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[Panasonic's UN-W700 runs Android, streams Blu-ray video, takes Skype calls, isn't a tablet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/panasonics-un-w700-runs-android-streams-blu-ray-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/panasonics-un-w700-runs-android-streams-blu-ray-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/panasonics-un-w700-runs-android-streams-blu-ray-video/#comments Image

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3Android2.3blu rayblu-rayBluRaydigagooglegoogle androidgoogle playGoogleAndroidGooglePlayhdpostcrosshome entertainmentHomeEntertainmentmedia playerMediaPlayerpanasonicskypeun-w700video callingvideo callsvideo chatvideo conferencingVideoCallingVideoCallsVideoChatVideoConferencingThu, 31 May 2012 23:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Google+ Events leaks out through Google Calendar, will let your knitting circle schedule a Hangout]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/google-plus-events-leaks-out-through-google-calendar/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/google-plus-events-leaks-out-through-google-calendar/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/google-plus-events-leaks-out-through-google-calendar/#comments Image

Google has been on another one of its Google+ feature addition streaks lately, and it's so eager to please that it's spoiling other features early. More than a few people visiting Google Calendar have been given an introduction to "Events in Google+" in recent hours despite the extra component (and its splash page) being absent. From what we know, Events will provide the obvious Facebook-like option to create and track events among Google+ circles, but it will also let organizers slot in a Hangout video chat in advance as well as pool together photos and videos associated with an event. The Google+ app for Android has even been showing an empty button that's speculated to be a dedicated Events section. Google hasn't sent any official word as to when Events will go live, although we suspect it won't be long before everyone from photographers through to grandmothers knitting scarves can use Google+ to coalesce.

Google+ Events leaks out through Google Calendar, will let your knitting circle schedule a Hangout originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappeventeventsfacebookgooglegoogle calendargoogle plusgoogle+GoogleCalendarGooglePlushangoutinternetsocial networksocial networkingSocialNetworkSocialNetworkingvideo chatvideo conferencingVideoChatVideoConferencingThu, 31 May 2012 11:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Comcast switches on Skype on Xfinity in Boston and Seattle today, eight more metros this week]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/comcast-skype-on-xfinity/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/comcast-skype-on-xfinity/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/comcast-skype-on-xfinity/#comments Image

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecable boxCableBoxcomcasthd Video ConferencinghdmihdpostcrossHdVideoConferencingremoteset-top boxSet-topBoxskypeskype on xfinitySkypeOnXfinityvideovideo callingvideo chatvideo conferencingVideoCallingVideoChatVideoConferencingwebcamxfinityWed, 16 May 2012 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[NTT forces you to pay attention during a video conference (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/ntt-video-conferencing-technology/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/ntt-video-conferencing-technology/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/ntt-video-conferencing-technology/#comments NTT figures out how to make you pay attention during a video conferenceVideo conferencing solved the "you talkin' to me?" problem ages ago, when business execs first started using sophisticated telepresence suites to share moisturizing tips. The thing is, catching a person's eye somehow has greater instinctive impact when you actually see them turn around to face you. That's exactly the sensation that NTT engineers have tried to replicate with the MM-Space conferencing system. It's demoed after the break by a pleasant-looking (Oil of Olay?) Japanese woman -- and even though you can't hear a word she says, the rotating, nodding translucent screen definitely lends her some extra gravitas.

Continue reading NTT forces you to pay attention during a video conference (video)

NTT forces you to pay attention during a video conference (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessenterpriseMM-SpaceNTTtelepresencevideovideo chatvideo conferencingVideoChatVideoConferencingTue, 03 Apr 2012 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Insert Coin: Galileo, the remote control camera from the men behind the Gorillapod]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/23/insert-coin-galileo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/23/insert-coin-galileo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/23/insert-coin-galileo/#comments In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.
Image
FaceTime conversations always commence with "left a bit, no, up a bit, no no, that's too far..." as we balance our iOS handsets to find a flattering angle. Gorillapod designers Josh Guyot and JoeBen Bevirt want to put an end to it with Galileo, a 360 degree motorized remote-control base for your iPhone or iPod Touch. If your buddy moves out of frame, just swipe in their direction and it'll pan around to follow. Designed as a video conferencing tool, it would also be useful as a baby monitor, remote camera or for clever photography projects. You'll also find a universal 1/4" tripod mount screw, rechargeable lithium polymer battery and it'll double as a dock when not in use. The project has currently reached $10,093 of its $100,000 goal, with the pre-order price of one of the units pegged at $85. If you'd care to see it in action, we'd suggest taking a trip downtown past the break.

[Thanks, Max]

Continue reading Insert Coin: Galileo, the remote control camera from the men behind the Gorillapod

Insert Coin: Galileo, the remote control camera from the men behind the Gorillapod originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FaceTimeGalileoGorilla PodGorillaPodInsert CoinInsertCoiniOSiPhoneiPodiPod TouchIpodTouchJobyJoeBen BevirtJoebenBevirtJosh GuyotJoshGuyotKickstartermobilepostcrossRemote Camera BaseRemoteCameraBaseRotating camera baseRotatingCameraBasevideoVideo CameraVideo ConferencingVideoCameraVideoConferencingWebcamFri, 23 Mar 2012 15:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Skype videoconferencing app and add-on camera come to Vizio Internet Apps HDTVs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/skype-videoconferencing-app-and-add-on-camera-roll-come-to-vizio/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/skype-videoconferencing-app-and-add-on-camera-roll-come-to-vizio/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/skype-videoconferencing-app-and-add-on-camera-roll-come-to-vizio/#comments Vizio snuck mention of its $150 XCV100 Skype-enabled webcam into its CES 2012 accessories announcements, and now the two companies have announced its compatibility with "most" Vizio Internet App TVs. There's no list of which models specifically support it, and which can manage up to 720p streams, but owners can check the capabilities of their model on Vizio's website. The webcam itself features an HD camera and four built in mics, and clips directly on the top of Vizio's flatscreens. Assuming you're into videoconferencing from your living room, have one of the HDTVs and are ready to drop a benjamin and a half for the privilege, all that's left is to find one of the cameras, currently marked as sold out on Vizio and Amazon. Now, if we could just get an update on that $99 ARM-powered Google TV set-top box...

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apphdpostminihdtvskypeviavideo conferencingVideoConferencingviziovizio internet appsVizioInternetAppswebcamwidgetMon, 05 Mar 2012 05:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Engadget: Best boardroom Skype gear?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/25/ask-engadget-best-boardroom-skype-gear/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/25/ask-engadget-best-boardroom-skype-gear/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/25/ask-engadget-best-boardroom-skype-gear/#comments
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Hugh, who wants his businesses conference calls broadcasted in eye-watering detail. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

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!

Let's improve the general standard of the traditionally dour boardroom IT setup by suggesting something world-class, okay chaps and chapesses? It's over to you.

