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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.
WhatsApp's VoIP feature for iOS revealed in leaked screenshots
Just a few weeks after WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum hinted that his Facebook-owned service will integrate voice communication features (VoIP, specifically) into its apps by this summer, we're finally seeing alleged screenshots that show off what it'll look like on iOS. The shots, which were leaked by iPhoneItalia, show an interface that looks awfully similar to the iOS 7.1 phone UI -- complete with circular buttons, blurred background and even a similar keyboard (is the shift key on or off?), albeit with a camera button on top. We're hearing that you'll be able to make calls for free over WiFi or cellular, which will help WhatsApp compete against the litany of other VoIP apps and services available on the market.
Here's how the NSA can collect data from millions of PCs
We know that the NSA has been ramping up its efforts to collect data from computers, but it's now clear that the intelligence agency has the tools to compromise those computers on a grand scale. Information leaked by Edward Snowden to The Intercept has revealed that the NSA has spent recent years automating the way it plants surveillance software. The key is Turbine, a system launched in 2010 that automatically sets up implants and simplifies fetching data; agents only have to know what information they want, rather than file locations or other app-specific details. A grid of sensors, nicknamed Turmoil, automatically spots extracted info and relays it to NSA staff. The combined platform lets the organization scrape content from "potentially millions" of PCs, instead of focusing only on the highest-priority targets.
FreedomPop's new smartphone keeps your calls and data private for $189
When surveillance agencies collect large volumes of cellular data, it's easy to understand why you'd want an extra-secure smartphone. Those devices aren't always affordable, though, which is why FreedomPop has launched the Privacy Phone for $189 contract-free. It's ultimately an old Galaxy S II, but its software boasts some strong secrecy measures -- all of its internet-based calls and messages are encrypted, and data goes through a virtual private network (VPN) that masks your identity. Don't count on total security. FreedomPop isn't using more than 128-bit encryption, and VPNs aren't always safe from prying eyes. Still, the Privacy Phone may fit the bill if you're looking for better-than-usual anonymity at a low price.
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 now lets you sign up with a Microsoft account, updates its Windows Phone app
It's been a long time coming, but Skype's revealed that folks can finally sign up for service using a Microsoft account. Skype believes this feature is perfect for users who perhaps want the least amount of logins possible, and it also points to Microsoft's two-step verification as a benefit for having such an account. Meanwhile, the Windows Phone app has been updated with a number of security improvements, plus an indicator which lets you know when the person on the other side is typing. As part of the integration with its parent company, Skype will now require a Microsoft account (like the one used to set up your WP device) when registering for a new account through the application. This new version is only available for Windows Phone 8, however -- as you might recall, support for the app on earlier versions of the OS was cut off months ago.
Skype rival Viber purchased by Japanese e-commerce giant for $900 million
Japan's answer to Amazon, Rakuten, just got into the mobile communications business by purchasing internet calling app-maker Viber for $900 million. Viber was one of the first to introduce 3G VoIP on the iPhone, and now lets you call any land-line or mobile phone, send messages and even push-to-talk. The app' available on all major mobile and desktop platforms, and is one of Skype's biggest rivals with over 300 million users worldwide. According to the WSJ, Viber's global userbase helped draw Rakuten, which is trying to expand its business interests beyond Japan's shores. It also recently purchased a huge stake in Pinterest and bought e-reader maker Kobo. Rakuten's CEO confirmed that Viber "perfectly compliments" its goals and said the acquisition "will enable it to penetrate new markets with multiple digital content offerings."
Bolt offers free voice calls and replaces your Android dialer
When it comes to making free VoIP calls using your Android phone, you have a bunch of options. Services like Skype or Fring let you call other users for free, but you've got to remember to fire them up before you start dialing. Instead of using one app for regular calls and another for VoIP, newcomer Bolt replaces your phone's dialer with a one-stop solution for both. Unlike other services that require you to buy credits to make regular calls, the app connects to traditional phones the old-fashioned way -- over your wireless carrier's network. Calls made to other Bolt users are routed over the web for free, and sip a meager 60KB per minute. That means even with FreedomPop's free deal (which includes a paltry 500MB of data), you'd be able to chat with mom for more than 142 hours before getting hammered with overages. The company hopes to ultimately become a fully formed communication platform, and offer messaging services as well. Long-term that could mean users could pare down on mobile minutes and messaging packages, and instead spring for a slightly larger data package on their mobile bill. Android users can snag the app now from Google Play, and an iOS version is already in the works.
Daily Roundup: Super Bowl XLVIII survival guide, iWatch rumors and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
US phone companies to explore replacing all phone numbers with IP addresses
Voice-over-IP (VoIP) is nothing new, of course, but so far it's been regarded merely as an add-on to America's regular, analog-based copper and cellular voice networks -- networks that are currently maintained as a matter of legal requirement. The FCC isn't necessarily such a stickler for tradition, however, as it is now encouraging phone networks to explore what would happen if VoIP replaced everything else. In other words, how would the system cope if the only phone numbers were Internet Protocol addresses; if even emergency calls were transmitted over the web; and if remote rural communities became dependent on VoIP, with no other type of network as a backup? Companies that want to participate in the experiment have until late February to submit their ideas, with approvals expected to be granted as early as March -- but don't fear, the tests will only be permitted in "discrete geographic areas or situations," which is the FCC's way of politely reminding telecom providers not to get ahead of themselves.
