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Warpia to show ConnectHD device at CES, let you couch-Skype on your HDTV
Warpia will be showcasing its latest media multitasker, the ConnectHD, at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show. The ConnectHD comes with a wide-angle wireless HD video camera and a multi-directional microphone, allowing users to make 720p video calls au naturel or otherwise from the living room via apps like Skype or MSN Messenger. It can also be used for playing PC webcam games and streaming media from your PC to an HDTV in 1080p. Although the ConnectHD won't come with extra appendages to help you do all that stuff at once, it does come with a wireless USB PC adapter, a wireless USB TV adapter, a HDMI cable and, naturally, the requisite software for the device. Pricing is pegged at a piggy bank-busting $199.99, placing it right alongside Biscotti's TV Phone.
Google+ update will add new Hangout features, give first dibs to famous people
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.
Chrome to gain plug and play gamepad support and WebRTC video chat in 2012
Seems like Big G updates its browser of choice with fresh features every time we turn around, and one of Google's own, dev advocate Paul Kinlan, revealed that another spate of upgrades are arriving for Chrome early next year. The headliner is plug-and-play support for gamepads, but native support for cameras, microphones and open-source video chat framework WebRTC are on the docket too -- features that give Chrome some considerable gaming chops when combined with its existing WebGL and HTML 5 prowess and, he says, could bring OnLive to the web without plugins. If you thought Angry Birds on a browser was a great, we can't wait to see what's in store when a proper controller and integrated video chat are involved.
Three brings 3LiveShop to Denmark, offers webcam chat and heads-up product display (video)
Well, it appears that Three's call center agents in Denmark won't be able to wear pajamas into work anymore. Following the introduction of 3LiveShop in Sweden, the mobile carrier's other Scandinavian group is introducing this rather novel way of shopping for new phones to Danes. Properly situated consumers may now elect to participate in live video chats with Three employees, who manipulate product photos and information on a heads-up display for customer convenience. (We'd like to imagine this nice lady has placed the Galaxy S II and iPhone 4 into the "maybe" pile.) Thankfully, shoppers won't have to look presentable at all, as participating in two-way video conferences is entirely optional -- along with more traditional voice and chat methods. If you're curious to see a demo of the system in action, just check the video after the break. [Thanks, Jonas]
Biscotti TV Phone goes on sale today for $199, assumes everyone you know uses Google Talk
Feel the need to video chat in higher resolution? Or maybe just take a break from the PC while you talk to your long-distance girlfriend you met at Comic Con? Well, we just got word that Biscotti, that TV phone we demoed last week, is on sale in the US and Canada for a princely $199. To recap, it's a camera that sits discreetly atop your TV and is, indeed, about as small and lightweight as that crunchy Italian cookie. The idea is pretty simple: it plugs into both your TV and set-top box, and makes free calls to other Biscotti owners, along with anyone using Google Talk. After our brief demo we were impressed enough with the easy setup and simple menus that layer on top of whatever you're watching, but then again, we were unaware of the price. So, is two hundred bucks worth a lifetime of seeing grandma in 1080p? That, friends, is a decision you'll have to make for yourself. %Gallery-139204%
Tango video calling app prances its way into Windows Phone Marketplace
We were expecting to see Tango pop up for Windows Phone users this week and, sure enough, here it is. The video calling service finally hit the Marketplace today, more than a year after launching on iOS and Android, and barely a month after expanding to PCs. Compatible with Windows Phone 7.5 or higher, Tango for Mango allows users to make free phone and video calls over 3G, 4G and WiFi connections, including free international calls to fellow Tangonians. Users can also chat with Tango members across other operating systems and platforms, which should help tide them over until that Skype integration becomes a reality. Loquacious legions can download the app now, from the source link below.
Biscotti TV phone hands-on
The tiny Biscotti TV phone would be pretty easy to miss in most home theater setups. It is, in fact, roughly the shape and size of its namesake Italian cookie. Honestly, it'd be pretty easy to miss even if you were holding it -- the video calling TV attachment probably weighs less than its baked good doppelganger. The idea is to stick this sliver of glossy black plastic on top of your TV and make video VoIP calls using its integrated HD webcam and 802.11n radio. Your counterpart is then displayed, super-sized, on your big screen. Around the back of the device are the three ports: HDMI in, HDMI out and power. You simply plug the Biscotti in between your settop and TV, then navigate the menus with the included remote. The demo stream set up at the CES Unveiled event had a slightly yellow hue to it, but we're willing to chalk that up to the poor lighting on the show floor. The best news, though? In addition to making calls through the proprietary Biscotti service you can get your video chat on using the increasingly ubiquitous Google Talk. Check out the gallery below and a quick video walk through after the break. %Gallery-138859%
Biscotti TV dunked in the FCC's latte, still a bit hard
Webcams have certainly narrowed the distance between loved ones, but it's hard to argue that two people hovering over their laptop screens can rival an in-person conversation. Moving things over to the big screen could make the exchange much more comfortable for everyone involved -- you just need an HDTV, and a Biscotti. The small black box should be ready to turn the biggest screen in your home into a high definition video phone fairly soon, having just landed in the FCC's living room. Packed inside is a camera, microphone and 802.11b/g/n WiFi -- plug the contraption into your TV and you can instantly make calls to family and friends, with no monthly charges. A pair of HDMI ports let the device serve as a bridge between your television and cable box, so folks with limited connections don't have to choose between Dad and Mr. Mom. Biscotti will also interact with computers, tablets and smartphones via an as-yet unnamed "video player" to bring life-sized video chat to the masses. There's no word yet on pricing or availability, but if the FCC has finished nibbling at it, then it shouldn't be long before we get a taste ourselves.