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AEAskAsk EngadgetAskEngadgetCamerasDigital ImagingDigitalImagingHD WebcamHdWebcamImagingNoise Canceling MicrophoneNoiseCancelingMicrophoneSkypeSkype CameraSkypeCameraStreamingVideo ConferencingVideoConferencingWebcamSat, 25 Feb 2012 22:26:00 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[Cisco hangs up on Umi 'Personal Telepresence' flop]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/cisco-hangs-up-on-umi-personal-telepresence-flop/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/cisco-hangs-up-on-umi-personal-telepresence-flop/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/cisco-hangs-up-on-umi-personal-telepresence-flop/#comments A whole separate box and remote just for video chat? For as much as $600, plus a $10 per month subscription (HDTV and broadband not included)? It was always doubtful whether the Umi telepresence kit would catch on, but now Cisco has crushed those doubts by quietly crushing both the 1080p and cheaper 720p versions of the product. No press release or announcement; just a disembodied voice at the end of a technical support line advising callers that the product is "under evaluation," and a behind-the-scenes nudge to Business Insider that it really has been discontinued. It's not yet clear what will happen to the monthly service for existing customers, but if it gets disrupted then Cisco will surely have to come clean. Heck, for $600 we'd expect a personalized hi-def video apology.

Cisco hangs up on Umi 'Personal Telepresence' flop originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p720pabandonedciscocisco systemscisco umicisco umi personal telepresenceCiscoSystemsCiscoUmiCiscoUmiPersonalTelepresencediscontinuedexpensiveHD video chathdpostcrossHdVideoChathi-defhigh definitionHighDefinitiontelepresenceumiumi personal telepresenceUmiPersonalTelepresencevideo chatvideo conferencingVideoChatVideoConferencingWed, 04 Jan 2012 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Google+ update will add new Hangout features, give first dibs to famous people]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/google-update-will-add-new-hangout-features-give-first-dibs-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/google-update-will-add-new-hangout-features-give-first-dibs-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/google-update-will-add-new-hangout-features-give-first-dibs-to/#comments The Big G has detailed a few changes that are en route in forthcoming updates to both the Google+ desktop interface, the Android app and -- with an undisclosed lag -- the iOS app. You and your inner circle will soon be able to attach Hangout invitations to specific posts, so you can "upgrade the conversation from long-form to live" with a single click. The Hangouts On Air self-broadcasting feature is still in development and only available to selected celebs, but Google is about to roll it out to "hundreds more" public figures and users with large followings, while also adding features that will eventually appeal to normal people's vanity too: including the ability to upload full-length and private recordings of your supposedly charismatic rants to your YouTube account. See the source link for more.

Google+ update will add new Hangout features, give first dibs to famous people originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid appAndroidAppappapp updateAppUpdatebroadcastingG+GoogleGoogle+google+ hangoutsgoogle+ messengerGoogle+HangoutsGoogle+MessengerhangouthangoutsMessengermobilepostcrossself-broadcastingsocial networkingSocialNetworkingupdatevideovideo chatvideo conferencingVideoChatVideoConferencingThu, 15 Dec 2011 07:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Skype for iPad is finally out (hands-on!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/skype-for-ipad-is-finally-out-in-some-countries-with-voice-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/skype-for-ipad-is-finally-out-in-some-countries-with-voice-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/skype-for-ipad-is-finally-out-in-some-countries-with-voice-and/#comments A native Skype app for the iPad has finally appeared, opening up your Apple slate for voice and video chatting with others on Macs, PCs or even TVs. It's not listed as an update to the existing iOS app, but as a separate Skype for iPad download that's only shown up in certain countries so far -- at first we couldn't find it on the US iTunes but it finally appeared after some searching. Just like Skype for iPhone, everything works over both WiFi and 3G, but one key difference is the ability to instant message during video calls. Check after the break for the full release notes and the demo video that leaked in June.

Update: So, we've just taken the app for a quick spin via a 3G to WiFi call and it's laid out very nicely -- maintaining the familiarity of its desktop client. Getting a video chat started was quick with acceptably clean audio and mostly consistent video streaming (aside from an occasional freeze-frame). Whether you're in landscape or portrait mode there's access to recent conversations, and you can even start conversations within your current chat; we'd say that the former works out better for getting around, although it does make it hard to stay in frame. Overall it feels like a souped-up version of the iPhone release, and impressions aside, the gallery down below should give you a better look at what to expect.

Update 2: Just as suddenly as it appeared, it has now been yanked from iTunes stores everywhere. A Tweet from the official account says it went live "prematurely" -- your guess is as good as ours as to when it will return.

Update 3: Aaaaand... she's back! Or, at least it sure looks like it. Hopefully for good this time!

Gallery: Skype for iPad hands-on

Continue reading Skype for iPad is finally out (hands-on!)

Skype for iPad is finally out (hands-on!) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebreaking newshands-onipadskypetabletvideovideo conferencingVideoConferencingvoiceMon, 01 Aug 2011 23:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Comcast invites Skype into its cable boxes, mobile apps]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/comcast-invites-skype-into-its-cable-boxes-mobile-apps/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/comcast-invites-skype-into-its-cable-boxes-mobile-apps/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/comcast-invites-skype-into-its-cable-boxes-mobile-apps/#comments The latest announcement at the 2011 Cable Show comes from the seemingly unlikely pairing of Comcast and Skype, who have arranged to enable video calls through the cable box. All it takes is a camera, adapter and 'specially-designed remote' to turn HDMI-equipped Comcast boxes into Skype-on-TV machines when they start trials in the next few months. Senior Comcast VP Cathy Avgiris tells the Seattle Times that video will max out at 720p to start and then upgraded to 1080p eventually. The tie-in will also means Skype features for the Comcast Xfinity apps on tablets and phones, but according to Avgiris it won't "necessarily be limited to triple-play" (TV, phone and internet) customers only. Skype has already partnered with several TV manufacturers for HD calling in the living room, but working through cable boxes means a much greater prospective installed base. Beyond the still-unanswered questions of pricing and release dates, we've already seen enough Cable Show demos that didn't amount to much (*cough* tru2way) so this will goes on the shelf with the others until it's spotted in the wild.

Continue reading Comcast invites Skype into its cable boxes, mobile apps

Comcast invites Skype into its cable boxes, mobile apps originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 06:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 cable show2011CableShowadapterappscablecable boxcable showcable show 2011CableBoxCableShowCableShow2011comcasthd Video ConferencinghdmiHdVideoConferencingskypevideo callingvideo conferencingVideoCallingVideoConferencingxfinityTue, 14 Jun 2011 06:48:00 EST<![CDATA[InFocus Mondopad is a 55-inch multitouch display with an identity crisis (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/infocus-mondopad-is-a-55-inch-multitouch-display-with-an-identi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/infocus-mondopad-is-a-55-inch-multitouch-display-with-an-identi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/infocus-mondopad-is-a-55-inch-multitouch-display-with-an-identi/#comments
What do you get when you mix buzzwords like "cloud" and "tablet" with an enourmous multi-touch monitor? The InFocus Mondopad, that's what. The company anticipates that this 55-inch 1080p high-definition panel "wall tablet", equipped with WiFi and a 720p webam / soundbar, will bring pad-like functionality to your next presentation in a big way. The proprietary software mimics the feel of a mobile OS -- only bigger and blander looking -- with basic apps like a whiteboard and web browser, as well as support for Office, JPG, and PDF files. Also inside is Intel's vPro tech, enabling remote access and file sharing with mobile devices -- or having dual-screen sessions with a 58-inch iPhone table, for instance. Pre-ordering one will run you $5,949 for delivery in July and VoIP service through Vidtel will cost $49 a month per connection. No word yet on whether a more portable version is the works, but you'll find some PR and a video walkthrough after the break.

