get drowned out in a sea of work-related correspondence.

Sounder is an app that aims to ease the inbox pain a little by providing a simple and immediate way to speak with those people that matter. Pick a few important Facebook friends and the app lets you talk to them directly at the push of a button via VoIP. The goal is to keep you connected to the folks closest to you. Sounder -- which launches today for free -- supports the iPhone and iPod touch, with iPad, desktop and Android versions in the works. A $0.99 in-app upgrade enables a super slick "flip-to-talk" feature which lets you reply without waking your phone -- just turn it over and speak.

After meeting founders Nancy Broden (of Twitter fame) and Michael Fortson (former Qik Director) at SXSW, we got the chance to take an early prototype of Sounder for a spin and came away impressed with how simple yet effective it is. Since our demo in Austin, the company's been busy fine tuning the app and putting in the final touches -- like that "flip-to-talk" functionality. Want to know more? You'll find some screen shots in the gallery below and our hands-on video after the break.

Gallery: Sounder hands-on

Continue reading Sounder launches, we go hands-on (video)

Sounder launches, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appAppleApple iPhoneApple iPod touchAppleIphoneAppleIpodTouchexclusiveFacebookhands-oniPhoneiPod touchIpodTouchlaunchmobilepostcrosspush-to-talkQikSounderSXSWSXSW 2012Sxsw2012videoVoIPTue, 15 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Telefónica launches Tu Me app: brings free VoIP calling and messaging to the iPhone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/tu-me-app-free-voip-calling/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/tu-me-app-free-voip-calling/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/tu-me-app-free-voip-calling/#comments Tu Me app

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappsimessageiOSiPhonemessaging appMessagingAppmobilepostminiskypetelefonicaTu MeTuMevoipwhatsappWed, 09 May 2012 13:24:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile expands HSPA+ 42, picks LTE vendors and notches 1 million VoIP users]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/07/t-mobile-4g-lte-hspa-42-bobsled/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/07/t-mobile-4g-lte-hspa-42-bobsled/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/07/t-mobile-4g-lte-hspa-42-bobsled/#comments T-Mobile rolls out more HSPA+ 42, picks vendors for LTE and notches 1 million VoIP users

With CTIA 2012 getting under way, T-Mobile is the latest company to check in with an announcement, proudly informing the world of the latest developments in its 4G expansion efforts and Bobsled VoIP service. On the 4G (not faux G) front, it's selected "Release 10" hardware from Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Networks to support the $4 billion LTE rollout the company is undertaking (using AWS spectrum acquired from AT&T) starting this year and will continue through 2013. While nationwide LTE should be reality next year, right now T-Mobile is delivering HSPA+ to new markets, with HSPA+ 42 live today in Fayetteville and Little Rock AR, Lake Charles LA and Springfield, MO. Due later in the year, as expected, is 4G HSPA+ on the 1900 MHz band that should bring faster speeds, better building penetration and 4G access for the iPhone. While we're still not sure how the free Bobsled VoIP service figures into the company's plans, the company announced it has already broken through one million users. According to its stats, 95 percent are not T-Mobile wireless customers and 80 percent of calls originate from outside the country, however 90 percent of text messages sent are domestic. All the numbers and locations are in the press releases after the break, if you want to hunt down some high speed data action for yourself.

Continue reading T-Mobile expands HSPA+ 42, picks LTE vendors and notches 1 million VoIP users

T-Mobile expands HSPA+ 42, picks LTE vendors and notches 1 million VoIP users originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 22:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gawsbobsledbobsled by t-mobileBobsledByT-mobilectia 2012ctia wireless 2012Ctia2012CtiaWireless2012faux GFauxGhspa+hspa+ 42Hspa+42ltemobilepostcrosst-mobilevoipMon, 07 May 2012 22:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Vonage reports $14 million in income, loses 19,000 subscribers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/vonage-reports-14-million-in-income-loses-19-000-subscribers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/vonage-reports-14-million-in-income-loses-19-000-subscribers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/vonage-reports-14-million-in-income-loses-19-000-subscribers/#comments Vonage reports $14 million in income, loses 19,000 subscribersVonage may have raked in $216 million in revenue, netting itself $14 million in profit, but things still seem to be heading in the wrong direction for the company. We're not even talking about the sharp decrease in net income -- the $350 million made in the last quarter was thanks in large part to a one-time tax benefit. Revenue remained flat sequentially at $216 million, but was down slightly from the same time last year. What's more, churn had increased from Q4 and, despite signing up 165,000 new accounts, the VoIP carrier managed lose 19,000 subscribers -- and that's after dropping 14,000 last quarter. For more info check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading Vonage reports $14 million in income, loses 19,000 subscribers

Vonage reports $14 million in income, loses 19,000 subscribers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 22:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfinancialsminipostnumbersstatsvoice over IPVoiceOverIpvoipvonageWed, 02 May 2012 22:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook's iPhone Messenger to get video chat, enlarged variant for iPad?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/leak-facebook-iphone-messenger-with-skype-video-ipad-messenger/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/leak-facebook-iphone-messenger-with-skype-video-ipad-messenger/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/leak-facebook-iphone-messenger-with-skype-video-ipad-messenger/#comments Image

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chatfacebookfacebook messengerFacebookMessengeriosipadiphoneleakmark zuckerbergMarkZuckerbergmessengermobilemobilepostcrossskypevideovideo chatVideoChatvoipWed, 02 May 2012 15:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Line2 for iOS now offers MMS support within its network, adds location sharing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/line2-ios-app-with-mms-support/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/line2-ios-app-with-mms-support/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/line2-ios-app-with-mms-support/#comments Line2 for iOS now offers MMS support within its network, adds location sharing feature

One of your favorite, dock-worthy iOS apps just got a tad bit better. We're talking 'bout Line2, who's just hit version 8.0.0 and is bringing with it a slew of long-awaited traits. Of these, the most notable is the inclusion of MMS, which now allows users to send out pics to other folks using Line2's service. That said, you can share media with people outside the Line2 network, but due to carrier restrictions, the MMS being sent will only show up as a link on the receiving end. To go alongside that Multimedia Messaging Service, the app's also adding a new location sharing feature (for those who don't mind the occasional stalking). As of now, the fresh goods are exclusive to the iOS crowd, while an update for the Android variant is said to be in the works. As usual, you can grab the app straight from the App Store on your device or via the iTunes link below.

