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Skype update brings HD video calls to fourth-generation iPads (update: and the iPhone 5)
One of the few big upgrades in the fourth-generation iPad was the HD front camera, but you wouldn't know it you've been relying on Skype's standard-definition video calls. Thankfully, a Skype for iPad 4.1 update has just enabled HD video calling for Apple's latest-generation tablet. There isn't much more to the release unless you're craving better call stability, but there's enough here to justify a visit to the App Store. Update: A few hours later, Skype has an additional treat -- it just released an iPhone app update that brings HD video calls to iPhone 5 owners.
Google reportedly testing Helpouts: professional services through Hangouts
There's no question that Google Hangouts can be helpful; wouldn't it be nice to get cash for hosting them? Google may be sympathetic to that idea. TechCrunch claims that the search firm is testing Helpouts, a service that would let most anyone book Hangouts that optionally require fees. The appointment system would lean on Google Wallet for transactions, and it would divide chats into categories such as repair (think tech support) or education. Don't assume that you'll be starting a side business just yet, though. Helpouts reportedly entered internal testing in late June, and any public launch would be "at least a month away" -- if it happens at all, that is. We've reached out to Google for answers, so we'll let you know if and when it's time to start charging for online conversations.
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.
AT&T confirms that all video chat apps will work over cellular by the end of this year
Will video Hangouts launch when you're on AT&T's 3G network? Can you FaceTime with a friend over LTE? The carrier's current video chat support is confusing at best. Following Google's Hangouts app launch last week, we attempted to try out the Android version over AT&T's HSPA network. After hitting connect, a message popped up instructing us to hop over to WiFi in order to complete the call. The carrier followed up by suggesting that Google was to blame -- as the software was a replacement for a native Android app, it was up to Mountain View to flip the switch. Now, by the end of this year, AT&T has pledged to support all video chat apps, regardless of which device you own, what you pay in fees or whether or not you downloaded the app yourself. This is good news, no doubt. You can catch AT&T's statement just below. For video chat apps that come pre-loaded on devices, we currently give all OS and device makers the ability for those apps to work over cellular for our customers who are on Mobile Share or Tiered plans. Apple, Samsung and Blackberry have chosen to enable this for their pre-loaded video chat apps. And by mid-June, we'll have enabled those apps over cellular for our unlimited plan customers who have LTE devices from those three manufacturers. Throughout the second half of this year, we plan to enable pre-loaded video chat apps over cellular for all our customers, regardless of data plan or device; that work is expected to be complete by yearend. Today, all of our customers can use any mobile video chat app that they download from the Internet, such as Skype.
Firefox 22 beta enables WebRTC by default, HiDPI displays on Windows
Though Mozilla has long been a proponent of WebRTC for plugin-free video and voice chat, it hasn't been ready to enable the full protocol in Firefox as a matter of course. It's more confident as of this week: the newly available Firefox 22 beta turns on complete WebRTC use by default, allowing for both live web conversations and peer-to-peer file swaps. There's more to the release as well, depending on the platform. Windows users receive support for HiDPI displays, like that of the Kirabook; every desktop user also gets gaming-friendly OdinMonkey JavaScript tuning, a web notification API and a font inspector. Android users won't have WebRTC and other upgrades for now, but everyone can experiment with the latest Firefox beta at the source links.
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 video chat won't connect over AT&T (updated)
If you have a smartphone connected to AT&T, you just got a bit more incentive to hop over to WiFi whenever possible. The new Google+ Hangouts app group video chat feature appears to be disabled whenever you attempt to connect via the cellular network. We tested the feature using a Verizon handset as well -- we were able to stream video just fine. It's not entirely clear whether AT&T has specifically blocked access to the service, but regardless of the reason, we're all too familiar with the carrier's desire to keep video chat off the airwaves. We can only hope that we'll be able to use Hangouts to its full potential soon, just as we can with Apple's FaceTime. Update: AT&T has reached out with a statement. From what we can tell, Hangouts won't fall under the first category outlined below, as it replaces a pre-loaded app (Google Talk). All AT&T Mobility customers can use any video chat app over cellular that is not pre-loaded on their device, but which they download from the Internet. For video chat apps that come pre-loaded on devices, we offer all OS and device makers the ability for those apps to work over cellular for our customers who are on Mobile Share, Tiered and soon Unlimited plan customers who have LTE devices. It's up to each OS and device makers to enable their systems to allow pre-loaded video chat apps to work over cellular for our customers on those plans.