Update: We've been informed by InFocus that the Mondopad is running Windows 7 along with pre-loaded apps.

Continue reading InFocus Mondopad is a 55-inch multitouch display with an identity crisis (video)

InFocus Mondopad is a 55-inch multitouch display with an identity crisis (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd monitorhd webcamHdMonitorHdWebcamIn FocusInFocusmondo padMondoPadmulti touchMultiTouchskypesound barSoundBarsurfacetablettabletsvideovideo chatvideo conferencevideo conferencingVideoChatVideoConferenceVideoConferencingvidtelvoipweb camWebCamThu, 09 Jun 2011 09:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Creative Live! inPerson HD webcam does onboard processing, doesn't milk your CPU]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/creative-live-inperson-hd-webcam-does-onboard-processing-doesn/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/creative-live-inperson-hd-webcam-does-onboard-processing-doesn/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/creative-live-inperson-hd-webcam-does-onboard-processing-doesn/#comments When Logitech and Microsoft released a bunch of HD webcams last year, Skype refused to certify them for use with its HD video calling service. (That's not to say these webcams won't work with Skype HD -- it's that Skype won't guarantee that they'll work well.) And why this resounding slap in the face? Because Skype will only certify HD webcams that come with onboard video processing and therefore run even on tardy old machines. And that is precisely why Creative has followed the lead of other manufacturers like FaceVsion and Freetalk in including a built-in H.264 encoder with its latest offering, maintaining judder-free video and a chill-axed CPU. The webcam also has more flexible autofocus and a "quad mic" system, which together should allow users to sit as far as 10 feet away and still be seen and heard clearly. The only problem? A $150 price tag that's significantly more than the competition and only slightly easier to face than your cousin's acne condition at 720p. If you're still keen though, check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading Creative Live! inPerson HD webcam does onboard processing, doesn't milk your CPU

Creative Live! inPerson HD webcam does onboard processing, doesn't milk your CPU originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>720pCreativeCreative inPerson HDCreative LiveCreativeInpersonHdCreativeLiveHDhi-definpersoninPerson HDInpersonHdpimplesskype hdSkypeHdvideo chatvideo conferencingVideoChatVideoConferencingweb camerawebcamwebcameraWed, 01 Jun 2011 20:57:00 EST<![CDATA[ooVoo brings its webcam wares to iOS with six-way video calling and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/oovoo-brings-its-webcam-wares-to-ios-with-six-way-video-calling/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/oovoo-brings-its-webcam-wares-to-ios-with-six-way-video-calling/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/oovoo-brings-its-webcam-wares-to-ios-with-six-way-video-calling/#comments If getting your family together under one roof feels like herding cats, then you might consider ooVoo Mobile as a far less painful solution. It's now available for iOS and supports (nearly) free six-way video chatting for you and five webcam-toting friends. The one catch is that someone in the conference must purchase a monthly plan, otherwise you're limited to three participants. We've already seen this app released for Android, and both versions feature: six-way conferencing, group texting, voice calls to other users, and -- if you're willing to purchase credits or a monthly plan -- outbound calling to landlines and mobile phones. Subscription prices start at $9.95 per month if you want to use the service to its full potential, but it seems there's plenty to enjoy without spending a dime. And if you're a cheapskate who's determined to have it all, perhaps you can convince someone else to foot the bill.

ooVoo brings its webcam wares to iOS with six-way video calling and more originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 May 2011 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidAppleIOSiOS 4Ios4ipadiphoneiphone 3gsiphone 4Iphone3gsIphone4ipod touchipod touch 4gIpodTouchIpodTouch4gmobileoovoooovoo mobileOovooMobilevideo chatvideo conferencingVideoChatVideoConferencingFri, 27 May 2011 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Bill Gates considers Skype 'a great purchase' for Microsoft, helped make it happen]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/bill-gates-considers-skype-a-great-purchase-for-microsoft-hel/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/bill-gates-considers-skype-a-great-purchase-for-microsoft-hel/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/bill-gates-considers-skype-a-great-purchase-for-microsoft-hel/#comments The aftermath of Microsoft's announcement that it'll buy Skype for $8.5 billion was filled with speculation about why the price was so high, who Microsoft was bidding against, and who inside Redmond was the driving force behind such a large expenditure. At least one of those queries has been demystified today, thanks to Bill Gates asserting himself as "a strong proponent at the board level for the deal being done." Microsoft's Chairman of the Board expressed his enthusiasm for gobbling up Skype in an interview with the BBC -- one which UK residents may see in full at the iPlayer link below -- and concluded that "it's a great purchase that a lot of innovation will come out of." Adding his support to Steve Ballmer's already public excitement about the Skype takeover, Bill stresses that "the importance of software is higher today than ever," while also predicting that video conferencing is set to become much better and bigger than we've yet seen. We've got our webcams at the ready, Bill!

Bill Gates considers Skype 'a great purchase' for Microsoft, helped make it happen originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 03:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionbbcbill gatesBillGatesbosschiefcommunicationcommunicationsfutureinterviewleaderleadershipmicrosoftplansroadmapskypetakeovervideo conferencingVideoConferencingvoipWed, 18 May 2011 03:52:00 EST<![CDATA[TelePresence Tech kiosk to bring virtual shopping to a mall near you, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/telepresence-tech-kiosk-to-bring-virtual-shopping-to-a-mall-near/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/telepresence-tech-kiosk-to-bring-virtual-shopping-to-a-mall-near/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/telepresence-tech-kiosk-to-bring-virtual-shopping-to-a-mall-near/#comments If Amazon were to venture beyond the web in favor of a more tangible medium to peddle its wares, it might consider something like Telepresence Tech's new telepresence kiosk for the job. We got a surprise demo of the system at a Samsung event today and came away intrigued. The technology renders 2D images that float and rotate in space, giving retailers a way to let customers see their products as if they were actually there, and at a fraction of the cost -- about $1.50 per hour -- of paying meatbags to man a traditional brick-and-mortar store. A separate touchscreen lets shoppers scroll through available items, speak face to virtual face with customer service, and make purchases. Check the gallery to see more of what our retail future looks like.