Line2 for iOS now offers MMS support within its network, adds location sharing originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeappleAppStoreiosipadipad appIpadAppiphoneiphone appIphoneAppline2line2 appline2 applicationLine2AppLine2Applicationlocation sharingLocationSharingminipostmmsmobilepostcrossvoice over IPVoiceOverIpvoipTue, 24 Apr 2012 07:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Skype app won't work on low-end Windows Phone devices (update: works on Lumia 610)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/skype-app-wont-work-on-low-end-windows-phone-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/skype-app-wont-work-on-low-end-windows-phone-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/skype-app-wont-work-on-low-end-windows-phone-devices/#comments Skype app won't work on low-end Windows Phone devices

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbetacompatibilityLumiaLumia 610Lumia610microsoftmobilepostcrossmobilepostminiNokia Lumia 610NokiaLumia610ppskypeskype appSkypeAppTangoVOIPVOIP CALLINGVOIP PHONEVoipCallingVoipPhonewindows phoneWindowsPhoneZTE TANIAZteTaniaMon, 23 Apr 2012 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Skype for Windows Phone sheds beta title, graduates to v1.0]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/22/skype-for-windows-phone-sheds-beta-title-graduates-to-v1-0/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/22/skype-for-windows-phone-sheds-beta-title-graduates-to-v1-0/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/22/skype-for-windows-phone-sheds-beta-title-graduates-to-v1-0/#comments Skype for Windows Phone sheds beta title, graduates to v1.0

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappsbetaHTC Titanmicrosoftmobilepostcrossmobilepostminiskypeskype appSkypeAppVOIPVOIP CALLINGVOIP PHONEVoipCallingVoipPhonewindows phoneWindowsPhoneSun, 22 Apr 2012 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobile Miscellany: week of April 16th, 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/21/mobile-miscellany-week-of-april-16th-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/21/mobile-miscellany-week-of-april-16th-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/21/mobile-miscellany-week-of-april-16th-2012/#comments Mobile Miscellany: week of April 16th, 2012

Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, Verizon announced that its LTE service now covers two-thirds of the US population, and T-Mobile dropped its 'nice girl' image in attempt to position its HSPA+ network as a viable competitor to LTE. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of April 16th, 2012.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of April 16th, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of April 16th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gadvertisingandroidapolloappappleapple iphone 4sAppleIphone4sappsattbbm musicBbmMusicblackberryBlackBerry Messengerblackberry playbookblackberry travelBlackberryMessengerBlackberryPlaybookBlackberryTravelbobsledcanadacricketcyanogenmodgalaxy rugbyGalaxyRugbygooglegoogle mapsGoogleMapsinternational callsInternationalCallsiosiphoneiphone 4sIphone4sleap wirelessLeapWirelessltemarketingmmmobile miscellanyMobileMiscellanymobilepostminiplaybookresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimrogersrogers wirelessRogersWirelessrugby smartRugbySmartruggedsamsungsamsung galaxy rugbysamsung rugby smartSamsungGalaxyRugbySamsungRugbySmartsmartphonet-mobiletargettmobileupdateupdatesverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvoipwikipediawindows phonewindows phone 8WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone8Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Republic Wireless opening up reservation system next week in advance of summer beta program]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/republic-wireless-opening-up-reservation-system-next-week-in-adv/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/republic-wireless-opening-up-reservation-system-next-week-in-adv/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/republic-wireless-opening-up-reservation-system-next-week-in-adv/#comments ImageWe've already known that Republic Wireless was planning to reopen the beta program for its hybrid WiFi / cellular service this summer, and the company has now finally detailed exactly how that beta will take place. For starters, it'll only be open to those who have already signed up to the company's email list or tried to place an order when that option was available last November, but that's still not a guarantee to get in. Starting next week, those folks will receive an email with details on how to take part in the company's online reservation system, after which you'll then have a week to claim a spot in one of the beta waves that will be rolling out over the course of the summer. Still no word on that new handset that was also promised for April, but you can find all the details on the beta program at the link below.

[Thanks, Andy]

Republic Wireless opening up reservation system next week in advance of summer beta program originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacarriercellularhybridmobilepostcrossrepublic wirelessRepublicWirelessreservationvoipwifiFri, 13 Apr 2012 23:04:00 EST<![CDATA[FreedomPop plans to give away mobile internet, still make money somehow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/how-freedompop-makes-money/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/how-freedompop-makes-money/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/how-freedompop-makes-money/#comments Image"Freemium" mobile broadband outfit FreedomPop has pulled back the curtain on how it plans to make money while giving away 4G internet. In an interview with GigaOm, Marketing VP Tony Miller revealed that once it has got enough consumers hooked on the gratis data, his company will start selling premium features, potentially including a VoIP solution for the network, now supplied by Clearwire after the collapse of LightSquared. The company will also charge a penny for every megabyte used over the free monthly allowance (currently pegged at 1GB) and build a social network where more data can be earned and traded between friends. Alongside the WiMAX shell for the iPhone, we can also expect to see an iPod Touch edition, USB dongle and mobile hotspot arrive before the network's launch. The company doesn't have too long to iron out the kinks in the business plan however, as it'll go live in the third quarter of 2012.