Viber improves notifications and statuses in latest Windows Phone 8 update
Viber, the popular VoIP service, today released a new version of its Windows Phone 8 app. This update focuses on delivering smarter notifications and giving users more customization options for their statuses. For example, the application can now play a sound when a notification comes in, and it also gives you the ability to choose whether or not you want to hide these. In addition to that, Viber has added a "Seen" feature which shows when a contact has viewed a user's status, while "Last online" keeps you better informed on who's online and able to chat it up. And if you're into Viber's custom labels, like the ones seen above, then you'll be happy to know the Sticker Market is now available on Microsoft's mobile platform. We're pretty into that "YES SIR!" one ourselves. As for Viber CEO Talmon Marco, he's pretty thrilled and had this to say about the refreshed Windows Phone 8 application: Bringing the Viber Sticker Market to Windows Phone 8 is a very exciting step for us and we are sure that our users on the platform will love it. This is the first time we are bringing a monetization feature to Windows Phone 8 and it's another part of our commitment to the platform. More importantly, this release is part of our commitment to our users who want to communicate with their contacts no matter what OS they use.
BitTorrent's peer-to-peer Chat service will use strong encryption to protect your identity
In the NSA age, being paranoid really doesn't mean they're not out to get you, so placating your fears has suddenly become a cottage industry. BitTorrent, for one, has just spilled more beans about Chat, it's peer-to-peer, encrypted messaging service that recently sent out a call for alpha testers. Rather than receiving a username, you'll actually be given a so-called cryptographic key pair, making it nearly impossible for others to guess your identity. Security is also enhanced with distributed hash tables (DHTs) -- like those used in uTorrent -- so that message requests are passed securely along the network to your intended recipient. That also avoids the use of a central server which could give a single point of attack for snoopers. There's no word yet on a release date, but the group is busy upgrading its backend for the service so you might be able to put the tinfoil hat in mothballs soon.
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."
Razer Comms for Android keeps in-game chat alive when you leave your PC
It can be tough to leave in-game voice chats -- step away to walk the dog and you may miss an important strategy session. You'll stay in the loop with Razer's new Comms for Android, though. The free app improves on rival clients from Steam and Teamspeak by supporting both voice chats and text while on the road; you won't have to miss out on either team banter or private messages. Comms for Android is also useful if you're still sitting at your desk, as it lets you respond to SMS and turn down calls through its Windows equivalent. The mobile software is available now through Google Play, and Razer promises that iOS users will get Comms sometime in the first quarter of 2014.
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.
Viber now lets you make calls to any phone number
Viber's quest to become the VoIP app du jour has taken another leap forward with the news that, with Version 4.1 its iOS and Android apps, you're now entitled to make calls to any mobile or landline number. The service, entitled Viber Out, was previously made available during the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan to help affected users contact their families, but has now rolled out to all, giving you a cheaper alternative (depending on where you're calling) to Microsoft's Skype Out service. To make things as easy as possible, Viber Out will connect itself to your phone number, letting recipients identify your call. It also allows balance top-ups via its mobile and desktop apps to help you keep on top of call costs. Viber says the updated iOS and Android apps will go live today, with Windows Phone support following soon, ensuring Microsoft has some real competition on its own turf.
Skype for China now talks directly to Microsoft, may reduce government snooping (updated)
Skype use in China was especially risky for a while -- when a local company (TOM Online) was processing data with no real safeguards, it virtually guaranteed the presence of government monitoring. Now that Microsoft has teamed with Guangming Founder on a new China-specific Skype build, there's a chance that your chats are more secure. GreatFire.org has noticed that the updated app encrypts all data and sends it directly to Microsoft, making it harder to censor or spy on any communications. Don't be too quick to discuss taboo topics, though. It's not clear that the Chinese software is free of back doors; Microsoft says it's following local regulations, which aren't exactly open-minded. Even so, anyone already using Skype in mainland China will likely want to upgrade if they value some semblance of privacy. Update: Guangming Founder was created by Guangming Daily, a government-backed newspaper; while Skype's new approach is still more secure, the association casts extra doubt on the privacy that users can expect.
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 4.0 released for iOS with tons of new features
Popular cross-platform messaging and VoIP app Viber has released version 4.0 today. The updated app sports a host of new features including the ability to send voice messages via "Hold and Talk," the ability to forward any message to a contact or group, the ability to add up to 100 people to group conversations, the addition of more than 1,000 new stickers, a new iOS 7-inspired icon and more. Check out the full release notes below: What's New in Version 4.0 • Download over 1,000 new stickers from the Sticker Market • Significant performance improvements • Instant Hold and Talk - Send voice messages. Your friend will hear you as you speak! • Forward any message to a contact or group • Select conversation backgrounds from our new background gallery • Add up to 100 participants to group conversations Viber 4.0 is a free download.
Skype changes its mind: accessories and call recording will keep working
Changes to Skype's platform meant several features -- support for third party apps, call recording and compatibility with some hardware accessories -- were slated to disappear next month. Now, the team has revealed that he last two have received something of a reprieve, at least until Redmond determines "alternative options or retire(s) the current solution." Third party apps, unfortunately, are still on the chopping block -- if you want to use Trillian or other chat clients for instant messaging, you're out of luck. [Image credit: Rusty Sheriff/Flickr]