Gallery: Telepresence Tech Kiosk at Samsung Mobilization

TelePresence Tech kiosk to bring virtual shopping to a mall near you, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisinghands-onmarketingretailretailerretailerssamsungshoppingteleconferenceteleconferencingtelepresencetelepresence techTelepresenceTechvideo conferencingVideoConferencingWed, 23 Mar 2011 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco's Umi and TelePresence video calling systems: now with work at home and home at work]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/ciscos-umi-and-telepresence-video-calling-systems-now-with-wor/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/ciscos-umi-and-telepresence-video-calling-systems-now-with-wor/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/ciscos-umi-and-telepresence-video-calling-systems-now-with-wor/#comments It was only a matter of time before Cisco's Umi and TelePresence services got together for some HD video calling synergy, and the company has finally enabled "full interoperability" between the two. Not only that, but the networking giant is also rolling out a free HD calling client called Umi Connect for PC and Mac (think SkypeHD) and a new Umi 720 system that works with slower broadband connections. The 720 will cost $399 upon its market arrival this summer, while the already available Umi 1080 gets a much-needed-yet-still-underwhelming hundred dollar price drop to $499. Service fees have also fallen from $275 to $99 a year and from $24.95 to $9.95 monthly for those who are commitment-averse. Maybe now you can persuade the bossman (or bosslady, as it were) to finally let you work from home -- though pants-free employment will undoubtedly remain off, or maybe just under, the table. PR's after the break.

[Thanks, Adam]

Continue reading Cisco's Umi and TelePresence video calling systems: now with work at home and home at work

Cisco's Umi and TelePresence video calling systems: now with work at home and home at work originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ciscoCisco TelePresenceCiscoTelepresencehdtvSkypeHdtelepresenceumiumi 720umi connectUmi720UmiConnectvideo callingvideo conferencingVideoCallingVideoConferencingMon, 07 Mar 2011 21:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Ittiam shows off four-way 720p HD video conferencing using Android, OMAP 4 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/ittiam-shows-off-four-way-720p-hd-video-conferencing-using-andro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/ittiam-shows-off-four-way-720p-hd-video-conferencing-using-andro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/ittiam-shows-off-four-way-720p-hd-video-conferencing-using-andro/#comments Being Mobile World Congress, quite a few software vendors found themselves tucked into corners of bigger booths, eager and willing to showcase their latest work. Ittiam is one of those companies, relying on Texas Instruments' OMAP 4 platform to power its new HD video conferencing system. The demo shown here at MWC involved a foursome of TI development boxes, but the underlying platform was most certainly Android 2.2. Anil Kumar, the manager of Ittiam's video communications division, noted that the system would work just fine on Gingerbread and Honeycomb, enabling up to four devices (smartphones, tablets, whatever) to link up and enjoy a multi-faced call over a standard 3G network.

Of course, the demonstration that we were shown used an Ethernet network for maximum stability, but the low-bitrate technology would allow bearable results on 3G networks (and better-than-average results on a 4G network). We were told that the company is in talks with "numerous" phone makers, in hopes of getting their VCS software integrated onto Android devices by the year's end -- think Qik, but for video conferencing -- but he couldn't hand out any specifics. Head on past the jump if you'd like to see a demo (and hear an awful lot more).

Gallery: Ittiam shows four-way 720p HD video conferencing using Android, OMAP 4

Continue reading Ittiam shows off four-way 720p HD video conferencing using Android, OMAP 4 (video)

Ittiam shows off four-way 720p HD video conferencing using Android, OMAP 4 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcallingcommunicationsdemohands-onIttiammwcmwc 2011Mwc2011omapomap 4Omap4texas instrumentsTexasInstrumentsTIvideovideo callvideo callingvideo chatvideo conferencevideo conferencingVideoCallVideoCallingVideoChatVideoConferenceVideoConferencingvoipTue, 15 Feb 2011 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Skype group video calling sheds beta as paid Skype Premium service]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/skype-group-video-calling-sheds-beta-as-paid-skype-premium-servi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/skype-group-video-calling-sheds-beta-as-paid-skype-premium-servi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/skype-group-video-calling-sheds-beta-as-paid-skype-premium-servi/#comments A new version of Skype for Windows just launched with a few notable features. To start with, stability has been improved as has quality. Unfortunately, the group video calling feature is no longer free now that the version 5.1 software is out of beta. A day pass costs $4.99 / €3.49 / £2.99 for impromptu sessions while a monthly subscription can be had for $8.99 / €5.99 / £4.99 with a 33 percent discount available to anyone signing up for 3 or 12 month subscriptions over the next 30 days. Two-way video calling is still free. Maybe the emotive, slow-motion video posted after the break will convince you or your business to unload a few sheckles for the the privilege of group video.

Continue reading Skype group video calling sheds beta as paid Skype Premium service

Skype group video calling sheds beta as paid Skype Premium service originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5.1cesces 2011ces2011group callinggroup videogroup video callingGroupCallingGroupVideoGroupVideoCallingskypeskype for windowsskype for windows 5.1SkypeForWindowsSkypeForWindows5.1videovideo conferencingVideoConferencingFri, 07 Jan 2011 09:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic's CES 2011 HD lineup: Blu-ray players, 3D video conferencing, HDTVs, audio gear]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/panasonics-ces-2011-hd-lineup-blu-ray-players-3d-video-confer/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/panasonics-ces-2011-hd-lineup-blu-ray-players-3d-video-confer/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/panasonics-ces-2011-hd-lineup-blu-ray-players-3d-video-confer/#comments Panasonic's blowing it out here at CES, partciularly on the HD front. There's a boatload of new content to disgest, so we'll take you through it all step-by-step below:
  • For starters, Panasonic is dishing out seven new plasma HDTVs, six new LED LCDs and five new standard LCD HDTVs. For the 2011 model year, Panny's introducing the VT30 series, GT30 and ST30 lines, and two of the LED LCDs are joining its array of Full HD 3D TVs. Naturally, the biggest addition to the new sets is the Viera Connect system, but the Easy IPTV functionality is another boon.
  • For those who've got a Viera Cast-enabled BD deck, Panny's adding Skype voice and video calling. The addition of Skype to Panasonic's new DMP-BDT310, DMP-BDT210, and DMP-BDT110 VIERA CAST-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players allows consumers to make Skype voice and video calls on virtually any HDTV using a Skype-compatible camera.
  • As for new Blu-ray and DVD players? There's a near-limitless flow of them, with the DMP-B200 (8.9-inch display) and DVD-LS92 (9-inch) portable players serving the road warriors. The DMP-BDT210 3D Blu-ray deck is now holding down the top spot in the company's at-home range, and if you're still down with DVD, you'll find a load of new options with USB ports for loading up additional media.
  • The company is also debuting the April-bound SC-HTB520 soundbar, meant to match up with flat-panels that are 42-inches or larger, and it's also throwing in a wireless, down-firing subwoofer.
  • Finally, Panny's introducing 3D video conferencing (HDVC), which may or may not make your weekly boardroom meetings entirely more tolerable.
Head on down to the source for more, but don't expect to find much in the way of price and availability.

