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Skype hits new record of 27 million simultaneous users in wake of iOS video chat release
Even though video chat has been available in some form or another for a good few years, it seems to only really be hitting its stride now, perhaps owing to the fact smartphones are no longer the brick-shaped and -sized beasts they once were. The latest evidence for this trend comes from Skype, who unveiled video calling on the iPhone a few days ago and yesterday managed to reach a new milestone in its history: 27 million users online at the same time. That comfortably overshadows the previous record, which wasn't even over 26 million, and while not all of those logged-in Skypers can be attributed to its FaceTime alternative, it's undeniable that the recent growth in Skype's customer base has been catalyzed by its introduction of video calling. And now that it's coming to Android phones and TVs of all creeds, that number should only continue to grow.
AT&T's U-Verse trumpets second quarter gains, new features while sneaking in more HD streams
Judging by its own report, AT&T is proud to have grown U-Verse to 2.5 million TV customers while adding features like My Multiview, which lets users plug in four channels of their choice to watch at once, and the new Chicago Cubs branded Multiview app that enables local fans to view the main broadcast plus three of any six additional camera angles on one screen. But one of the biggest recent additions wasn't mentioned in these press releases, as it's quietly strengthened one of the weaknesses we've complained about most, increasing from two simultaneous HD streams per household to 3 (or 4, as pictured above by U-VerseUsers forum poster txskeets.) VP Jeff Weber tells us the upgrade covers the overwhelming majority of users, so watching ESPN in one room, Shark Week in another and DVRing iCarly all in high definition should be no problem now. We're still waiting to hear specifics about Xbox 360 and Windows Media Center tie-ins, but we'll make do with this item being checked off of the list for now.
Samsung i8910 HD runs 62 apps at once, multitaskers bow their heads
While iPhone 3G owners and would-be Windows Phone 7 buyers sit in the corner, quietly weeping over their lack of true multitasking, webOS and Symbian continue to point and laugh. In mid-January, a Palm Pre Plus was seen cackling with joy over its rivals' misfortune even as the device staggered under the weight of 50 simultaneous applications, and less than a week later, a Samsung Omnia HD performed the very same feat, despite having only half the Pre Plus' RAM (i.e. 256MB) to work with. Now, in what we can only interpret as a large middle finger and "come here" gesture to all who aspire to the cell phone multitasking heavyweight title, we have a video of the i8910 running no less than sixty-two applications thanks to a custom ROM by HyperX. Watch in stunned silence as a finger scrolls through them, right after the break.
Resident Evil 5 to offer online co-op, delayed to March 2009
When Resident Evil 5 drops, you won't be alone against the legions of zombies -- a second player will be able to join in the gory fun as well. The online co-op mode is confirmed at E3, with another player taking control of Sheva, Chris' female companion.Unfortunately, you'll have to wait a while -- Microsoft says that it won't be available until a worldwide simultaneous release on Friday the 13th, March 2009. "Please hang on just a bit longer," they say, "we'll have it to you shortly."Update: Press conference walkthrough video embedded after the cut.
Cablevision offering up new DVD releases through VOD
No sooner than Comcast announced that it would soon be offering up select films via HD VOD the same day they landed on DVD, Cablevision has come along and attempted to stay level. Unfortunately for it, the firm's Popcorn DVDs On Demand service, which is available to iO TV customers, looks to be SD only for now. Of course, it still enables subscribers to watch new releases on launch day from the comfort of their couch, but a twist is thrown in by forcing renters to have the film shipped to their door (on DVD) as well. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be an option for only renting right now, so you'll be coughing up $19.95 (plus shipping) for any DVD / VOD purchase you choose to make. As it stands, The Bourne Ultimatum, The Kingdom, Eastern Promises and Sydney White are slated to kick things off, with American Gangster becoming available on February 19th.
Comcast beefs up HD VOD offerings in a big way
Comcast made absolutely sure we knew it was serious about HD VOD during CES, and lo and behold, it's beginning to make good on its promises. Announced today, a slew of upcoming films will be available on the firm's "signature video on demand" in both SD and HD -- on the exact same day as the DVD release, no less. Furthermore, it's also following the vision set forth in Project Infinity by offering up a number of television premieres via HD VOD "at least one week before airing on linear television channels." Among the movie titles slated to hit soon are The Brave One, Rendition, No Reservations and Michael Clayton, while The Tudors and Flavor of Love hold things down on the TV series front. Take a look at the full release after the jump.
