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Google trial lets you chat with doctors when you search for symptoms
Searching the web for symptoms of illness can be dangerous -- you could identify a real condition, but you also risk scaring yourself for no reason through a misdiagnosis. Google might have a solution that puts your mind at ease, though. The company has confirmed to Engadget that it's testing a Helpouts-style feature which offers video chats with doctors when you search for symptoms. While there aren't many details of how this works in practice, the search card mentions that Google is covering the costs of any chats during the trial phase. You'll likely have to pay for virtual appointments if and when the service is ever ready for prime time, then. That's not ideal, but it could be much cheaper than seeing a physician in person. [Top image credit: AP Photo/Craig Moore]
Skype's redesigned iPhone app is all about sharing things faster
Skype has been lavishing attention on its Android and Windows Phone messaging apps as of late, but it's now time for the iPhone client to get a makeover -- and it's one of the company's biggest overhauls in recent memory. The new software brings a much fresher-looking interface that's both in step with other platforms (chiefly Windows Phone) and lets you accomplish many common tasks faster. You can now start group chats right from the hub, and you don't have to wait until someone hops online to send a message.
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.
Beijos to kisses: Retirees teach Brazilians to speak English via video chat
Folks living in retirement communities around the US may have just been given another activity option. As part of the Speaking Exchange project for language schools, creative agency FCB Brazil paired language students with elderly Americans in Chicago for English lessons via video chat. The pilot program joined a school in Liberdade, Brazil with the Windsor Park Retirement Community here in the States. Each session was recorded and uploaded as a private video to YouTube, allowing instructors a way to watch the footage to assess progress. The results are pretty amazing. But don't take our word for it, a video detailing the project awaits after the break.
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's Helpouts service now offers expertise on your iPhone
Need to brush up on your cooking skills, but only have your iPhone close at hand? Don't panic: Google has quietly brought its Helpouts service to iOS. Much like the existing Android software, the iPhone-sized app (sorry, no iPad version) lets you schedule video chats with experts on topics ranging from baking to bike repair. Just be prepared to limit yourself to free advice -- Google isn't offering paid Helpouts in the iOS app. You'll also need to go to the web if you want to create listings for your own instructional sessions. If neither of those limitations is a deal-breaker, though, you can start taking lessons today.
China's Alibaba bets $215 million on chat app Tango
Facebook has made it a pretty darn good time to be a messaging app maker -- just ask Tango. It's received $280 million in funding including $215 million from Chinese e-commerce behemoth Alibaba, which is looking to bolster its forces against competitor Tencent. That gives it a minority interest in the video chat app, which has 70 million active users and 200 million in total. Tango has also stretched out recently with a social platform SDK for other apps that makes it easier for users to invite friends, for instance. According to Bloomberg, Alibaba could go public as soon as next month and its investment means Tango could be worth as much as $2 billion. We'll write a witty conclusion in a second, but first we're going to go learn some coding. Update: Reuters has corrected its article to underscore that Alibaba led a $280 million investment round, but only bet $215 million of its own cash. We've updated our post to reflect that.
Opera's Android browser catches up to rivals with support for webpage video chats
Given Google's Chrome dominance, it's easy to forget that there are other Android browsers. Opera is one of the also-rans, and it's just brought a new version with a nice round number, 20, for your consideration. It's touting WebRTC as the main hook, which lets you do video calls straight from Opera to any recipient with another WebRTC browser. That includes Opera, Chrome or Firefox, since the latter two apps have actually supported WebRTC on Android for quite awhile. Other additions include a new UI layout that you can customize for tablets or phones, an update to the Chromium 33 core (yes, Opera now uses WebKit), search improvements and a new download manager. It still claims to use less data than other browsers thanks to its off-road function, so if you're pushing that hard carrier limit, check the source.
Skype's web-based version is now available worldwide
You no longer have to live in one of a few fortunate countries to make a Skype call while checking your Outlook.com email: As of today, Skype for Outlook.com is available worldwide. All you need now is to download a browser plugin and link your Skype account. The global release comes alongside improved software support, too. PC users can now participate in HD video chats, while Mac users get a Safari plugin. If you're heavily invested in Microsoft's internet services, everything you need to get started is at the source link.
Skype update for iOS brings two-way HD video chat to newer Apple devices
Did you get a new iPad or iPhone this holiday? If so, Skype has a treat in store for you -- it just updated its iPad and iPhone apps to support two-way HD video chat on all A7-equipped devices. Not that Skype is leaving older hardware without an upgrade, mind you. The same update lets the software receive chat messages in the background, and those messages will sync faster across every gadget you own. Whether or not you live on the cutting edge, you'll definitely want to visit the App Store for the update.
Skype for Windows Phone comes to China with app upgrades in tow
Skype's newest Chinese partnership may not allay fears of government snooping, but it's paying dividends for mobile users -- Skype for Windows Phone has just reached the country for the first time as part of a larger app update. Microsoft's messaging client appears to be the same regardless of region, suggesting that the Chinese aren't losing any features. That's good news, as there's a few noteworthy updates in store. Users can now copy and paste instant messages, and there's a new high contrast mode for those with vision trouble; the app should load faster, too. No matter where you live, you can grab the Skype update today from the Windows Phone Store.