Gallery: Panasonic's CES 2011 HD lineup

Panasonic's CES 2011 HD lineup: Blu-ray players, 3D video conferencing, HDTVs, audio gear originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d blu-ray3dBlu-rayblu-raycesces 2011ces2011earbudshdtvlcdpanasonicpdpplasmaSkypethrustmastervideovideo conferencingVideoConferencingvieraviera connectVieraConnectWed, 05 Jan 2011 21:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Skype well on the road to recovery, group video calls restored]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/24/skype-well-on-the-road-to-recovery-group-video-calls-restored/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/24/skype-well-on-the-road-to-recovery-group-video-calls-restored/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/24/skype-well-on-the-road-to-recovery-group-video-calls-restored/#comments
We almost got to see what Christmas was like before Skype, and it wasn't pleasant. Of course, VOIP and videoconferencing will never replace Grandma Pat's pizzelles, but the technology sure does make pre-holiday planning a lot easier. For its part, Skype hasn't gone into too much detail regarding the nature of its most recent outage (something about "mega-supernodes"), although as of this writing group video calling appears to be back and CEO Tony Bates has announced that customers will be compensated for the interruption of service with free and pay-as-you-go customers receiving credit for a free 30-minute SkypeOut call to landlines, while paid subscribers will get a free week of service. Keep an eye out on the Skype Blog for further updates, and we'll keep our fingers crossed that this year we won't have to learn what New Year's Eve is like without Chatroulette. As for Skype itself, with the way they've been courting enterprise customers they'll just be happy if this doesn't do too much damage to their impending IPO.

Skype well on the road to recovery, group video calls restored originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downdowntimeinternetoutageskypetony batesTonyBatesvideo conferencingVideoConferencingvoipFri, 24 Dec 2010 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[MantaroBot telepresence robot works via Skype, offends our aesthetic sensibilities]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/07/mantarobot-telepresence-robot-works-via-skype-offends-our-aesth/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/07/mantarobot-telepresence-robot-works-via-skype-offends-our-aesth/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/07/mantarobot-telepresence-robot-works-via-skype-offends-our-aesth/#comments
We don't see much in this space from Mantaro, an engineering and development company that usually works on things like network management systems and switches for telecoms. That's why we were pleasantly surprised when the company announced an affordable telepresence robot. How affordable, you ask? Well, in a marketplace where these things can easily cost well over ten grand, MantaroBot can be yours for a cut-rate $3,500. Unfortunately, in a marketplace where these things can easily cost over ten grand, MantaroBot also looks like it cost a cut-rate $3,500. But you know what? Sometimes one must choose function over form. And what you get here is pretty straightforward: the remote operator steers the robot and communicates using a Skype plug-in (PC only) that also allows 180 degree panning and tilting of the onboard HD camera. This bad boy also features infrared sensors for obstacle detection, communication link monitoring (if you go offline, MantaroBot stops in its place) and more. Available now. PR after the break.

Continue reading MantaroBot telepresence robot works via Skype, offends our aesthetic sensibilities

MantaroBot telepresence robot works via Skype, offends our aesthetic sensibilities originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conferencingmantaromantarobotrobotskypetelepresencevideo conferencingVideoConferencingTue, 07 Dec 2010 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Fring adds Dynamic Video Quality to its video calling apps]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/06/fring-adds-dynamic-video-quality-to-its-video-calling-apps/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/06/fring-adds-dynamic-video-quality-to-its-video-calling-apps/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/06/fring-adds-dynamic-video-quality-to-its-video-calling-apps/#comments Fring is working hard to seize on this (hopefully temporary) gap in the video chat firmament, where Google is lacking in a first party mobile video chat solution, Apple's supposedly open FaceTime standard has yet to be opened, and Skype is dragging its feet on a mobile video call implementation. We're not sure how long that will last, but until then we're happy to have Fring sprucing up its own cross-platform solution. Fring just pushed out new Android and iPhone versions of its app that include "DVQ," or "Dynamic Video Quality" for video calling. It's pretty simple: the video quality automatically (and asynchronously) adjusts to use your available bandwidth, with an emphasis on keeping the audio stream pure and uninterrupted. It might sound like a no brainer, but it's a nice touch -- particularly for folks straying from WiFi and trying their luck with carrier data. Check out a video of DVQ in action after the break.

Continue reading Fring adds Dynamic Video Quality to its video calling apps

Fring adds Dynamic Video Quality to its video calling apps originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappappsdvqfringiosiphoneipod touchIpodTouchmobile video callingMobileVideoCallingvideovideo callingvideo chatvideo conferencingVideoCallingVideoChatVideoConferencingMon, 06 Dec 2010 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[FaceTime for Mac hands-on: it works, it's rough]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/20/facetime-for-mac-hands-on-it-works-its-rough/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/20/facetime-for-mac-hands-on-it-works-its-rough/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/20/facetime-for-mac-hands-on-it-works-its-rough/#comments We've been anticipating FaceTime for the Mac ever since we spied the feature on the iPhone, and now Apple is making our dreams a reality with a handy new beta Mac OS X application dubbed "FaceTime." It's not an iChat replacement; far from it, in fact. Instead, the standalone, lightweight app dedicates itself to FaceTime calls only, with no sign of your handy AIM or Gtalk buddy list to help you along. It pulls its list of contacts strictly from the Mac Address Book, with no editing available in app, and you'd better hope you have a good handle on that list of contacts (our Gmail-tainted version could certainly use some work). You have to click on a person's name and then guess which email or phone number they have associated with a FaceTime account -- none of the helpful icons from the iPhone have made it over to guide you. It took quite a bit of extra-FaceTime communication to sort out what was what, but once you guess at the right bit of info to place the call with, it's typical Apple simplicity.

From the phone side it's intuitive enough: call the email address associated with an Apple ID and you get the computer, call the phone number and you get the iPhone. Conveniently, your computer will "ring" even if the app is closed, though you can turn this feature off in System Preferences if it unsettles you. Hopefully Apple takes this "beta" moniker seriously and has some extra features to add before it releases the final version of the app. We also wouldn't mind seeing this folded into iChat proper -- why have two first party video chat methods? Either way, computer-to-phone conversations are here to stay. The payoff? The psychedelic experience of viewing four Paul Millers simultaneously.

Update: Want a special little bonus? You can apparently video chat with iChat and FaceTime simultaneously, though we tried to add Skype as a third conspirator into the mix and failed (there's a pic of our experiment after the break). Oh, you should also know that there's apparently no way to shut off the video in FaceTime outside of quitting the app or physically covering up the camera. EXCLUSIVE: Is Steve Jobs Watching You Sleep? More at 11.