Tango releases video calling on PCs, we go hands-on (video)
It's been exactly a year since Tango's free video calling service hit iOS and Android smartphones, and the startup is marking its anniversary with another big release: Tango for PCs. We had a chance to catch up with CTO Eric Setton and the crew, and gave Tango's latest a test-run -- let's just say it's been a very good year for these guys. Earlier this month, Microsoft teased Tango as the harbinger of video calling for Mango, and, since its debut, the outfit's drawn in over 23 million users. So how did Tango fare in its move from the handset to the desktop? We'd say it's a smooth transition -- perhaps too smooth. Check out our first impressions after the break.
Google+ moves from field trial to beta, adds Hangouts on phones, search and more
Well, it looks like the "field trial" is officially over. Google today announced that its Google+ social network has moved up to beta status and, as a result, it's now open to everyone (no invitation required). It's also rolled out a slew of new features for the occasion, including a number of improvements to the Hangouts video chat service. That includes Hangouts on your phone (Android 2.3+ only, for now), a new Hangouts On Air feature for public broadcasts, and a number of "extras" including screensharing, a sketchpad and shared Google Docs (not to mention Hangouts APIs). Google's now also finally added search functionality across the site, and it's renamed the Huddle group chat feature to Messenger (which also includes a number of new tweaks). Hit the links below for the complete rundown on what's new.
Tango video calling demoed on Mango-based HTC Titan (video)
Looks like Mango's got yet another trick up its sleeve -- at least, a trick that'll be noticeable on HTC's looming Titan. Windows Phone Director Aaron Woodman -- the same Aaron that stopped by our own Engadget Show a few months back -- recently paused to show off a Tango video calling application on the aforementioned handset. We knew good and well that the front-facing Titan camera would be put to use by something, and now you know. 'Course, the "demo" looks pretty well scripted -- don't expect an accurate representation of video quality over a crowded 3G network -- but it sure serves to make the wait that much harder. Have a peek yourself just after the break. [Thanks, Stephen]
Tango video calling en route to Windows Phone Mango?
Good news, folks -- Tango is about to reach Windows Phone. No, not that Tango. We're referring to the video calling service that's already popular on iOS and Android devices, but has had absolutely no presence on Microsoft's platform at all. Of course, there's a blatantly obvious reason for that: the OS didn't support front-facing cameras until Mango came along. At this week's unveiling of HTC's first WP7.5 devices, someone perusing the Radar's software happened across a Tango app in the Start menu, indicating users will have more video chatting options to choose from than just Skype. Better yet, it appears to offer cross-platform compatibility to ensure you can see your Android-toting pals and your iPhone-equipped in-laws up close and personal. We're ecstatic to see the feature finally ready to go with Mango's debut, but unfortunately it's only a matter of time before the name confusion settles in.
HTC Omega blessed with renders, revealing its front-facing camera
HTC's decided to throw a similar get-together to rival the kickin' shindig we had tonight, which hopefully means the company will show off the latest and greatest phones soon to grace its lineup. One such phone that's been seeing a lot of talk lately is the Omega, rumored to be one of Peter Chou's upcoming Windows Phones. Unfortunately, it's just been a faceless name on paper -- until now. Pocketnow got its hands on a rather well-detailed render of the Mango device, which shows off HTC's traditional two-toned design (this time in white and gray) and a front-facing camera. While the latter feature isn't new to the industry by any stretch of the imagination, it backs up Microsoft's confirmation Wednesday that Mango will indeed support it. Anyone up for some sweet Skype video calling?
Skype for Mac updates to 5.3, adds Lion and HD video call support
The good folks over at Skype have been mighty busy recently. In the last month (give or take a day) the company has announced integration with Facebook, launched a new version of its Windows client to support the social network, released an iPad-optimized version, and expanded Android support to an additional 17 handsets. Now the video-chat stalwart has update its Mac app with support for Lion and HD video calls -- something Microsoft fans have been enjoying since 2010. You can check out the full announcement and download Skype 5.3 for Max OS X at the source link.
