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Facebook Messenger's video calling lands in (almost) every country
Facebook Messenger's video calling feature is now available in more locations -- almost everywhere, according to David Marcus, "with the exception of a few countries." Marcus, the social network's Vice President of Messaging Products, announced the development as a status update. He didn't exactly list the newly supported countries, but he revealed in the comments that the company "would love to offer the service in UAE, but operators are blocking it." We can say for sure that video calling hasn't arrived in the Philippines yet, and according to commenters on Marcus' page, it's also still not available in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Folks in countries included in this update can take advantage of the feature on both iOS and Android, as well on messenger.com.
Facebook brings video calling to Messenger
Facebook is no stranger to video chat, but it's been keeping a low profile as of late. Well, it's no longer content to sit on the sidelines while Skype and Hangouts steal the show -- the company has just introduced video calling in Messenger. Whether you're using Android or iOS, you only need to tap a single button in an existing conversation to start a face-to-face session. The feature is available today in 18 countries (including the UK and the US), so give it a shot if you're a Facebook fan and would rather not fire up another app just to see who you're talking to.
Viber's latest shot at Skype: video calling on Android and iOS
Viber really, really wants you to abandon Skype and all those other messaging apps, so its latest update adds an important feature for something in its category: video calls. The Rakuten-owned app now gives you the power to video chat with friends on Android and iOS, almost a year after it introduced the capability to call any number you want. And, in case you want to switch devices in the middle of a conversation, you can transfer video calls from mobile to desktop (where the feature's been available for a while) and vice versa. Other than that, Viber 5.0 now lets you add friends quickly by scanning QR codes, but that sounds like a lackluster afterthought compared to video calls, doesn't it? [Image credit: Sam Azgor/Flickr]
Google's new Outlook plugin lets you start video Hangouts with coworkers
If you spend your work day in front of a PC, there's a good chance that you still use Outlook for much of your email and scheduling. However, Google apps also play an important role these days -- what if you want to start a Hangouts video chat with your office buddies? As of today, it's easy. Google has released a Hangouts plugin for Outlook on Windows that lets you start or schedule video calls with fellow Outlook users inside your company. Your employer will normally have to use Google Apps for Business for this to fly, although the plugin also lets firms with Chromeboxes start chats with others that haven't hopped on the Google Apps bandwagon. It's a small piece of software, but it could make a big difference if you regularly have to juggle Google and Microsoft tools while you're on the clock.
Skype now offers free group video calls on desktop and Xbox One
In order to compete with Google Hangouts, Skype has made group video calls free on the desktop and Xbox One consoles. Previously, the multi-pal chats were available via a premium subscription on the aforementioned platforms, but it's now accessible at no extra cost. And Microsoft's video-chatting service says its going to be free on more platforms "in the near future." Now that those visual conversations won't mean a hit to your wallet every month, Skype could be an attractive alternative to Mountain View's offering.
Google Glass KitKat update lands ahead of tomorrow's big sale, removes video calling
Still need a push to drop $1,500 on Google's Glass headset when they go on sale to all US residents tomorrow? After skipping a couple of months, the team behind it is pushing a big software update later this week that lets it run the freshest version of Android and adds a bunch of new features. Other than switching to Android Kit Kat -- which will bring new features to apps and let developers use the latest SDK -- Glass is now organizing photos in bundles (think Instagram photo grids, look after the break for a peek) for easier scrolling, allows for photo replies in Google Hangouts, makes it easier to send feedback and even sorts voice commands to put your most-used ones at the top.
IMO messenger enables video calls right from your browser
There's a big surprise waiting for IMO users who log into the redesigned website today: a new video chat feature that works right from a browser. Yes, that means there's nothing to download, as the messaging service can now make and receive video calls (using WebRTC) on its web interface. It's supposed to work even between platforms, so friends can call each other from a computer to a mobile device (via IMO's Android or iOS app) or vice versa. The problem, of course, is getting friends married to other messengers to join you on IMO, but that's another story.
Skype for Android scores enhanced video call quality, new UI on tablets
Despite its super-short changelog, the latest version of Skype for Android has scored two major updates: better video quality and a new tablet interface. The VoIP provider claims you can now enjoy video chats with up to four times the resolution of older Skype versions, whether you're using a phone or a slate. When it comes to the layout, the fresh tablet UI that prominently displays latest chats and calls isn't exactly brand new -- Skype debuted it on smartphones in June, with the promise of bringing it to bigger screens in the future. Later this month, the new look will also make its way to Kindle Fire HD and HDX devices; there's no exact date just yet, but you'll find out as soon as we do.
Skype for iOS update brings unlimited free video messaging, unending joy
Earlier this month, Skype brought its video messaging to nearly every major platform. Now, the outfit updated the iOS version of its app to lend a hand with the video snippets. The latest version of the software for Apple's mobile gadgets carries free unlimited messaging of the moving picture type. As you might expect, the download also includes a smattering of bug fixes and usability improvements as well. In the event that your device hasn't alerted you to the goods -- or if you're looking to cash in on the freebies -- the source link below holds the key.