Gallery: FaceTime for Mac hands-on

Continue reading FaceTime for Mac hands-on: it works, it's rough

FaceTime for Mac hands-on: it works, it's rough originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapplicationbetafacetimehands-onmac os xMacOsXos xOsXvideovideo chatvideo conferencingVideoChatVideoConferencingWed, 20 Oct 2010 15:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco Umi hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/08/cisco-umi-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/08/cisco-umi-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/08/cisco-umi-hands-on/#comments At Cisco's CTIA press conference this week we got a chance to "experience" the Umi consumer video conferencing system, and it's pretty much what you'd expect: FaceTime for your living room. Just bigger, wider, and with, well... more living room. The hardware consists of 3 parts: a camera unit, a set-top box, and an infrared remote. The camera is able to pan and zoom, and connects to the set-top box via two cables. The set-top box features connections for power, Ethernet, and both HDMI in and out (for passthrough) as well as optical audio out We also got a video demo of Umi Connect by Steve Sullivan, product manager at Cisco -- it's the online portal which handles your messages, videos, call history, and contacts. There's also a "share" feature, for posting videos to Facebook and YouTube. Take a look at some video of Umi in action after the break, and please: remember to keep your pants on.

Gallery: Cisco Umi hands-on

Continue reading Cisco Umi hands-on

Cisco Umi hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ciscoctiactia 2010Ctia2010hands-onumivideovideo callingvideo conferencingVideoCallingVideoConferencingFri, 08 Oct 2010 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco unveils Umi consumer video conferencing system]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/cisco-unveils-umi-consumer-video-conferencing-system/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/cisco-unveils-umi-consumer-video-conferencing-system/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/cisco-unveils-umi-consumer-video-conferencing-system/#comments Well hey -- Cisco's finally announced the consumer-level HD video conferencing system that's been rumored for a while now. Called Umi, (you me -- get it?) the system consists of a 1080p camera module, remote, and a separate set-top box. Cisco says Umi will allow for full 1080p video calls with 720p/30 recording, with a fallback to 720p / 480p if bandwidth is constrained. The camera itself has a glass lens with an optical zoom, autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance, as well as motorized pan, tilt, and zoom. There's also a motorized privacy shutter, which is a nice touch. The service is compatible with Google Voice and Video Chat, and Cisco says it's looking into FaceTime integration as well -- we'd expect Skype and Fring are also high on the list of potential partners.

Cisco says it'll be demoing Umi on Oprah and launching an ad campaign with Ellen Page in the runup to a holiday launch, but none of that will distract from the required $24.99 monthly / $275 annually Umi service plan and $599 MSRP. We don't know how well that's going to go over with anyone, but that'll give you something else to ponder along with this new Cisco slogan we just came up with:

Cisco Umi: Now you have to wear pants.

Continue reading Cisco unveils Umi consumer video conferencing system

Cisco unveils Umi consumer video conferencing system originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsciscoTelepresenceumivideo conferencingVideoConferencingWed, 06 Oct 2010 12:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Logitech's Google TV offering to also handle HD video conferencing, challenge Cisco's upcoming solution?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/04/logitechs-google-tv-offering-to-also-handle-hd-video-conferenci/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/04/logitechs-google-tv-offering-to-also-handle-hd-video-conferenci/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/04/logitechs-google-tv-offering-to-also-handle-hd-video-conferenci/#commentsLogitech's Google TV offering to also handle HD video conferencing, challenge Cisco's upcoming solution? We're just days away from Logitech unveiling its Google TV hardware lineup, but now VP Eric Kintz is saying that's not all the company will have to show. You may remember that Logitech acquired LifeSize Communications late last year, a company specializing in corporate HD video conferencing, and now that technology will be coming to the living room. Logi isn't unveiling details yet, but whatever solution it offers will be compatible with Google TV and, given that Logitech's C910 webcam was recently granted SkypeHD compatibility, we wouldn't be surprised if there's some sort of tie-in there. Hardware cost is unknown but no monthly fee will be charged, contrasting with Cisco's rumored solution -- coincidentally also said to be unveiled on Weds. According to The Wall Street Journal Cisco's HD conferencing option will cost a whopping $600 and, on top of that, will require a $30 monthly fee. That seems somewhat outrageously priced for a one trick pony, so here's to hoping there's more to it than that.

Logitech's Google TV offering to also handle HD video conferencing, challenge Cisco's upcoming solution? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ciscogoogle tvGoogleTvhdhd video conferencingHdVideoConferencinghigh definitionHighDefinitionlogitechteleconferencingvideo conferencingVideoConferencingwebcamMon, 04 Oct 2010 08:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco to announce high-def consumer telepresence device next week?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/cisco-to-announce-high-def-consumer-telepresence-device-next-wee/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/cisco-to-announce-high-def-consumer-telepresence-device-next-wee/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/cisco-to-announce-high-def-consumer-telepresence-device-next-wee/#commentsCisco to announce high-def consumer telepresence device next week? Cisco is certainly no stranger to the telepresence world, offering a high-end system catering to your high-paid CEO and his high-def boardroom. However, that doesn't do Ma and Pa Internet User much good when they want to dial up their offspring and see how the grandkids are faring. This, it seems, is Cisco's next step, with the company launching an "inexpensive home telepresence product for personal use" according to All Things Digital. At a press conference scheduled one week from today, a device and service are expected to be unveiled with a cost between $200 and $500 (depending on carrier subsidies) that will enable easy high-def video calling -- something SkypeHD and others do today, but supporting devices have been slow to find success. What will this device look like? Well, Cisco Senior VP Marthin De Beer said earlier this year: "We didn't buy Flip to have it be only a video recorder." He also said: "We would absolutely love to integrate with FaceTime." That latter bit sounds a little optimistic, but high-def telepresence that's as simple to use as a Flip HD? It could be good -- or it could be another FlipShare TV.

Cisco to announce high-def consumer telepresence device next week? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 07:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ciscohdhigh definitionHighDefinitiontelepresencevideo chatvideo conferencingVideoChatVideoConferencingWed, 29 Sep 2010 07:42:00 EST<![CDATA[FaceTime headed for Mac OS X and Windows next?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/10/facetime-headed-for-mac-os-x-and-windows-next/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/10/facetime-headed-for-mac-os-x-and-windows-next/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/10/facetime-headed-for-mac-os-x-and-windows-next/#comments
 It seems more than a little odd to us that Apple hasn't bothered to make FaceTime compatible with its own longstanding desktop video chat service, iChat, but we've at least supposed that it's an inevitability with whatever upcoming Mac OS X update or software bundle that Apple deems appropriate. Now Mac4Ever, who was spot on with a pile of rumors last year, but hasn't succeeded with its recent prediction of an iLife '11 launch in August, is saying that Apple is prepping FaceTime both for Mac and PC. We don't know if that means building a whole copy of iChat for Windows, or just making FaceTime compatible with some existing PC video chat service, but it would certainly improve the odds of us ever finding a legitimate use for FaceTime.