Skype for Outlook.com preview launches in the UK, coming to the US soon
Outlook.com's 60 million-plus users will have another feature to take advantage of soon, as Skype is previewing built-in web access to its service. Currently available in the UK (headed to the US and Germany in "coming weeks," -- worldwide this summer) it lets users make calls directly from their inbox via a browser plugin available for Internet Explorer, Chrome and Firefox. Users with existing Skype accounts will also need to link their account to the website which will allow their contacts to be merged, with the idea of having more choices of how to reach out to close contacts. Gmail's added easy access to hangouts and even Facebook has integrated Skype-connected video into its messaging so we suppose it's necessary for feature parity, with the added bonus of Skype's large install base. There are two demo videos embedded after the break, or you can head to Skype's blog for more details.
Skype launches BlackBerry 10 preview, but only for Q10 owners at first (update: official)
For all the hullabaloo about Skype coming to BlackBerry 10, there wasn't much to show at the Z10's launch beyond a logo. We've got more to work with today -- sort of. A preview version of Skype has indeed popped up in BlackBerry World with voice, video and instant messaging like we've seen on other platforms. However, no one in the general public can actually use it yet: the app requires BlackBerry 10.1, which won't reach the market until the Q10 ships to Brits and Canucks. That leaves Americans and Z10 owners in the lurch for a few weeks, although they can at least see the light at the end of the VoIP tunnel. Update: We've added the official press release after the break.
PanaCast brings panoramic HD video to conference calls in the palm of your hand for $599 (hands-on)
Video chats have become quite popular these days, whether you're using Facetime, Skype or are attending a Google Hangout. One problem with those platforms is that they provide a limited field of view and that view is static for attendees. PanaCast solves that problem with some unique hardware and software that provides a 200 degree FOV and a virtualized camera for each viewer. Its camera has six imagers, an SoC with dual ARM11 cores and a custom-built multi-imaging video processor (MIVP), along with an Ethernet port and a USB 2.0 port. The MIVP, with an assist from some custom firmware, stitches all of the input images together to form a single 2700 x 540 video stream. That feed has enterprise-grade encryption and can run at up to 60fps over faster connections, but streams lower framerates over 3G as well. It works over the open internet and streams using a high-speed codec developed by Cavium Networks that needs only 350kb of bandwidth to function. After you're done perusing our gallery below, join us after the break to learn more about how the PanaCast system works. %Gallery-186002%
Bank of America brings live teller video chat to ATMs
If you're having trouble splitting those ATM deposits into both your savings and offshore accounts, Bank of America is there to help -- literally. Its new ATMs with Teller Assist add real-time video chat, letting you speak directly to an agent for more complex transactions. Starting this month in Boston, you'll be able to cash a check for the exact amount (including change) and select precise bill denominations for withdrawals, with functions like deposit splitting, cash back with deposit and credit card / loan payments rolling out later. The Teller Assist ATMs will run from 7 AM to 10 PM and hit locations across the rest of the US "throughout 2013." Beleaguered shift workers (or white collar criminals) can see more in the PR after the break.
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.
Google Hangouts receive sign language interpreter support, keyboard shortcuts
Video chat can be an empowering tool for hard-of-hearing internet citizens for whom sign language is easier than voice. Most chat software doesn't easily bring an interpreter into the equation, however, which spurred Google into adding a Sign Language Interpreter app for Google+ Hangouts. The web component lets chatters invite an interpreter that stays in the background while they verbalize hand gestures. Google is also helping reduce dependencies on the mouse for those who can't (or just won't) use one during chat: there's now keyboard shortcuts to start or stop chats, disable the camera and other basics that would normally demand a click. Both the interpreter app and shortcuts are available today.
Google to host second Presidential Google+ Hangout on February 14th (video)
It's not quite as traditional as baseball and apple pie, but you've got to start somewhere. Following last year's success, Google is once again hosting a Presidential Google+ chat days after the State of the Union address, on February 14th at 4:50PM Eastern. The Fireside Hangout will see President Obama answer the most voted-for questions from Americans live, with a seasoned panel joining him for the discussion. It's arguably one of our better chances at getting answers about policies that we wouldn't get from a formal speech -- as such, those who can put aside nostalgia for old-fashioned Fireside Chats will likely get their fill at the source link.