Cisco plans to open-source H.264 code, widen support for web-based video chat
WebRTC promises plugin-free video chat in our browsers, but it has been stuck in limbo due to format squabbles -- some companies want royalty-free standards like VP8, while others insist on the wider support of H.264. Today, Cisco is proposing a truce between the two camps. It's planning to open-source its H.264 codec without passing on the royalties it pays to MPEG-LA, effectively making the standard free when used in web conversations. Mozilla is endorsing the strategy; although it still prefers open video technologies like VP8 and Daala, it believes that Cisco's move would let both Firefox clients and Firefox OS use H.264 for more tasks. Nothing is set in stone at this point, however. Industry members will pick WebRTC's video standard on November 7th, and there's no guarantee that their choice will dovetail with Cisco's plans. If all goes well, though, we won't have to fret much over the apps and devices we use for our video discussions.
Skype apps for iPad and iPhone get an iOS 7 interface makeover
Skype brought a basic level of iOS 7 support to its iPad and iPhone communication apps last month, but the developer isn't satisfied with that mere tune-up. It just released new versions of both apps that sport a flatter, iOS 7-friendly interface. The updates also improve accessibility, particularly for those who need VoiceOver assistance. If you've been waiting for Skype to match Apple's minimalist aesthetic, you can grab the upgraded software through the source links.
Firefox 24 arrives with WebRTC video chats on Android, quick-close tabs on desktop
Mozilla has just released Firefox 24, and this refresh lavishes most of its attention on the Android version. The updated mobile browser enables WebRTC support, letting Android users conduct web-based video chats without a plugin. These surfers can also share browser tabs between NFC-capable devices, launch a preferred sharing app from the main menu, read in Braille and enable a Night mode in Reader. Desktop users aren't completely left out of the upgrade frenzy, however. Firefox 24 lets them quickly close all tabs to the right of a selected tab, drag out chat windows and use the stealthier scrollbars in OS X Lion and newer. If you're intrigued by any of the new Firefox clients, you can grab the edition you need at one of the source links.
Google+ Hangouts moving to HD video soon, going plugin-free within months
You may not have noticed it yet, but Google is in the middle of sweeping changes to Hangouts that should offer big improvements to image quality and accessibility. The company tells GigaOM that it's currently upgrading its video chat service to 720p by switching from the H.264 video codec to the more efficient (and Google-controlled) VP8 standard. HD-quality Hangouts should be available soon after Google finishes the VP8 rollout to web users late next week. A sharper picture is just one part of the puzzle, however. The switch to VP8 also sets the stage for WebRTC support, which will let Google offer plugin-free Hangouts in browsers like Chrome and Firefox within the next several months. The search giant will still offer a plugin for holdouts, but they may soon be the exceptions to the rule.
Imo adds video call over WiFi and cellular to Android and iOS apps
Imo users, brush your hair and powder your nose, as you might be in for some face-to-face conversation -- now that the IM aggregator has added video calls to its repertoire. It was initially released to a small group of beta testers, but the feature, which is the app's biggest update since launching free voice calls, is available both on Google's platform and on iOS starting today. After you've updated the app, you'll see a camera icon next to a contact's name that you can use to initiate a video chat. It'll work over WiFi and cellular (3G / 4G) regardless of the messenger service, so long as the person you're calling is also logged into Imo. If you'd like to give the new feature a shot despite being married to another video chat app (or two -- as you likely are), hit the source links below.
Hangouts for Android starts scoring video chats over cellular on AT&T
Attention folks on AT&T: you can soon video chat on Hangouts over a cellular connection now that the feature is being green-lit by the carrier and the Android app has scored an update. As discovered shortly after the release of the standalone Hangouts app, the perk could be accessed solely via WiFi -- an inconvenience shared by other chat apps on AT&T's devices. While Ma Bell originally claimed the issue could only be remedied by the OS and manufacturers, it soon changed its melody and announced its intention to activate video chat over 3G / 4G for all pre-loaded apps within the year. Don't be surprised if the function still doesn't work after you've installed Hangouts' latest update, however: the carrier's still not done flipping the switch across the board, but it expects to complete the rollout by year's end. Head past the break to read a statement from AT&T on the matter.
Skype for Outlook.com preview now available in the US
Americans waiting for the Skype for Outlook.com preview can stop twiddling their thumbs -- the test release is now available in the US, complementing existing access in Brazil, Canada, France, Germany and the UK. As in other countries, stateside users with merged Outlook.com and Skype accounts just have to install a plugin for Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer to make calls while checking email. Those in other regions will have to sit tight, however; Microsoft only promises worldwide access to Skype for Outlook.com sometime in the "near future."
Google's Hangout Comedy Club measures your laughs for Comic Relief (video)
Whether or not you believe that laughter is the best medicine, it should do some genuine good at Google's just-launched Hangout Comedy Club. The multi-day event is raising funds for Comic Relief by measuring the laughs at comedy gigs hosted through Google+ Hangouts -- yuk it up and Google will optionally make a donation. The particularly brave can also sit in the virtual front row and heckle from the comfort of home. Sanderson Jones has already taken to the Hangout Comedy Club stage as we write this, but those who miss out on his show can check out subsequent gigs at the source link.
Windows 8.1 to ship with Skype pre-installed
We already suspected that Windows and Skype were going to get particularly cozy after Microsoft phased out Messenger, but it's now official: Windows 8.1 will ship with Skype pre-installed. Those who haven't already downloaded the messaging client will get it when they upgrade their OS (or buy a Windows 8.1 PC) after October. The move won't change much for existing Skype users, but it could easily lead to a jump in Skype adoption when the app will soon come bundled with the majority of PCs.