FaceTime headed for Mac OS X and Windows next? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applefacetimeilifeiphone 4Iphone4ipod touchIpodTouchmacvideo chatvideo conferencingVideoChatVideoConferencingwindowsFri, 10 Sep 2010 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Mr. Extreme Closeup suggests next-gen iPad is testing FaceTime... right now]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/04/mr-extreme-closeup-suggests-next-gen-ipad-is-testing-facetime/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/04/mr-extreme-closeup-suggests-next-gen-ipad-is-testing-facetime/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/04/mr-extreme-closeup-suggests-next-gen-ipad-is-testing-facetime/#comments Honestly, from this distance it's hard to tell what's going on, but 9 to 5 Mac says we're looking at a next-gen camera-equipped iPad fielded specifically to test video calls. As you may recall, iPhone software surfaced with a very similar menu just weeks before the iPhone 4 came out, which either means someone was inspired to create a clever 'shop, or that we just got our first real glimpse at iProd 2,1. Oh, and Mr. Extreme Closeup? He's our friend Blurrycam's old college roommate, didn't you know?

Mr. Extreme Closeup suggests next-gen iPad is testing FaceTime... right now originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleApple iPadAppleIpadblurrycamcameraFaceTimeiPadipad cameraIpadCameraiprodiProd 4iprod41mr blurrycamMr extreme closeupMrBlurrycamMrExtremeCloseuprumorrumorsvideo callvideo callingvideo callsvideo conferencingVideoCallVideoCallingVideoCallsVideoConferencingSat, 04 Sep 2010 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched On: FaceTime prepares for prime time]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/04/switched-on-facetime-prepares-for-prime-time/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/04/switched-on-facetime-prepares-for-prime-time/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/04/switched-on-facetime-prepares-for-prime-time/#commentsEach week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

Perhaps the most-predicted announcement from Apple's September 1 press event is the addition of two cameras to the iPod touch. Long before Apple revealed its FaceTime videoconferencing software with the iPhone 4, various disassemblers noticed that there seemed to be a place left open for a camera in the last iPod touch, despite Apple's claim that the product didn't "need more stuff." Nonetheless, few could deny the usefulness of such an add-on, particularly when paired with the touch's relatively generous internal memory capacity.

Now, though, adding image and video capture to the touch makes even more sense. Apple's FaceTime video chat software is Wi-Fi-only, and while 3G support would certainly make It more useful on the go, imbuing the iPod touch with the ability to make video calls greatly expands Apple's addressable market with FaceTime, brings the touch into a whole new category and possibly makes it the first affordable, carrier-independent mass market videophone.

Continue reading Switched On: FaceTime prepares for prime time

Switched On: FaceTime prepares for prime time originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecolumncolumnsipod touchIpodTouchswitched onSwitchedOnvideo callvideo chatvideo conferencingVideoCallVideoChatVideoConferencingSat, 04 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skype 5.0 beta brings 10-way video calling to the world]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/03/skype-5-0-beta-brings-10-way-video-calling-to-the-world/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/03/skype-5-0-beta-brings-10-way-video-calling-to-the-world/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/03/skype-5-0-beta-brings-10-way-video-calling-to-the-world/#comments Skype's Windows client is showing a bit of ambition today as its latest beta version now boasts a mighty 10-way video calling implementation. The earlier v5.0 beta threw up five-way vidchat, but it'd seem Skype kept its software engineers working through the summer and now we've got double the visual fun. Which would be awesome if we actually had nine other people we cared to see while talking to them. This update also brings a UI makeover, your typical stability and call quality improvements, and a neat automated call recovery feature. Download away, if you must.

Skype 5.0 beta brings 10-way video calling to the world originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-waybetacommunicationsdesktopgroup callinggroup video chatGroupCallingGroupVideoChatskypeskype 5skype 5 betaSkype5Skype5Betavideo callingvideo chatvideo conferencingVideoCallingVideoChatVideoConferencingwindowsFri, 03 Sep 2010 04:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Fraunhofer working to make HD video conferencing a little less laggy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/30/fraunhofer-working-to-make-hd-video-conferencing-a-little-less-l/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/30/fraunhofer-working-to-make-hd-video-conferencing-a-little-less-l/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/30/fraunhofer-working-to-make-hd-video-conferencing-a-little-less-l/#commentsFraunhofer working to make HD video conferencing a little less laggy The early days of VOIP calling required a lot of patience, as the half-second or more delay between you speaking and your conversation partner receiving often turned the convo into a start and stop mess. Those days are gone for voice, but we're right back there again when it comes to HD video calls. However, random product researcher Fraunhofer is working on a new device to kill the lag and speed up your two-way monologues. It's basically an encoder card able to do hardware squashing of HD video via H.264 and audio via AAC, not unlike the sort of tech Skype requires for its SkypeHD-compatible video cameras. Fraunhofer's tech is also said to remove boomy room echoes and even handle network hiccups to keep you streamin' in style. The result is said to be sub-100ms lag, which would be more or less playable for a shooter. Expect more on this development soon from IFA.

Continue reading Fraunhofer working to make HD video conferencing a little less laggy

Fraunhofer working to make HD video conferencing a little less laggy originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aacencodingfraunhoferh.264hardware encodingHardwareEncodinghd video conferencingHdVideoConferencingta2video conferencingVideoConferencingvoipMon, 30 Aug 2010 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Head-mounted display controls video camera, keeps you painfully single]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/28/head-mounted-display-controls-video-camera-keeps-you-painfully/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/28/head-mounted-display-controls-video-camera-keeps-you-painfully/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/28/head-mounted-display-controls-video-camera-keeps-you-painfully/#comments
At the University of Electro-Communications in Tokyo, Satoshi Nariai demonstrates something called the head-mounted Mobile Video Communication System. With acceleration and position sensors built into a head-mounted display, the remote camera moves in relation to your head's movements. The researcher sees this being used primarily for videoconferencing where he thinks it will promote effective communication by allowing eye contact. Of course, there's one problem with that -- if you're both wearing large displays on your face, how could you possibly make eye contact? Unless, of course, you paint eyes onto the outside of the display itself, Loony Tunes-style. That said, it's still an impressive piece of gear. See it in action after the break.

Continue reading Head-mounted display controls video camera, keeps you painfully single

Head-mounted display controls video camera, keeps you painfully single originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mobile Video Communication SystemMobileVideoCommunicationSystemTelepresencetokyoUniversity of Electro-CommunicationsUniversityOfElectro-communicationsviceo cameraViceoCameravideovideo chatvideo conferencingVideoCameraVideoChatVideoConferencingWed, 28 Jul 2010 14:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco suggests WiFi Flip Video camera by Christmas, wants to integrate products with Apple's FaceTime]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/cisco-suggests-wifi-flip-video-camera-by-christmas-wants-to-int/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/cisco-suggests-wifi-flip-video-camera-by-christmas-wants-to-int/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/cisco-suggests-wifi-flip-video-camera-by-christmas-wants-to-int/#commentsA rambling Computerworld report from Cisco's Live! event is bringing us news of even more goodies, beyond the business and home tablets already revealed. In an interview with Marthin De Beer, Senior VP of Cisco's Emerging Technologies Group, De Beer strongly hints at a WiFi enabled Flip Video camera by the end of 2010. While he didn't say it in so many words, he did say, "We didn't buy Flip to have it be only a video recorder," adding, "I look forward to Christmas," when asked about a possible timeline. That seems clear enough.

