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Skype ditches its Windows 8 app on July 7th (update)
If you need any further proof that Microsoft is backing away from touch-centric interfaces in Windows 10, you just got it. The Skype team has revealed that it's planning to ditch the "modern" Windows (read: Windows 8-only) version of its messaging app on PCs as of July 7th. After that, the next update to the app will kick you over to the desktop release. Skype says that it's "simplifying" its experience around a single program that you can use with both a touchscreen and a mouse and keyboard. That's certainly true, although it's also an acknowledgment that people prefer the desktop app more -- it's easier to navigate without scrolling, and there are more features (such as screen sharing) that might convince you to stay. This shift won't affect Windows RT or the Skype features woven into Windows 10, but there's no doubt that the conventional desktop software is the big star going forward.
Viber's calling and messaging app launches on Chromebooks
In order for Chrome OS to succeed, Google needs all the support it can get from developers. Hardware companies are certainly doing their part, namely by offering Chromebooks to people at affordable prices. That's why it's important when a popular service such as Viber launches on the platform, like today. Now users can start using the app to communicate with friends or family directly from their Chromebook, just as they would on iOS, Android or Windows Phone. Not only can you send text and picture messages, but also make phone and video calls to your contacts. It's free too, which comes in handy if you're trying talk to people across different countries.
WhatsApp voice calls now work on Android
WhatsApp's long-promised voice calling is now available on Android.
HBO, Sony reportedly look for special streaming deals with ISPs
According to the Wall Street Journal, as TV services shift from the traditional outlets (antenna, cable, satellite) to the internet big names like HBO, Showtime and Sony are worried about their services running into congestion and bandwidth caps. A possible way around that, is negotiating with ISPs to have their content delivered as a "managed service", like cable-provided phone service and video on-demand. If you're thinking "isn't that what net neutrality was supposed to stop?" you're not alone -- Sling TV CEO Roger Lynch is quoted calling the potential setup a "mockery" of the rules that will go into effect soon. Even Comcast is reportedly leery of running afoul of the regulations, and it's the one that already got into a dust-up with Netflix a couple of years ago by doing exactly this with its TV app on the Xbox 360.
Microsoft offers pros a peek at the latest versions of Office and Skype
If you rely on Office or Skype to make a living, you may be in for a treat. Microsoft is following up its recent sneak peeks at universal Office apps and Office for Mac with pro-only previews of Office 2016 for the desktop and Skype for Business. The pre-release Office doesn't include everything you'll get (Microsoft says it's saving a lot of the interface tweaks for later), but it already includes better remote management and performance boosts. The Skype for Business preview, meanwhile, largely does what it says on the tin -- it expands the company's Lync communication tool with both a fresher interface and support for talking to regular Skype users. It's not certain when the desktop version of Office will be available to everyone, but Skype for Business will be ready for action in April.
Windows 10's messaging lets you use multiple chat services at once
If you're tired of jumping between multiple messaging apps to stay in touch with others, you may want to get Windows 10 when it shows up. Microsoft has revealed that the new Windows messaging client can integrate multiple internet-based services, creating a single conversation for each person regardless of the apps they use. Think of it as a parallel to the unified chat feeds in Apple's Messages app or Google's Hangouts, except that you're not limited to a handful of online providers. Developers will no doubt need to add support (you shouldn't expect WhatsApp or Line to magically appear), but this is a big deal if you're a social butterfly.
Triby is a home WiFi phone (and wireless speaker) for your fridge
Just when you thought the home phone was dead and gone, Invoxia has come up with a new home for it: your refrigerator. Triby, which debuted at CES Unveiled tonight, is a little box that sticks to your fridge and lets you make free WiFi calls to anyone. And unlike the old, corded phone that lived in your kitchen decades ago, this one can also play music over Bluetooth (and it has an FM radio to boot). While it may seem kind of superfluous now that everyone (even many kids) has a smartphone of their own, Triby might be compelling to families who are always in the kitchen. You can also assign a few numbers to buttons on its front so kids can quickly ring mom and dad. Its e-ink screen lets it last for around seven months without a charge, and you can also send cute hand-drawn messages to the screen from the Triby app.