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4GClearwireFree InternetFreedomPopFreeInternetLightSquaredmobilepostminiNiklas ZennstromNiklasZennstromSkypeSocial NetworkSocialNetworkTony MillerTonyMillerVoIPWiMAXThu, 29 Mar 2012 15:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Republic Wireless to open next beta of hybrid VOIP service this summer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/republic-wireless-beta/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/republic-wireless-beta/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/republic-wireless-beta/#comments Republic Wireless to open next beta in JuneThe $19 all-you-can-eat smartphone service that seemed great, then not-so-great, then great again is about to re-open public beta testing. We're told that the first phase of the beta is "going very well", to the point where Republic Wireless feels it can "skip the baby steps" and offer its hybrid VOIP/cellular goodies to another batch of experimental folks starting in June. The provider also promises a new handset as early as April, a smoother transition between WiFi and cellular calling (on Sprint's frequencies) in May, and a full-on public launch at some point in the undeclared or undecided future. Not ready to abandon your Big Cell provider just yet? Then Republic Wireless makes one more promise: a way for customers with other carriers to save money on their bills even before they make the leap. Consider us intrigued!

[Thanks, Ryan]

Republic Wireless to open next beta of hybrid VOIP service this summer originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-you-can-eatbetacarriercellcellularhybridmobileoperatorpublic betaPublicBetarepublic wirelessRepublicWirelesssmartphonesprintunlimitedvoipwifiwifi callingWifiCallingWed, 21 Mar 2012 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[New undersea cables planned for arctic passageways, frozen gamers dream of lower pings]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/20/undersea-fiber-optic-cable-arctic-northwest-passage-record/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/20/undersea-fiber-optic-cable-arctic-northwest-passage-record/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/20/undersea-fiber-optic-cable-arctic-northwest-passage-record/#comments ImageHot on the heels of our own reporting of cables in the South Pacific (or the lack thereof), in flies a report that at least two new undersea cables are being planned for the arctic. According to New Scientist, a pair of lengthy fiber optic wires will be laid through the Northwest Passage above North America, connecting Japan to the United Kingdom. Moreover, a third cable is planned along the Russian coastline, with the longest of these links to purportedly become "the world's longest single stretch of optical fiber." A number of outfits are on the list to help out, and when complete, the latency between Tokyo and London should be reduced between 168ms and 230ms. The cost for such luxury? An estimated $600 million to $1.5 billion for each line. In other words, totally worth it.

New undersea cables planned for arctic passageways, frozen gamers dream of lower pings originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcticbroadbandcablecommunicationsconnectionfiberfiber opticfiber opticsFiberOpticFiberOpticsinternetjapanlatencynorth americaNorthAmericaopticrussiatransmissionukunderseaundersea cableUnderseaCablevoipTue, 20 Mar 2012 21:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Naver's Skype competitor Line crosses 20 million mark]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/navers-skype-competitor-line-crosses-20-million-mark/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/navers-skype-competitor-line-crosses-20-million-mark/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/navers-skype-competitor-line-crosses-20-million-mark/#comments LineIn just eight months, Line has gone from a glimmer in Naver's eye to a 20 million member strong VoIP and messaging service. Perhaps most impressively, it's done so with only iPhone and Android apps available. The company is working on PC, Mac and tablet clients, but for now this is a mobile phone-only app. The speed at which its growing is significantly faster than both Facebook and Twitter, a fact the company is immensely proud of -- but, we wouldn't read to much into that.

Naver's Skype competitor Line crosses 20 million mark originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20 million20MillionandroidappappsIMiosiphonelineminipostmobilepostcrossnavernaver lineNaverLinenhntext messagingTextMessagingusersvoipMon, 05 Mar 2012 11:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Invoxia unveils the AudiOffice, a $299 speaker dock for iDevices (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/invoxia-unveils-the-audioffice-a-299-speaker-dock-for-idevices/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/invoxia-unveils-the-audioffice-a-299-speaker-dock-for-idevices/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/invoxia-unveils-the-audioffice-a-299-speaker-dock-for-idevices/#comments
The last time we heard from Invoxia, the company was showing off a desktop VoIP phone with iPad and iPhone docks, allowing you to use the familiar iOS interface to manipulate all the phone's controls -- mute, volume, speakerphone, et cetera. As Mobile World Congress kicks off, the company's back with a product that looks very similar, but does quite the opposite. Designed for business use, the AudiOffice isn't a standalone VoIP phone but rather, a speaker dock for your iDevices. Here, your sweet telephony comes courtesy of your iPhone, while Invoxia's hardware is mainly there to enhance the call quality, with the help of four wide-bandwidth speakers and two digital microphones. And though those docks were built with the iPad and iPhone in mind, you could, if you were so inclined, connect another device using the dock's USB socket or Bluetooth 2.1 radio. In addition to FaceTime, too, you can place calls through more OS-agnostic apps, such as Skype. The AudiOffice will sell for $299 -- quite pricey for what's essentially an iDevice dock -- but that's still far more affordable than the $599 the NVX 610 is fetching. We'll be back with hands-on photos soon enough, but in the meantime we've got pictures of the official sort below.

Gallery: Invoxia AudiOffice

Continue reading Invoxia unveils the AudiOffice, a $299 speaker dock for iDevices (video)

Invoxia unveils the AudiOffice, a $299 speaker dock for iDevices (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiOfficeFreescaleFreescale IMX503FreescaleImx503IMX503InvoxiaInvoxia AudiOfficeInvoxiaAudiofficemobile world congress 2012MobileWorldCongress2012phonephonesvideovoipMon, 27 Feb 2012 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC rules VoIP providers must report outages in effort to improve 911 service]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/fcc-rules-voip-providers-must-report-outages-in-effort-to-improv/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/fcc-rules-voip-providers-must-report-outages-in-effort-to-improv/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/fcc-rules-voip-providers-must-report-outages-in-effort-to-improv/#comments The FCC has many important things under its jurisdiction, and ensuring a functional 911 service is among the most critical. As such, telephony providers are required to report network outages, so the commission can monitor and maintain a resilient service. Until now, this hasn't included VoIP services, but a new ruling states that interconnected VoIP providers will have to declare outages that meet certain criteria. The move comes after the FCC's most recent Local Competition Report, which reveals that almost one-third of the 87 million residential telephone subscriptions are now provided as VoIP, and therefore carry emergency calls. While public safety is the main driver, the report also states it will "ensure critical communications infrastructure remains available in times of crisis." Check out the lengthy video after the break to see the meeting in its entirety.