Rounds updates video chat app, lets users browse the web together (video)
Rounds is doing the rounds (natch!) this morning with a significant update to its video calling and instant messaging app. The company teamed up with Channel.me to add co-browsing to an already broad list of features. Users can now browse the web together during a video chat and see / control the same page at the same time. In terms of security, the experience mimics two people surfing the web in the same location (usernames are visible but passwords are hidden. for example). While users can enter any URL, the app also includes an icon grid of compatible sites, such as Google (for search), Wikipedia, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Reddit, Amazon and eBay -- to name a few. As a refresher, Rounds lets friends watch YouTube videos and play games together during a video chat and even apply filters and scribble over each-others live video streams. It also supports instant messaging and photo sharing and ties it all together with Facebook Login. The app is available for most Android and iOS devices but is optimized to run on phones. Hit the break for the promo video and obligatory PR.
Google+ Hangouts app hands-on
Google's new, unified Hangouts platform focuses heavily on its mobile apps, which give Android and iOS users a common platform for text and video chats. In theory, they're the cure for the consistency problems Google's messaging systems have faced for years. But are they the fixes we've all been waiting for, the all-encompassing solutions that have us dropping the likes of Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp? We gave Hangouts a test on both Android and iOS to find out -- check our impressions after the break. %Gallery-188501%
Google Hangouts add remote desktop control, let you play tech support
Google recently updated its Hangout chat client with the same remote desktop control tech integrated into Chrome. This slick new feature gives you the option to take control of someone's computer (with their permission, of course) during a video call. If you often find yourself recruited to help friends and family members with technical issues, you'll definitely dig this. To begin a remote session, start a Hangout and click View More Apps > Add Apps > Hangouts Remote Desktop. Now that you've got this light work out of the way, it's time to move on to some heavy lifting -- like helping grandma set up that Netflix account she's been asking about.
Tango video chat goes native on iPad, makes better use of everyone's screens
The mobile version of Tango's video chat app has almost exclusively revolved around smartphones. It's at last going a little bigger: an update to Tango's iOS app is introducing full iPad support, expanding conversations to tablet size. Those who don't need quite that grand a canvas can still make the most of what they have through the new release. Calls now use the whole screen regardless of OS, and iPhone users can touch up any soon-to-be-shared photos in Aviary. The talkative among us just need to snag Tango's upgrade at the source link to eke a little more from their screens.
ooVoo update lets you and a party of 11 watch YouTube together
Someone at ooVoo must like to party it up virtually, what with features like four-way video conferencing, 12-way chat and now the ability to watch YouTube videos with up to 11 of your internet pals. Oh-so-creatively called "Watch Together," the new feature is similar to what Google+ already offers with Hangouts but with a couple more people above G+'s max of 10. Chat participants can play any YouTube video directly in the application either by sharing the URL or by doing a keyword search for a particular clip. If you're at a loss as to what to watch, you can peruse a list of trending videos or an ooVoo-curated lineup. Anyone in chat can start, stop, pause and rewind the video, which could be good if you want to watch that awesome dance video over and over again. The feature is currently only available on the ooVoo PC app, though future mobile implementations aren't out of the question.
New Biscotti XS brings TV video calling to the cloud for $300 this March
Dreaming of turning your HDTV into a George Jetson-style phone booth? If so, California-based electronics firm Biscotti might have what you're looking for. Earlier today the company announced its new XS TV camera, which connects to any modern HDTV via HDMI. Available in March for $300, the set-top receiver features two dual band antennas for WiFi support, as well as an Ethernet port for those who prefer a hardline network connection. Biscotti's new rig also ships with a full QWERTY remote control keyboard, a universal TV mount and a multiport power adapter with international power blades. On the software side of things, the XS allows users to record and save video calls / messages via its MyBiscotti cloud services. In addition, the receiver plays nice with Google Talk's video chat, so calls between TVs, tablets and smartphones are a go. However, if you'd like to continue making calls while wearing your leopard-print Snuggie -- worry not! The XS also makes old-fashioned voice calls as well. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
MetroPCS intros first Rich Communication Services on LTE, touts universal contacts and chat (video)
Smartphone users are well immersed in a world of contact syncing, media sharing, VoIP and video calls. They're just not used to finding everything in one place, let alone guaranteeing that any carrier-level features will work with other phones and providers. MetroPCS is hoping to put itself ahead on that front by offering a potentially universal fix. It's the first carrier anywhere to launch the Rich Communication Services standard on LTE, which provides a perpetually synced contact list that serves as the launching pad for everything else. Early adopters of the Joyn-branded service can chat through text, share media (including during calls) and start up WiFi voice or video calls without needing yet another specialized service and the extra sign-in that goes with it. Right now, the very young state of RCS on LTE leaves it behaving more like the isolated services it's trying to replace -- on MetroPCS, only those with the Galaxy Attain 4G and an after-the-fact Joyn app download can get the experience as intended. As long as more devices and carriers come onboard, though, the technology might be the long-term key to pulling us away from fenced-off conversations in Google Talk or Skype.