Kim Dotcom's secure chat service is launching 'soon'
Kim Dotcom has been touting development of a secure chat service for more than a year, but it looks like those plans are finally firming up. He now claims that the project will launch "soon," and suggests that it might be named MegaChat. Whatever it's called, it still amounts to a more NSA-resistant alternative to Skype. You'll get a "fully encrypted," web-based chat and video calling service that lets you quickly send large files (through Mega, naturally). That's all well and good, although it'll be better when Dotcom has something you can actually try -- it's easy to make big promises, after all, and this internet mogul won't recover his lost fortunes without a real product. [Image credit: Thierry Ehrmann, Flickr]
Viber grows its ecosystem with a new section for games
If you're going to try rivaling Skype, you may as well go big or go home. For Viber, over the past few months, this has meant taking its messaging and VoIP calling services to a different level, one that feels more like a mini social network with each passing update. And, without doubt, it helps to have resources at hand from Rakuten, its parent company. Accordingly, Viber has now announced that it is adding games to its platform, in a push to continue growing its ecosystem and give users features beyond calling and messaging.
​Verizon has activated voice over LTE support for the iPhone 6
When Verizon launched its "Advanced Calling 1.0" feature earlier this month (read: voice over LTE), it only worked with two phones: The Samsung Galaxy S5 and the LG G2. Now the company can add the iPhone to that list, well, at least the iPhone 6. Verizon customers who upgraded to Cupertino's latest handset are reporting that VoLTE is working on both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. A user on the MacRumors forum said he had to activate the feature in his phone's cellular menu first, but afterwards was able to make calls freely. It's also notable that he called a landline -- previously, the feature was only said to work between compatible Verizon phones. Is it working for you? Fire up your new handset (if you're into that brand), and let us know in the comments.
Hangouts can now take your Google Voice messages (update: calling features)
Google Voice has only had a limited tie-in with Hangouts so far, but it now looks like the two are coming together in earnest. Android Police notes that you can now set up Hangouts to receive Google Voice text messages and voicemail, whether you're on mobile or the desktop. Switch on the feature and you won't have to jump between apps to deal with conversations based on where they came from. You may not want to migrate just yet, though -- replies aren't working perfectly at the moment, and it otherwise appears that Google flicked the switch a little early. There should be a Hangouts update soon, though, so those glitches might not stick around for much longer. Update: Google has announced an upgrade to Hangouts that lets you make free internet-based calls (not explicitly linked with Voice) to real-world numbers. Much like what you've seen in Gmail, reaching out to the US and Canada is free; it'll only cost you when you call abroad. The feature should be available on Android, iOS and the web beginning today; Droid-Life has an Android download link if you're not seeing the update just yet.
Viber's Snapchat-like voice feature comes to Windows Phone 8
Internet calling is what Viber's mostly known for these days, although the Rakuten-owned service does invest heavily in the messaging side of things, too. Hold & Talk (aka push-to-talk), for example, allows Viber users to send quick voice messages to each other, with the touch of a button. And now, nearly eight months after it came to iOS and Android, the feature is ready to grace Windows Phone 8 handsets. This means contacts can communicate between themselves almost instantly, in a Snapchat-like way but with voice messages rather than pictures. Viber also made some design changes to the application, which brings the looks of it more in line with Microsoft's desired guidelines after that WP 8.1 software refresh. Your move, Skype.
Google Voice offers web-based calls through Hangouts, no G+ profile needed
The rumor is that eventually we're going to see Google Voice merged completely into Hangouts, and that's getting even closer to becoming reality. You can now make phone calls via Hangouts directly from the Google Voice website, no Google+ necessary. As Mountain View's Alex Wiesen notes on G+, the new feature is listed as an option in the "phone to call with" drop-down box. It seems a bit minor, sure, especially when you consider that Hangouts is already how you make phone calls from within Gmail -- but any updates for the oft-neglected service are welcome, right?
EE and Three will soon change the way you make calls and send texts
Mobile dead spots can be a right headache, whether you get them at home, at work or a place you visit often. Luckily, EE and Three may soon be able to help. Earlier today, the two operators confirmed they're going to let customers make high-quality calls and send text messages, even when there's only a WiFi connection available. The good news is that if you're an EE customer, you won't notice a thing, even though the company is exercising its technological prowess silently in the background.