Continue reading FCC rules VoIP providers must report outages in effort to improve 911 service

FCC rules VoIP providers must report outages in effort to improve 911 service originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911911 service911Serviceemergencyemergency responderemergency respondersemergency responseemergency serviceEmergencyResponderEmergencyRespondersEmergencyResponseEmergencyServiceFCCfederal communications commissionFederalCommunicationsCommissionminipostrulingvoipVoIP providersVoipProvidersFri, 17 Feb 2012 10:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell Voice offers VoIP, but only to Canadians]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/09/dell-voice-offers-voip-but-only-to-canadians/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/09/dell-voice-offers-voip-but-only-to-canadians/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/09/dell-voice-offers-voip-but-only-to-canadians/#comments Dell's teamed up with Fongo to offer Dell Voice, a VoIP app that's available exclusively in Canada. It's currently available for Android, iOS and Windows (Desktop), enabling everyone to shoot the breeze about Dustin Penner without charges. You'll get a local phone number that'll let you call all the big cities (and most of the smaller ones), caller ID, voice-mail, 911 service and long-distance calling for no additional charge. Call credit costs 2c per minute, with each call averaging out to 1MB of data. Canadians clutching to their BlackBerries will be relieved to know that the app will roll out on RIM's handsets next month.

[Thanks, Steven]

Continue reading Dell Voice offers VoIP, but only to Canadians

Dell Voice offers VoIP, but only to Canadians originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidCanadaCanadiansDellDell VoiceDellVoiceFongoiOSmobilepostcrossVoIPWindowsThu, 09 Feb 2012 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Skype for Mac Beta update adds revamped call UI, incoming video calls]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/13/skype-for-mac-beta-update-adds-revamped-call-ui-incoming-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/13/skype-for-mac-beta-update-adds-revamped-call-ui-incoming-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/13/skype-for-mac-beta-update-adds-revamped-call-ui-incoming-video/#comments
Skype's Mac Beta software was anointed with another update this morning, adding an "improved" user interface and new voice call support. With version 5.5, users will be able to accept incoming calls with or without video, while taking advantage of the program's streamlined layout, which has apparently made it easier for them to mute, transmit videos, share screens and add others on to their calls. Skype is currently asking for feedback on the new build, so if you wanna give it a spin for yourself, check out the source link below.

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebetabeta 5.5Beta5.5callmacminipostskypeskype for macskype mac betaSkypeForMacSkypeMacBetasoftwarevideovideo callVideoCallvoipFri, 13 Jan 2012 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Ooma's new HD2 VoIP handset unveiled at CES]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/ooma-hd2-handset-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/ooma-hd2-handset-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/ooma-hd2-handset-ces/#comments VoIP company Ooma's releasing a revamped handset for its offerings that's attempting to bring some interesting new features to the least loved of your domestic appliances: your home phone. You'll recognize the feature set from your smartphone: sync your Facebook account and your contact's avatars will show up on the two-inch color screen when they call. Subscribers to Ooma's premium service ($10 a month) will get even more out of the new handset, being able to forward calls, provide an instant second line, control conferencing options and get free calls to users of the company's new Canadian service. The HD2 runs on two rechargeable AA batteries which can be juiced from the dock and will set you back $60 when it journeys toward the retail world in March.

Gallery: Ooma HD2 Handset Hands-On At CES 2012

Ooma HD2 Handset Hands-On at CES 2012

Dana Murph contributed to this report.

Ooma's new HD2 VoIP handset unveiled at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES 2012Ces2012OomaOoma HD2OomaHd2VoIPMon, 09 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Skype and Tely Labs deliver Tegra 2-powered Android videochat to your HDTV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/skype-and-tely-labs-deliver-tegra-2-powered-android-videochat-to/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/skype-and-tely-labs-deliver-tegra-2-powered-android-videochat-to/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/skype-and-tely-labs-deliver-tegra-2-powered-android-videochat-to/#comments TelyHD TV Phone Video calling is leaving the PC behind and increasingly looking for a home in people's living rooms. Tely Labs is just the latest company to hop on that trend, but it's scored a powerful partner in Skype. The TelyHD TV Phone system doesn't look too dissimilar from a Kinect, but underneath its glossy plastic shell is an HD webcam and a Tegra 2 pushing a customized version of Android. The company promises other apps are in the works, but the star of the show is clearly Skype, which hopes to deliver HD-quality video calls wherever there's a TV (or a phone, or a computer). The TelyHD is available now for $250, check out the complete PR after the break.

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012Ces2012hdpostcrossskypetely labstelyhdtelyhd tv phoneTelyhdTvPhoneTelyLabsvideo callsvideo chatvideo conferencingVideoCallsVideoChatVideoConferencingvoipThu, 05 Jan 2012 10:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Skype gifts NYC with NYE WiFi, so you can miss the ball drop while Skyping the ball drop]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/31/skype-gifts-nyc-with-nye-wifi-so-you-can-miss-the-ball-drop-whi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/31/skype-gifts-nyc-with-nye-wifi-so-you-can-miss-the-ball-drop-whi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/31/skype-gifts-nyc-with-nye-wifi-so-you-can-miss-the-ball-drop-whi/#comments Those kind folk at Skype already served up plenty of glorious WiFi waves across US airports this Christmas, and now it's New York City's turn. From noon on the 31st until January 1st, if you spy a "Skype WiFi" network, those tasty bytes are yours for the taking. The VoIP don has teamed up with WiFi provider Towerstream for the give-away, and recommends you load-up on the latest version of its famous software to make sure you don't miss out. If you pack an iDevice, then it's the Skype WiFi app you'll be wanting updated in the lead up to midnight. Just make sure you don't miss that kiss, just for a festive freebie.