The conversation then gets muddied when De Beer begins discussing video as a "pervasive play" for Cisco, something that will "ultimately span across everything we do." And in a bid to interoperate with all devices, including Apple's new handset and certainly future iOS devices, De Beer said, "We would absolutely love to integrate with FaceTime." When, is the question left unanswered. Until then Cisco plans to introduce a mobile Movi iPhone app to the App Store that ties back into Cisco's Tandberg SIP-based video conferencing solution. Now, maybe it's a stretch, but with Cisco slowly creeping into the consumer space, it's hard not to take away a sense that it will be introducing software and devices interoperable with its Silicon Valley neighbor's FaceTime solution in the not too distant future. Hit the source to read the interview in full.

Cisco suggests WiFi Flip Video camera by Christmas, wants to integrate products with Apple's FaceTime originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 05:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apappapp storeappleAppStorecamcordercameraciscofacetimeflip videoFlipVideoiosMarthin De BeerMarthinDeBeermovisipTANDBERGtelepresencevideo conferencingVideoConferencingwifiwifi flip videoWifiFlipVideoThu, 01 Jul 2010 05:36:00 EST<![CDATA[HP partners with video conferencing firm Vidyo, drops hints at mobile applications]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/hp-partners-with-video-conferencing-firm-vidyo-drops-hints-at-m/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/hp-partners-with-video-conferencing-firm-vidyo-drops-hints-at-m/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/hp-partners-with-video-conferencing-firm-vidyo-drops-hints-at-m/#comments
The ink's barely dry on HP's acquisition of some assets from Phoenix, but that's not the company's only recent deal -- it also announced a partnership with video conferencing firm Vidyo last week. That wouldn't necessarily be all that notable in and of itself, but HP seems to be going out of its way to talk up the potential mobile implications of the deal, with HP's Halo marketing manager Darren Podrabsky offering the following tidbit to PreCentral:
We've talked about the desktop. Think mobile. Think about your phone. HP just acquired Palm. Think about how many legs something like this has. Feel free to speculate.
Of course, there isn't much more than speculation about those possible mobile applications at the moment, with the official press release on the partnership (after the break) only confirming that one of the first uses of Vidyo's technology will be an "executive desktop solution" running on an HP TouchSmart PC. Still, as the man says, feel free to speculate.

Continue reading HP partners with video conferencing firm Vidyo, drops hints at mobile applications

HP partners with video conferencing firm Vidyo, drops hints at mobile applications originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealhppalmpartnershipvideo conferencingVideoConferencingvidyovidyoconferencingWed, 16 Jun 2010 16:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Qik details its premium service tier, free until July 15 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/04/qik-details-its-premium-service-tier-free-until-july-15/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/04/qik-details-its-premium-service-tier-free-until-july-15/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/04/qik-details-its-premium-service-tier-free-until-july-15/#commentsQik details its premium service tier, free until July 15 Remember how we said Qik was going to rock your world (and your credit card) with its premium-tier offerings for the Evo 4G? Well, as promised, June 4 is here and we now know exactly what you'll be getting for your extra $5 a month. The full table of goodies is after the break, but highlights include video conferencing at resolutions greater than 640 x 480, unlimited archiving of video, the ability to send video mail, and of course "priority support" should you have a problem handling the Qikening. The updated version of the app, demonstrated in a video below, is available today for the Evo 4G and users can get a taste of those sweet, exclusive features for free until July 15. After that, it's time to pay up or take the trip back to VGA Chatsville. Don't have an Evo? There's also a new version of Qik in the Market for lesser Android smartphones, but video chat is still not on offer.

Continue reading Qik details its premium service tier, free until July 15 (video)

Qik details its premium service tier, free until July 15 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 07:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3vo 4g3vo4g4gandroidhtc evo 4htc evo 4gHtcEvo4HtcEvo4gqikvideovideo chatvideo conferencingVideoChatVideoConferencingFri, 04 Jun 2010 07:51:00 EST<![CDATA[FaceVsion ships its 720p TouchCam N1 to vowel-averse Skypers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/facevsion-ships-its-720p-touchcam-n1-to-vowel-averse-skypers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/facevsion-ships-its-720p-touchcam-n1-to-vowel-averse-skypers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/facevsion-ships-its-720p-touchcam-n1-to-vowel-averse-skypers/#commentsFaceVsion ships its 720p TouchCam to vowel-averse Skypers If you need a few more pixels in your video chats but don't necessarily have the processor power to manage them all, you need a Skype HD-certified camera with an on-board hardware encoding. The TouchCam N1 from faceVsion is the latest to ship, a $120 model that manages 720p recording and also includes dual unidirectional mics to ensure that your voice gets through loud and clear from any angle. That seems to be the only real advantage over the Freetalk Everyman HD, which recently went on sale itself -- for $70. The N1 does also offer a wider 78-degree lens compared to the Freetalk's 58, but whether that's worth the extra cheddar is something you'll have to decide.

Continue reading FaceVsion ships its 720p TouchCam N1 to vowel-averse Skypers

FaceVsion ships its 720p TouchCam N1 to vowel-averse Skypers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 May 2010 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>720720pfacevsionfacevsion touchcamfacevsion touchcam n1FacevsionTouchcamFacevsionTouchcamN1n1skypeskype hdSkypeHdtouchcamtouchcam n1TouchcamN1video conferencingVideoConferencingTue, 25 May 2010 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone video conferencing surfaces in supposed test firmware]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/22/iphone-video-conferencing-surfaces-in-supposed-test-firmware/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/22/iphone-video-conferencing-surfaces-in-supposed-test-firmware/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/22/iphone-video-conferencing-surfaces-in-supposed-test-firmware/#comments
Need a bit more evidence that the next iPhone will do video conferencing? Then take a good, hard look at the exciting screenshot above, which supposedly comes from a field test firmware for the next-gen iPhone that Apple is apparently working on. Not much more to go on than that at the moment, unfortunately, but Boy Genius Report says the screenshot (and a second one after the break) comes from one of its "Apple guys" and, as you can see, it not only offers yet more evidence of video calls, but video call debugging.

Continue reading iPhone video conferencing surfaces in supposed test firmware

iPhone video conferencing surfaces in supposed test firmware originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 22 May 2010 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneiphone 4iphone 4giphone hdiphone osiphone os 4.0iphone4Iphone4gIphoneHdIphoneOsIphoneOs4.0next-gennext-gen iphoneNext-genIphonevideo callingvideo callsvideo conferecningvideo conferencingVideoCallingVideoCallsVideoConferencingSat, 22 May 2010 18:16:00 EST