Google search results now let you call stores from your PC
While it's easy to call a store if you find it through a Google search on your phone, it's a bit more of a hassle on your computer -- you frequently have to copy the number into your voice app of choice. However, Google is removing even that minor inconvenience. The company's search results now include a Hangouts calling option that gets you in touch with any location right through your desktop web browser; if you see a big set of digits, one click will start the conversation. As with Google's other internet calling services, you can reach out to any American or Canadian number for free. This isn't the biggest time-saver in the world, to be sure, but you may appreciate it the next time you're phoning in a reservation at your favorite eatery.
Viber's new desktop app arrives with a huge focus on stickers
There's no doubt that people have a common interest in emojis and stickers, so Viber knows how important it is to keep that market content. With that in mind, the service is now getting a revamped version of its desktop calling/messaging app, featuring a much more accessible way to find stickers than in previous versions. You can now search for those colorful (and mood-telling) stickers in a quicker way within the application, as well as have them docked as a menu right alongside your conversations. Viber also revealed that there are now over 100 million concurrent users on the platform, which is a pretty good number if it wants to keep up with the big players in the game -- hey, Skype, Viber's looking at you.
Viber looks to challenge Skype with backing from Japanese internet giant
Let's face it: The tech industry is starting to get used to big-name companies acquiring young, relatively successful startups. To wit, such was the case for Viber, a Tel Aviv-based service that lets you use an app to communicate through phone calls and instant messages. Viber's acquisition by Rakuten, a Japanese e-commerce and internet giant, came after the platform welcomed more than 300 million users worldwide since 2010, making it one of the most popular applications across iOS, Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry. That growth, along with its flourishing appeal, have made Viber a real threat to services like Skype -- though, on the messaging front, it is still trying to catch up to WhatsApp, which is at 500 million active users and counting. But despite all of this, Viber still wants to keep growing, and it plans to use Rakuten's resources to help it get to where it wants to be.
Viber's first major redesign makes it look right at home on the iPhone
Internet calling and messaging service Viber does a solid job of constantly bringing new features to its apps, regardless of the platform. Now, some seven months after iOS 7 was released, Viber is finally changing the looks of its iPhone app to match that flat, minimalist appearance of Apple's OS. Aside from overhauling the UI, the Viber application now also lets you create a list of numbers you'd like to block and send longer video messages to people. The company's CEO, Talmon Marco, tells us this update isn't just about iOS 7, however. "This is the first time we are introducing a new look and feel for Viber. Our goal was to create a simple and friendly interface but at the same time establish a solid foundation for future updates," Marco stated. In other words, don't be surprised when you see some of these design cues make their way to other Viber apps, like those on Windows Phone 8 and Android. Furthermore, Viber has also released an app for BlackBerry 10, complete with all the voice and messaging features that have made it popular on other devices. By doing this, Viber is now well covered within BlackBerry's ecosystem, since it already offers an application on older BB handsets. "Our BlackBerry 10 app is a beautiful twist on our design delivering the most up to date experience for our users," said Marco about the new app.
Viber's Windows Phone 8 app now allows you to call any number you want
How does Viber celebrate being acquired for a ton of money? By bringing one of its most popular features, Viber Out, to Windows Phone 8 -- that's how. In second thought, we're probably way off. Still, the Skype rival has indeed updated its WP8 application, celebration or not, allowing users to now make calls to any phone number thanks to Viber Out. This new version also lets you send video messages and multiple photos at a time, while added Bluetooth support should make it easier for you to enjoy some hands-free action. As usual, you can grab the update from the Windows Phone Store -- and feel free to share your Viber 4.1 impressions with us in the comments below.
LINE's internet calling service goes live on Android, starting at 2 cents per minute
If you've been waiting to give LINE's Call service a try, now's your chance -- so long as you live in the right country, anyway. Those using LINE's Android app in Colombia, Japan, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Spain, Thailand and the US can dial most any phone number at rates that might well beat what their carriers would offer. Americans get one of the best deals: their calls start at 2 cents per minute using prepaid credit, and they can pay 70 cents per month for an hour's worth of talk time. The Chinese will get a similar bargain when Call reaches them in the near future, and LINE-to-LINE conversations are always free. There's no iOS support yet, but we wouldn't be shocked if the corresponding app update arrives relatively soon.