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freeinternetnew yearsnew yorkNewYearsNewYorknycnyeskypeTowerstreamvoipwifiSat, 31 Dec 2011 12:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Lync arrives on Windows Phone and Android, other mobile OSs still waiting in the queue]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/microsoft-lync-arrives-on-windows-phone-and-android-other-mobil/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/microsoft-lync-arrives-on-windows-phone-and-android-other-mobil/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/microsoft-lync-arrives-on-windows-phone-and-android-other-mobil/#comments

Microsoft can't release apps quick enough. Bolstering the cross-platform likes of SkyDrive, OneNote and Kinectimals, its Lync app is the latest addition to the app roster. The corporate communication app ties together instant messaging, audio conferencing and VoIP calls on both Windows Phone and Android devices, while the Symbian and iOS versions are still being vetted for approval. According to the official blog, the app will offer a similar experience across platforms, which makes sense for the enterprise-centric Lync -- and an increasingly fractured business phone market. Suits can grab both the Android and WinPho flavors below.

Update: The iPhone version is now also up for grabs.

[Thanks James]

Microsoft Lync arrives on Windows Phone and Android, other mobile OSs still waiting in the queue originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappappsaustraliablackberrycorporateenterpriseGoogleiminstant messaginginstant messengerInstantMessagingInstantMessengerioslyncmicrosoftmicrosoft lyncMicrosoftLyncmobilepostminisoftwaresymbianvideovoipwindows phoneWindowsPhoneThu, 15 Dec 2011 08:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Google gives the gift of gab, extends free domestic calling in Gmail]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/google-gives-the-gift-of-gab-extends-free-domestic-calling-in-g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/google-gives-the-gift-of-gab-extends-free-domestic-calling-in-g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/google-gives-the-gift-of-gab-extends-free-domestic-calling-in-g/#comments
Just in time to thank Grandma for that polyester blend sweater, comes more free domestic calling in Gmail for the US and Canada. In the spirit of holiday giving, Mountain View has decided to extend its gratis VoIP program for another year of free chatter. Of course, we're not sure if the holiday cheer will last forever, which may once again give us a valid excuse to avoid Uncle Lester's calls.

Google gives the gift of gab, extends free domestic calling in Gmail originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>callingCanadadomesticgmailgoogleUSvoice over IPVoiceOverIpvoipvoip callingVoipCallingWed, 14 Dec 2011 00:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Skype for Android adds support for sharing photos, video and other files]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/13/skype-for-android-adds-support-for-sharing-photos-video-and-oth/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/13/skype-for-android-adds-support-for-sharing-photos-video-and-oth/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/13/skype-for-android-adds-support-for-sharing-photos-video-and-oth/#comments Skype 2.6 for Android Just in time to really annoy your family and friends with holiday greetings, Skype for Android has updated to version 2.6, bringing with it support for sharing photos, videos and other files with your contacts. Being able to quickly transfer pics of your gifts and clips of children tearing into meticulously wrapped presents to people on your buddy list is just the most notable change to the VoIP client. Plenty of other tweaks have taken place, even if they're primarily under the hood. For one, video quality has improved specifically on devices running NVIDIA's Tegra 2. A bunch more phones have also been added to the app's whitelist, including Motorola's latest super-phones the Droid RAZR and Droid 4. You can head on over to the Android Market now to get the latest Skype update.

Skype for Android adds support for sharing photos, video and other files originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid marketAndroidMarketappappschatdroid 4droid razrDroid4DroidRazrfile sharingFileSharingmobilepostcrossphoto sharingPhotoSharingskypeskype 2.6Skype2.6video sharingVideoSharingvoipTue, 13 Dec 2011 14:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Biscotti TV Phone goes on sale today for $199, assumes everyone you know uses Google Talk]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/biscotti-tv-phone-goes-on-sale-today-for-199-assumes-everyone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/biscotti-tv-phone-goes-on-sale-today-for-199-assumes-everyone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/biscotti-tv-phone-goes-on-sale-today-for-199-assumes-everyone/#comments Feel the need to video chat in higher resolution? Or maybe just take a break from the PC while you talk to your long-distance girlfriend you met at Comic Con? Well, we just got word that Biscotti, that TV phone we demoed last week, is on sale in the US and Canada for a princely $199. To recap, it's a camera that sits discreetly atop your TV and is, indeed, about as small and lightweight as that crunchy Italian cookie. The idea is pretty simple: it plugs into both your TV and set-top box, and makes free calls to other Biscotti owners, along with anyone using Google Talk. After our brief demo we were impressed enough with the easy setup and simple menus that layer on top of whatever you're watching, but then again, we were unaware of the price. So, is two hundred bucks worth a lifetime of seeing grandma in 1080p? That, friends, is a decision you'll have to make for yourself.