Google+ Hangouts On Air go full-screen, put hosts front and center
Even with tweaks for musicians, Google+ Hangouts On Air have had sub-par layouts for presentations and performances; one-way stream from a band or teacher crops the view to a smaller size. As of a quick update to the social network, common sense prevails. One-way performances now default to occupying the full available view; multi-participant chats can go a similar route by using the Cameraman app to push all but the primary speaker to the background. It's a simple change, but one that could make a big difference for those who just want to lean back and watch.
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.
Rabbit aims to lift the limits on video chat, Mac beta coming next year
Considering how long it took for the videophone to truly reach the mass market -- the first public video telephony service was launched in Germany more than 75 years ago -- it's pretty remarkable how many video chat options we have today. From FaceTime to Microsoft's Skype to Cisco's WebEx, Fuze Meeting to Biscotti to Google Hangouts, there's a video chat approach for every preference and budget. Adding another video chatting option might seem to be gilding the lily, but the four-person founding team behind the upcoming Rabbit service isn't daunted. These tech execs all come from the gaming world, specifically massively multiplayer online games; CTO Philippe Clavel was the Technical Director at Sony Online, wrangling millions of players at once on the company's back end. With that mindset, they approached the video challenge with the tools of online gaming. "[We saw an] opportunity to do something more compelling around video chat," says Rabbit co-founder and ngmoco veteran Stephanie Morgan. "While video chat tools enable live interaction, they aren't social. Social networks give us new connections, conversations and discoveries, but they're not live," she says. Rabbit, which is launching a Mac-only private beta early in 2013, plans to take the shared video experience from a one-on-one or few-to-few scenario and scale it up to MMOG levels. The chat landscape will feature unlimited customizable rooms (public or private), and each room is designed to host unlimited numbers of participants. Users can "listen in" on a public room to preview the participants, social interests and ongoing conversation before jumping in. Once inside, the video focus shifts to the current speaker (similar to Hangouts) and the audio profile changes subtly to reflect the "room tone" adjusted to the number of participants. With hooks to the Facebook social graph, you'll be able to easily spot your friends (or friends-to-be with similar interests) who are active on Rabbit. The platform is designed for persistent, hours-long open rooms, so there's an element of companionship and "drop in" interactivity in play. The top-level room avatars are actually live video themselves, so it's easy to see at a glance if a room is active or not. When you're hanging out with your friends, you might want to share an activity or some media. Rabbit will make this as easy as a single click; you can include your own screen content and audio, narrowing focus to a particular application or screen region. For content from the wider world, you can simulcast streaming movies, music or video in sync to watch as a group. Rather than muting the participant audio completely while the movie plays, though, the service does smart ducking to allow you to keep chatting (politely and discreetly) during your flick. Of course, the coolest video chat application on the planet doesn't do much if nobody's there to chat with. The Rabbit private beta launch will be Mac-only during the initial phases, but the company fully intends to work toward a ubiquitous client portfolio including Windows, tablets and smartphones. You can follow along with the product's progress via the @LetsRabbit Twitter feed.
Skype updates terms of service to make mention of 'Video Messaging' feature
Skype hardly has a history of keeping its forthcoming features secret, but then again, surprises aren't all they're chalked up to be. This go 'round, an updated terms of service page has outed a heretofore unannounced update: Video Messaging. While it's not possible to indulge just yet, we're left to assume that an impending update will enable Skype Premium users (who pay $8.99 per month for certain privileges) to "send and receive an unlimited number of Video Messages." For those taking advantage of Skype's free offerings, you'll be able to send a "limited" amount, though you'll be able to receive an unlimited quantity of 'em. We're also told that non-premium members will see their video messages expire within 90 days -- unless it was sent by a premium member or you upgrade your account in time, of course -- but the TOS makes no mention of when any of this will find itself under public scrutiny. Hopefully it'll be before those year-end fireworks go up, you know?
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.
Chrome Beta adds video engagement APIs, promises higher-quality video chats sans plugin
After concentrating on gaming and visual improvements in previous releases of Chrome, the browser's latest focus appears to be in video engagement. The latest beta includes a PeerConnection API that lets developers create real-time video chat applications without a plug-in. This builds upon existing WebRTC integration with a new getUserMedia API that should result in higher-quality video, audio, and data communications. The Beta also bundles in track support for HTML5 video, letting developers add in subtitles, captions, and other metadata -- the above photo, for example, is a screencap of a bike ride video enhanced with Google Map and Street View data. Another nice addition is a MediaSource API which adjusts video quality based on computer and network environments, which should put an end to those agonizing waits while the dancing inmate version of Gangnam Style buffers. Those interested can get their mitts on the new Chrome Beta today.