Skype 5.5 uses VP8 for video chats, keeps the WebM love aflame
Despite forming a coalition with a bevy of companies, Google's radical WebM video libertarianism has yet to take the world by storm -- unless you're talking El Goog's browser or YouTube. Well, Mountain View can breathe a sigh of relief, as Skype -- even after being bought by Microsoft -- has carried through with its earlier support of the open-source standard, bundling it within last week's Windows-only update. One-to-one and group video calls between version 5.5 clients now use WebM's VP8 codec, succeeding its ancestor, On2's VP7. Hey Redmond, who's speaking Esperanto now?
Skype two-way video chat finally arrives on more Android handsets
An updated version of Skype just appeared on the Android Market sporting a crucial improvement: it now supports two-way video calling on a wide range of current Android handsets, rather than the meager four that had previously received preferential treatment. If you have a recent phone from HTC, Samsung or Sony Ericsson (excluding the Arc), then you're probably in luck. Oh, and LG Revolution (Verizon) and Acer A5 owners can get their vogue on too. Running Gingerbread is a must, though, because Froyo will only let you use your device's rear camera, which is obviously quite difficult to pose for. Check out the source link for the full list of supported handsets and let us know if you run into problems. [Thanks, Nathan]
Skype for iPad 'prematurely' released, no longer available (Updated x2)
Skype for iPad has just been released on the New Zealand App Store, which probably makes it about 16 hours or so until it goes live in the United States. Typically App Store releases like this find their way onto the NZ App Store first, then roll out across time zones over the course of the day. The app was announced over a month ago in late June, but for unknown reasons its release was delayed until now. The iPad version of Skype supports the same features as the iPhone version, and it seems that all features other than two-way video chat are supported on the original iPad. The iPad 2, of course, will have full support for video conferencing via either of its cameras. Skype for iPad is a separate app from Skype for iPhone, but like the smaller app, the iPad version will be free and capable of making calls over either Wi-Fi or 3G. We'll have an overview of its features later on. [hat tip to iPhonewzealand] Update: Looks like Apple decided to skip the timezone-by-timezone festivities, as Skype for iPad is now available in the US too, and possibly worldwide. The long wait is over, go download Skype now! Update 2: Skype has "temporarily" pulled the app from the App Store, due to it "prematurely" going live. Not sure what was so "premature" about six weeks, but okay. If you didn't download Skype for iPad while it was available, you'll have to wait until Skype re-ups the app.
Skype 5.5 for Windows now available, complete with deeper Facebook integration
The beta version has been available for over a month, but those that prefer to play things safe can now download the final version of Skype 5.5 for Windows (and Windows only, at the moment). According to Skype, that version includes a number of additional updates based on user feedback, but the standout feature remains the deep Facebook integration, which will let you call and IM your friends, update your status, and engage in other Facebook-related activities. Skype is also promising "enhanced video call reliability," and it's made yet more design changes that promise to "improve your overall Skype experience." You can judge that yourself by downloading the application at the link below.
Facebook Vibes outed in video calling code, related music service seems a lock
You never really know what you're onto until you look, but who knew "looking" involved "digging through source code?" Software guru Jeff Rose had his curiosity piqued yesterday with the proper launch of Facebook Video Calling, and rather than just being satisfied with things working, he took it upon himself to see how exactly things were coming together under the hood. Turns out, the program grabs a startlingly small download link called FacebookVideoCalling.jar, which in turn uses LiveConnect to allow the Java applet to fetch a few other things. This enables the program to source your Facebook user ID (as well as an application ID), and from there, the installer has permission to use two things: a video chat plugin called "peep," and something else dubbed "vibes." Curiously enough, only one of those two were launched to the world, so logical skeptics are obviously opining that Facebook has a connected music service up its sleeve. 'Course, there's no indication that said service will actually use the Vibes moniker, but we could definitely ponder worse titles. So, Mark -- three months from now, another impromptu press event, announcing something even more awesome? We're so there. [Thanks, Raheem]
Facebook video chat and Skype 5.5 beta hands-on
Earlier today, Facebook and Skype got a little friendlier, making it easy to find your Facebook friends in Skype and -- more importantly -- video chat with your Facebook friends in Facebook, a service powered by -- you got it -- Skype. Since you're using Skype either way you slice it, we're not interested so much in the call quality as we are the ease of use. Just how easy is it to make video calls using Facebook chat, which, simply put, has never been our favorite IM service? And what's it like seeing your list of potential Skype callers expand to include all your Facebook buddies? Let's venture past the break to find out. %Gallery-127843%