Gallery: Biscotti TV Phone

Continue reading Biscotti TV Phone goes on sale today for $199, assumes everyone you know uses Google Talk

Biscotti TV Phone goes on sale today for $199, assumes everyone you know uses Google Talk originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Biscottibiscotti tv phoneBiscottiTvPhoneGoogle TalkGoogleTalkhdpostcrosstv phoneTvPhonevideo callvideo callingvideo callsvideo chatVideoCallVideoCallingVideoCallsVideoChatvoipwebcamwebcamsTue, 15 Nov 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Republic Wireless is only kinda, sorta unlimited, may ask you to take your business elsewhere (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/republic-wireless-is-only-kinda-sorta-unlimited-may-ask-you-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/republic-wireless-is-only-kinda-sorta-unlimited-may-ask-you-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/republic-wireless-is-only-kinda-sorta-unlimited-may-ask-you-to/#comments Republic Wireless Republic Wireless certainly garnered itself a lot of attention with the promise of unlimited everything for only $19 a month and no contract. The company keeps the price so low by using what it calls "hybrid calling" -- a fancy way of saying it relies almost entirely on WiFi and VoIP, only falling back on Sprint frequencies when you wander away from an 802.11 connection. The service may be billed as all-you-can-eat, the reality is a little more complex. While you're free to plow through as much data and as many minutes as you want over WiFi, there are "fair usage" limitations on your cellular footprint. Specifically, if you cross a threshold of 550 minutes, 150 text messages or 300MB of data you may be asked to take your business elsewhere -- not exactly "unlimited" now is it.

Update: Republic Wireless issued a clarification on its Facebook page, explaining that you can in fact go over the 550 minute "example" above.

"People of the republic, we'd just like to clarify that 550 minutes, 150 texts, and 300 MB of data over 3G is just an example, not a limit. The more you offload to Wi-Fi, the more you can use. It's truly unlimited. We do have fair use guidelines and we encourage you to use Wi-Fi whenever possible."

Republic Wireless is only kinda, sorta unlimited, may ask you to take your business elsewhere (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>catchfine printFinePrinthybrid callingHybridCallinglimitationslimitedmobilepostminirepublic wirelessRepublicWirelesssprintunlimitedvoipwifiwifi callingWifiCallingFri, 11 Nov 2011 11:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Tango video calling app prances its way into Windows Phone Marketplace]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/tango-video-calling-app-prances-its-way-into-windows-phone-marke/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/tango-video-calling-app-prances-its-way-into-windows-phone-marke/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/tango-video-calling-app-prances-its-way-into-windows-phone-marke/#comments
We were expecting to see Tango pop up for Windows Phone users this week and, sure enough, here it is. The video calling service finally hit the Marketplace today, more than a year after launching on iOS and Android, and barely a month after expanding to PCs. Compatible with Windows Phone 7.5 or higher, Tango for Mango allows users to make free phone and video calls over 3G, 4G and WiFi connections, including free international calls to fellow Tangonians. Users can also chat with Tango members across other operating systems and platforms, which should help tide them over until that Skype integration becomes a reality. Loquacious legions can download the app now, from the source link below.

Tango video calling app prances its way into Windows Phone Marketplace originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplicationmangomicrosofttangovideo chatVideoChatvoipwindows phonewindows phone 7.5windows phone mangowindows phone marketplaceWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7.5WindowsPhoneMangoWindowsPhoneMarketplacewpwp 7.5Wp7.5Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Biscotti TV phone hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/biscotti-tv-phone-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/biscotti-tv-phone-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/biscotti-tv-phone-hands-on/#comments Biscotti The tiny Biscotti TV phone would be pretty easy to miss in most home theater setups. It is, in fact, roughly the shape and size of its namesake Italian cookie. Honestly, it'd be pretty easy to miss even if you were holding it -- the video calling TV attachment probably weighs less than its baked good doppelganger. The idea is to stick this sliver of glossy black plastic on top of your TV and make video VoIP calls using its integrated HD webcam and 802.11n radio. Your counterpart is then displayed, super-sized, on your big screen. Around the back of the device are the three ports: HDMI in, HDMI out and power. You simply plug the Biscotti in between your settop and TV, then navigate the menus with the included remote. The demo stream set up at the CES Unveiled event had a slightly yellow hue to it, but we're willing to chalk that up to the poor lighting on the show floor. The best news, though? In addition to making calls through the proprietary Biscotti service you can get your video chat on using the increasingly ubiquitous Google Talk. Check out the gallery below and a quick video walk through after the break.

Gallery: Biscotti hands-on

Continue reading Biscotti TV phone hands-on

Biscotti TV phone hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biscottibiscotti tv phoneBiscottiTvPhonegooglegoogle talkGoogleTalkhands-ontv phoneTvPhonevideovideo callvideo chatVideoCallVideoChatVOIPwebcamTue, 08 Nov 2011 20:58:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T Call International App gets Ma Bell into the mobile VoIP market]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/atandt-call-international-app-gets-ma-bell-into-the-mobile-voip-ma/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/atandt-call-international-app-gets-ma-bell-into-the-mobile-voip-ma/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/atandt-call-international-app-gets-ma-bell-into-the-mobile-voip-ma/#comments AT&T Call International AT&T is throwing its globe trotting customers something of a bone with its Call International App. The free VoIP service, created with help from 8x8, will allow customers to place international long-distance calls over WiFi for much less than they would have to pay under standard roaming plans. Calls to China, France, Germany and the UK are as little as $0.04 a minute when dialing a landline. The app is available for all versions of the iPhone and certain Android and BlackBerry handsets. You can see if your device is supported (and chances are it is -- even the ancient BlackBerry 5810 has been granted access to the party) at the more coverage link. And don't miss the PR after the break.

Continue reading AT&T Call International App gets Ma Bell into the mobile VoIP market

AT&T Call International App gets Ma Bell into the mobile VoIP market originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8x8androidappappsATTatt call internationalAttCallInternationalblackberryinternational roamingInternationalRoamingiosiphonelong distanceLongDistancemobilepostminiroamingvoipTue, 08 Nov 2011 14:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Republic Wireless goes live, brings unlimited data, text and calls to LG Optimus users]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/republic-wireless-goes-live-brings-unlimited-data-text-and-cal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/republic-wireless-goes-live-brings-unlimited-data-text-and-cal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/republic-wireless-goes-live-brings-unlimited-data-text-and-cal/#comments
Well, that didn't take too long. As promised, Republic Wireless flipped the switch on its new unlimited everything plan today, offering a smorgasbord of wireless talk, text and data for the flat fee of $19 per month. The trick, of course, is Republic's dependence upon the UMA wireless technology, also employed by T-Mobile. You won't have to open a dedicated app to use the service (currently in beta), though you will need a home connection speed of 80kbps both ways in order to actually hold a call. You'll also need a "Hybrid Calling"-enabled LG Optimus handset (bundled under the company's $199 startup fee), though the provider plans to add more devices in the near future. For more details, hit up the source link below.