Advocacy groups notify AT&T of net neutrality complaint with the FCC over FaceTime restrictions
Public advocacy groups aren't all that impressed with AT&T's justifications for limiting FaceTime access over 3G and 4G to those who spring for its costlier Mobile Share plans. Free Press, Public Knowledge and the Open Technology Institute have served formal notice to AT&T that they plan to file a net neutrality complaint with the FCC within 10 days. It's not hard to understand why, given the groups' existing pro-neutrality stances: the Free Press' policy lead Matt Wood argues that the carrier is unfairly pushing iOS users into plans they don't need, a particularly sore point for iPad-only customers that have no AT&T phones to share. We've reached out to AT&T for comment, although we're not expecting a change from its position that allowing app use over WiFi makes its restrictions okay. As for the FCC? It's mum on the current situation. A literal reading of its net neutrality rules, however, doesn't include a WiFi exemption and might not favor AT&T when Skype video is allowed and Verizon has no problems with unrestricted access.
AT&T responds to FaceTime criticism, says you should be happy just to have apps at all
In a move that will surprise no one, AT&T released a statement regarding FaceTime on its cellular network. Apple announced FaceTime over cellular at WWDC, but AT&T this month was quick to point out that only its Mobile Share customers will be able to use Apple's video chat tool. There appears to be no restrictions on Skype, Google+, ooVoo, Yahoo Messenger, IM+, Fring, etc. Why? Because none of those apps are pre-installed on your iPhone, whereas FaceTime is. You see, after AT&T was called to the mat over net neutrality (which would mandate AT&T treat FaceTime data the same as all those other apps which will work just fine on my unlimited data plan), it cleverly pointed out that net neutrality doesn't apply because FaceTime is not only pre-installed, but is obviously "subject to some reasonable restrictions." AT&T goes even further, in my opinion. Not content to flick customers with their white glove, they add a little spit by informing us irate customers that AT&T is not legally obligated to allow your iPhone to have any preloaded apps at all. From AT&T's statement: "Indeed, the rules do not require that providers make available any preloaded apps. Rather, they address whether customers are able to download apps that compete with our voice or video telephony services." In the next paragraph they point out how lucky we all are! "Although the rules don't require it, some preloaded apps are available without charge on phones sold by AT&T, including FaceTime, but subject to some reasonable restrictions." See, we poor stupid iPhone owners are just lucky that we're even able to walk into an Apple Store and buy an AT&T phone with any apps on it at all. I mean, it's not like we have a choice in carrier these days. Can you imagine this being said while Steve Jobs was alive? Can you imagine how customers would respond if AT&T iPhones had no pre-installed apps? You can make your own joke about the efficacy of the Phone app on AT&T's network, I'll just be over here making sure no one tells them about Mobile Safari. By the way, FaceTime was downloaded after I signed up for AT&T service, although it obviously only started working once I moved from a 3GS to an iPhone 4. I'm not sure if AT&T counts this download since it was part of an OS update. Look, it's obviously what's going on here. Bean counters at AT&T decided the churn from lost customers was worth the added cost of lingering unlimited data customers like me. I've already been denied tethering (don't worry, I bought a Verizon iPad), and this is the last straw for me. AT&T clearly needs to bolster its network, and is happy to do that on the backs of clueless customers who are content to lump all their data needs together and be nickel-and-dimed over niceties like texting. As a divorced dad, my son likes to call me to chat every night he's not with me. He prefers FaceTime (he has an iPod touch), and is bummed when we have to use Skype. Now I get to tell him (after telling him FaceTime would work over cellular) that because daddy is an AT&T customer, he can't use FaceTime over cellular still. Oh wait, that won't happen because I'm switching to Verizon.
ooVoo updates its iOS and Android apps to support four-way video calls
First ooVoo opened up four-way video chats on Facebook, and now the video calling service is doing the same for its Android and iOS apps. The company just updates both applications so that you can view up to four video streams at once, though you can carry on text chats with as many as 12 people. That's true of both platforms, though the Android version is admittedly getting a few more changes. The newest version of the app brings deeper integration with Google services, plugging into the native Android address book to show missed calls, as well as a list of which friends are available to chat. To that end, Android users get not just the app, but also a widget that displays these tidbits at a glance. Rounding out the list of improvements, the updates introduce push notifications as well as the ability to text chat in the middle of a video call. %Gallery-162942%
Airtime testing new video post features, improved buddy list
Remember Airtime, the Facebook-integrated video calling / media sharing service with a Chatroulette flavor? Well if not, we don't blame you -- usage stats suggest it hasn't quite taken off, but maybe the new features it's testing will secure a few more fans. No longer is the service restricted to the here and now, as the major change is all about video posts. Use Airtime to record a message and you can post it to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or via a traditional email to get the conversation started. Friends can then reply to your message through Airtime with a video post of their own, and so on. Its buddy list has also been given a little love, so now it shows friends as online, idle or offline, and details your interaction timeline. Whether the features are enough to inspire wider uptake is questionable, but for the few that actively use Airtime, the updates are out in the wild now on a "limited public release."
