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Viber continues to expand as it rolls out Windows 8 app
Fresh off of the announcement that it's now allowing users to make calls to any mobile or landline number, Viber today is reaching yet another platform by way of a Windows 8 application. Aside from providing access to the VoIP calling services it has become known for, Viber's also bringing a few features tailored specifically for Microsoft's operating system. Namely, we're talking things like pinning conversations to the Start screen as well as the ability to be used in Snap View mode. Additionally, Viber for Windows 8 offers full Live Tile support, allowing you to easily spot notifications and have quick access to the app. CEO Talmon Marco says coming to Windows 8 was "the natural next step" for his company, adding that this is part of Viber's big picture strategy and "commitment to wide, cross platform availability."
Viber brings push-to-talk features to iPhone and Android in version 4.0
The past few weeks have been very busy for the Viber team, after first announcing new features for BlackBerry and following it up with a Windows Phone 8 update. Now the VoIP app is announcing version 4.0 for iPhone and Android, bringing with it the addition of push-to-talk voice services to both platforms, as well as optimization for tablets that are running Google's OS. Viber also bundled in a new sticker market (if that's your sort of thing), along with some extra customization options on iPhone and improvement notifications on Android. All in all, it's a pretty nice update, so go on and grab the fresh version from either the App Store or Google Play.
Viber enhances BlackBerry app with new features, minor design tweaks
Viber may have brought its most highly requested feature, VoIP calling, to BlackBerry users way back in April. Still, that's not to say the Skype competitor is quite done polishing its application on older versions of BlackBerry's OS -- namely, 5, 6 and 7. For starters, conversations have been enhanced with the ability to insert user images, while a new "seen" status lets you know when a recipient has viewed messages you've sent. Rounding up the update are some light design changes and improved location sharing/privacy settings, which allow folks to have more customization options throughout the app. Be sure to keep an eye on the BlackBerry World store, as this new version of Viber is expected be rolling out in the next few hours.
Vonage mobile apps get international roaming, let users chat for free on both sides of the border
For the past year or so, Vonage has been adding to its international VoIP game, and the latest new feature is roaming. That's right, the company's iOS and Android apps will soon have Vonage Mobile Roaming, meaning folks can take all their incoming calls over WiFi wherever they go without fear of ringing up a ridiculous cellphone bill. The catch? The service is in its trial phase and you've gotta reside in the UK, Netherlands, Spain or Italy to take advantage of this frugal feature. Those interested (and eligible) can sign up to get in on the action at the source below.
Viber's VoIP iPhone, Android apps updated with enhanced UI, group messaging and more
It's safe to say Viber's VoIP applications have been somewhat of a hit since the early days on Android and iPhone. Now, looking to build up on that humble success, Viber's updating these apps to version 2.2, bringing with it a fresh group messaging feature, improvements to the voice engine for better call quality and tweaks to the UI, such as adding photos to contacts list. Meanwhile, the Windows Phone and BlackBerry flavors will still have to wait for the voice goods, as Viber didn't announce any other major changes on those platforms. Viber v2.2 is up for download now from the App Store and Google Play links below.
Skype app won't work on low-end Windows Phone devices (update: works on Lumia 610)
Buried within Skype's announcement that its app has finally graduated from beta on Windows Phone, the mention of a 512MB minimum memory requirement reveals that the Internet phone service won't -- currently -- work with the likes of Nokia's Lumia 610 and the ZTE Tania. Skype has logged this under "current issues", which we hope means the company is working tirelessly to squeeze the app into cheaper Windows Phone hardware. Other features still being worked on include Bluetooth compatibility and Skype SMS messaging support. C'mon, they're part of the family now -- can't they all just get along? Update: Nokia's told us that it's now got the Skype app working on the Lumia 610.
Skype for Windows Phone sheds beta title, graduates to v1.0
Skype's fledgling Windows Phone app broke out of beta today, adding contact searching and landline calling to it's VOIP repertoire. The update comes just shy of two months of the Beta's introduction in February, and boasts a handful of minor improvements that should keep your calls connected. You'll still be making those calls yourself, however, as the full version doesn't yet have support for receiving calls in the background -- if the app isn't running, your phone isn't ringing. Hit the source link below to update.
Google gives the gift of gab, extends free domestic calling in Gmail
Just in time to thank Grandma for that polyester blend sweater, comes more free domestic calling in Gmail for the US and Canada. In the spirit of holiday giving, Mountain View has decided to extend its gratis VoIP program for another year of free chatter. Of course, we're not sure if the holiday cheer will last forever, which may once again give us a valid excuse to avoid Uncle Lester's calls.
Updated Yahoo Messenger app now live in App Store, 3G video calling bonanza awaits you
Not stoked on Skype or FaceTime? Looks like you've got another option, bub. That overhauled Yahoo Messenger app we told you about 48 hours ago is now live in the App Store, offering multitasking on the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, 3G / WiFi video calling (iOS to iOS, iOS to Android or iOS to PC) and instant notifications. Users interested in making voice calls can also tap into their bucket of Yahoo Voice Phone Out minutes, but it'll only work in America, France, Germany, Spain and Singapore at the moment. Hit that source link to get your download on, cool?
Google Voice now open to the American public
Tired of waiting for the invite that'll never arrive? Not so eager to snap up an Android phone just to automatically get ushered into the party? Good news: Google Voice is now open to the US public at large (sorry, everyone else!), enabling everyone who wishes to get a single number to ring all of their phones, have voicemail that acts more like email and send / receive free calls and texts within the US. Currently, Google has over a million active Voice users, and we suspect that figure will skyrocket after today. If you've been ignoring this hoopla until the invite barrier was crushed, feel free to hop on past the break for a video demonstration of what's on offer. Then hit that source link to sign up. Happy calling... callers.
Verizon to allow unlimited Skype calling over 3G starting next month
We may be way off base here, but we're pretty sure the game just got upended. Days after AT&T appeased the masses by finally enabling 3G streaming over the iPhone's SlingPlayer app, Verizon Wireless has delivered some big gargantuan news of its own. Starting next month, all Verizon Wireless customers with smartphones (and an accompanying data plan) will be able to make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any user in the world over its 3G network, which is something that AT&T users have been able to do since last autumn. Let us repeat that: VZW, which is known historically as one of the most controlling carriers in this great nation, is opening up its 3G network for limitless Skype calling. The forthcoming Skype Mobile application will also support Skype Out calling, instant messaging between Skype users and an ability to "remain always connected... to see friends' online presence." Nine smartphones will be compatible at launch (the full list is after the break), and we're guessing that more will be added in due time. Giddy yet?
Skype coming to future N-series Nokia devices, N97 gets first
We already knew that Nokia was looking for swanky widgets to cram onto its swanky N97, so it's no real shock to see the suits in Espoo reaching out to Skype here. Starting with the N97 in Q3 2009, future N-series devices will come pre-loaded with a Skype client, enabling handset owners to save those precious minutes and dial up fellow Skype buddies whenever a WiFi hotspot is near. There's no word on just how far this relationship will go, but we'll at least let the cute couple round first before we start making outlandish predictions.
Skype lite comes to Android, loads of other Java-enabled mobiles
Check it, VoIP lovers -- Skype has just announced a "lite" version of its calling software that can be downloaded on Android-powered devices and over 100 other Java-enabled mobiles. We're told that the lite version delivers just the core Skype capabilities including Skype-to-Skype calling, sending / receiving instant messages, seeing when your Skype contacts are online and receiving calls to your online personal phone number on Skype. That's all we've got for details, but it's supposedly available worldwide for those who care.