Republic Wireless goes live, brings unlimited data, text and calls to LG Optimus users originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 03:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>callcarrierdatahandsetLG optimusLgOptimusmobilepostminiproviderrepublic wirelessRepublicWirelessservicetextunlimitedunlimited callsunlimited dataUnlimitedCallsUnlimitedDatavoipwifiTue, 08 Nov 2011 03:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Google might offer TV / phone service over its fiber network]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/04/google-might-offer-tv-phone-service-over-its-fiber-network/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/04/google-might-offer-tv-phone-service-over-its-fiber-network/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/04/google-might-offer-tv-phone-service-over-its-fiber-network/#comments Google has mentioned more than once that its Google TV platform isn't about replacing traditional pay-TV services, and now the Wall Street Journal reports it might be about to offer one of its own. Don't cancel your cable, satellite or IPTV service just yet though, as this would merely be an expansion of the fiber internet it will offer in the Kansas Cities, offering video and phone service as well. Reportedly it's looked into offering channels from the families of Disney, Time Warner and Discovery, but nothing is set in stone at this point. As CBS' attitude towards Apple TV makes clear, actually getting into the service biz can be complicated and costly, but we figure Mountain View has to fill those 1Gbps pipes with something other than Turquoise Jeep videos.

Google might offer TV / phone service over its fiber network originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 05:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablechannelsfibergooglegoogle fibergoogle tvgoogle tv serviceGoogleFibergooglenetGoogleTvGoogleTvServicehdpostcrossiptvkansas cityKansasCitypay tvPayTvphonetvvoipFri, 04 Nov 2011 05:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Republic Wireless to offer unlimited calls, SMS and data for $19 per month]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/republic-wireless-to-offer-unlimited-calls-sms-and-data-for-19/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/republic-wireless-to-offer-unlimited-calls-sms-and-data-for-19/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/republic-wireless-to-offer-unlimited-calls-sms-and-data-for-19/#comments
Prepaid world, you're getting called out. Offering what appears to be the lowest unlimited everything plan we've seen thus far, Republic Wireless -- a division of Bandwidth.com -- is ready to roll out its game-changing service next Tuesday. The carrier will be doling out all-you-can-eat talk, text and data for $19 per month. We're still slim on the nitty gritty details, but we know the new network is so inexpensive because it plans to utilize hybrid Android devices that rely mainly on UMA (the same WiFi-calling tech employed by T-Mobile) and will drop back to cellular roaming on Sprint when you're not in range of a hotspot. The company's main site offers nothing more than a teaser for now, but promises that we'll know all of its secrets no later than November 8th. If you're pulling your hair out wanting to find out more, we guess the teaser was a success.

Continue reading Republic Wireless to offer unlimited calls, SMS and data for $19 per month

Republic Wireless to offer unlimited calls, SMS and data for $19 per month originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotspotmobilepostminiprepaidrepublicrepublic wirelessRepublicWirelessroamingsprintumaunlimitedunlimited callsunlimited dataUnlimitedCallsUnlimitedDatavoipwifiwifi callingWifiCallingThu, 03 Nov 2011 04:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft has record Q1, rakes in $17.37 billion in revenue (updated: Skype plans revealed)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/microsoft-has-record-q1-rakes-in-17-37-billion-in-revenue/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/microsoft-has-record-q1-rakes-in-17-37-billion-in-revenue/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/microsoft-has-record-q1-rakes-in-17-37-billion-in-revenue/#comments Microsoft Q1 2012 earnings Q1 of 2012 (don't ask...) was good to Microsoft. Very good in fact. The company posted a record first quarter revenue of $17.37 billion, a 7-percent increase over the same period last year and slightly higher than the $17.26 billion that was expected. The big hero was Office which accounted for $5.62 billion of that income, though sales of Windows stayed flat and fell somewhat short of expectations. The company's $5.74 billion in net income was also a significant jump of 6-percent over the same time last year. For a few more of the financial particulars check out the earnings report after the break and the spartan spreadsheets at the source link.

Update: Wondering what Microsoft plans to do with the newly acquired Skype? Well, details are thin, but during today's earnings call the company revealed it did plan to integrate the VoIP service and its technologies into Lync, Live Messenger and Xbox Live. Soon you may not only have to listen to your friend gloat after every kill in Call of Duty, you might have to watch him do a celebratory dance in his Lazy Boy too.

Continue reading Microsoft has record Q1, rakes in $17.37 billion in revenue (updated: Skype plans revealed)

Microsoft has record Q1, rakes in $17.37 billion in revenue (updated: Skype plans revealed) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfinanciallive messengerLiveMessengerlyncmicrosoftmicrosoft earningsmicrosoft lyncmicrosoft officeMicrosoftEarningsMicrosoftLyncMicrosoftOfficeq1 2012Q12012skypevoipwindowswindows live messengerWindowsLiveMessengerxbox liveXboxLiveThu, 20 Oct 2011 16:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft finalizes acquisition of Skype, Tony Bates shares his thoughts (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/microsoft-finalizes-acquisition-of-skype-tony-bates-shares-his/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/microsoft-finalizes-acquisition-of-skype-tony-bates-shares-his/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/microsoft-finalizes-acquisition-of-skype-tony-bates-shares-his/#comments
Well, it's finally happened -- Microsoft's acquisition of Skype has just been finalized, a little more than five months after it was first announced. Under the $8.5 billion deal, Skype CEO Tony Bates will be named president of the new Skype Division of Microsoft, and will have to report directly to Steve Ballmer. Many Skype employees, meanwhile, will stay onboard at offices around the globe, including at outposts in Estonia, the Czech Republic, Russia, Sweden, the UK, Luxembourg, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and the US. In a post on the Official Microsoft Blog today, Bates seemed unsurprisingly enthusiastic about the acquisition, describing it as a marriage of two "disruptive, innovative, software-oriented companies." The exec was less specific about the role his company would play within Redmond's new architecture, but assured that Skype would be at the forefront of future communications initiatives across a variety of platforms. "Microsoft is committed to the ubiquity of the Skype experience - communication across every device and every platform will remain a primary focus," Bates wrote. "And we've only scratched the surface." Head past the break for Microsoft's full PR, as well as the video address from Bates.

Continue reading Microsoft finalizes acquisition of Skype, Tony Bates shares his thoughts (video)

Microsoft finalizes acquisition of Skype, Tony Bates shares his thoughts (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 02:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionballmerbatesbusinesscommunicationsdealfinalizeindustrymicrosoftmobilepostcrossmoneyMSMSFTredmondskypeskype microsoftSkypeMicrosoftsteve ballmerSteveBallmertony batesTonyBatesvideovoipFri, 14 Oct 2011 02:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Bobsled by T-Mobile's free VoIP magic now available via browser, Android or iOS]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/11/bobsled-by-t-mobiles-free-voip-magic-now-available-via-browser/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/11/bobsled-by-t-mobiles-free-voip-magic-now-available-via-browser/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/11/bobsled-by-t-mobiles-free-voip-magic-now-available-via-browser/#comments Initially, T-Mobile's Bobsled brand simply offered a way to VoIP call your Facebook friends for free but with that angle sufficiently covered, it has moved on to wider access. Starting today it supports dialing out to mobile and landline numbers in the US, Canada or Puerto Rico right from your desktop browser. Also new are free apps for Android and iOS devices, however those are still limited to calling your Facebook friends (and enemies.) Still not quite sure what all this newfangled internet telephone business is? Check out the video demo above and press release embedded after the break.

Continue reading Bobsled by T-Mobile's free VoIP magic now available via browser, Android or iOS

Bobsled by T-Mobile's free VoIP magic now available via browser, Android or iOS originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappapplebobsledbobsled by t-mobileBobsledByT-mobilebrowserfacebookiosmobilepostcrosst-mobilevideovoipTue, 11 Oct 2011 01:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Skype 2.5 for Android brings video calls to 14 new devices, including Honeycomb tablets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/29/skype-2-5-for-android-brings-video-calls-to-14-new-devices-incl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/29/skype-2-5-for-android-brings-video-calls-to-14-new-devices-incl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/29/skype-2-5-for-android-brings-video-calls-to-14-new-devices-incl/#comments Skype Video Calling ...And then there were 41.

Oh, sorry, we're talking about Android devices here. Specifically ones that support video calling over Skype. With the update to version 2.5, the VoIP service has tacked on another 14 Goog-powered gadgets to its list of officially supported handsets and tablets. Yes, that's right, we said tablets. In addition to bringing support to phones like the Atrix, Bionic and Nexus One, Skype is inviting the Xoom, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Acer's Iconia to the party. We've even received reports that video calls are working on other Honeycomb slates like the ASUS Transformer. You'll find the full list of officially supported devices in the PR after the break.

Continue reading Skype 2.5 for Android brings video calls to 14 new devices, including Honeycomb tablets

Skype 2.5 for Android brings video calls to 14 new devices, including Honeycomb tablets originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acer iconiaAcerIconiaandroidandroid 3.0Android3.0atrixatrix 4gAtrix4gbionicgalaxy tab 10.1GalaxyTab10.1googlehoneycombiconiamotorola atrixmotorola atrix 4gmotorola bionicmotorola xoomMotorolaAtrixMotorolaAtrix4gMotorolaBionicMotorolaXoomnexus oneNexusOnesamsung nexus oneSamsungNexusOneskypeskype 2.5Skype2.5video callingVideoCallingvoipxoomThu, 29 Sep 2011 10:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Skype update for iOS adds anti-shake, Bluetooth connectivity and ads for freeloaders]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/skype-update-for-ios-adds-anti-shake-bluetooth-connectivity-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/skype-update-for-ios-adds-anti-shake-bluetooth-connectivity-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/skype-update-for-ios-adds-anti-shake-bluetooth-connectivity-and/#comments Skype's latest app upgrade brings a few substantial features, some good, one not so. Alongside a new anti-shake video call function (limited to the iPhone's back-facing camera), you can now pair Bluetooth headsets with the VoIP calling service, something apparently "long requested" from Skype fans. However, users have to fork out for credit to avoid seeing advertising that's also baked into the new version. The update's now up for grabs on both the iPhone and iPad, though there are reports of a few teething troubles, including missing credit and account details. We've also been experiencing issues, with the app unwilling to play nice with our Bluetooth headsets, though oddly, we can still hear the Skype call ring through. Hopefully we'll see another update that sorts this out soon -- till then, tap the link below for more details, or ogle a bit of smoothed out anti-shake action after the break.

Continue reading Skype update for iOS adds anti-shake, Bluetooth connectivity and ads for freeloaders

Skype update for iOS adds anti-shake, Bluetooth connectivity and ads for freeloaders originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-shakeappapp storeAppleAppStoreBluetoothbluetooth headsetbluetooth headsetsBluetoothHeadsetBluetoothHeadsetsiOSiPadiPhonemobilepostminiskypeskype appSkypeAppvideoVoIPWed, 28 Sep 2011 14:53:00 EST