VoIP
Latest
Skype for Windows Phone update 'temporarily' kills People Hub integration
Earlier this week Microsoft updated its Skype for Windows Phone application. Making good on its plans to retire Messenger, users can now IM their buddy list from within the app. In addition, the new software push adds the ability to receive calls and messages while Skype is closed, but the changelog cautions that this feature is a "work-in-progress." While we welcome these new features with open arms, they come at somewhat of a steep price. Skype 2.1.0.241 "temporarily" kills the app's integration with Windows Phone's People Hub. Something that Microsoft plans to patch up via another update at an undisclosed time. If you can get past losing such a prominent feature for the sake of being up to date, then head on over to the Windows Phone Store to claim your 8MB prize.
Facebook Messenger gets voice features, more coming
Facebook has updated its Messenger app (which allows iOS and Android users to chat with the site's messenging service) with some interesting VoIP features. Users can now save and send voice messages between Facebook accounts, meaning that if you don't want to bother typing a long message out, you can record it as a voice message and send it around to your friends and family as needed. That functionality is in the latest version of the app, which has been updated and is available for free (with a Facebook account, of course) right now. Facebook is also beta testing (only in Canada right now), a live voice-over-IP service, similar to Skype or the other VoIP options out there. That service isn't live in all stores yet, but eventually, Facebook users will be able to call each other over the Messenger app, meaning that you'll be able to not only contact any of your Facebook friends directly, but you can do so without using cell minutes, if you're still limited on those. That should be a fun feature -- there are already a few ways to do that (including the aforementioned Skype app), but having direct access to your Facebook friends list should be useful. Facebook's really figuring out iOS lately -- after a relatively weak start with its own official app (which the company finally sent native later on last year), the company is starting to show that it understands just how important the iOS userbase is. It'll be interesting to see what Zuckerberg's social network does next.
Facebook adds voice recording to Messenger, testing VoIP service in Canada
If you're a fan of the Facebook Messenger app keep your eye out for an interesting update coming down the pipe today for both the iOS and Android versions. The social network is adding the ability to record and send voice messages, up to one minute in length, to your friends. The goal isn't to create a voice mail system for Facebook, but to give users another option for interacting when typing is either impossible or inconvenient. It works much like the video feature in the company's Poke app -- press and hold the red record button, speak your message and it'll appear in-line as part of your chat, represented by a clickable sound wave icon. Even more interesting though, is the VoIP capabilities that are being flipped on for Canadian users. It's a little buried at the moment -- hidden behind the "i" icon in the chat window -- but everyone's favorite social network is now offering a way to place free voice calls to friends. Interestingly, the platform is built on open source technology and not on its Skype partnership. If things go well in the land of maple trees and Mounties we imagine it wont be too long before America gets a taste of VoIP calling Facebook style.
Gmail phone calls remain free of charge in 2013 for US and Canada
It may be an expected holiday gift, but it's still a nice one: Google's VoIP service in Gmail will remain free of charge for calls within the United States and Canada in 2013. A note on the Gmail Blog announced as much today; the news ushers in a thrilling third year of free Google Voice service for US and Canadian customers, right through the standard Gmail interface. Of course, we prefer the retro-inspired phone booth that Google showed off back in 2010 when the service was first announced, but free is free. Now, what to get for the megacorporation that has everything. We're thinking ... Furby? Probably a Furby.
Imo's iPad app augmented with free voice calling, enhanced photo sharing
When Imo crammed free voice calling into its iPhone application, it neglected to port the functionality to its large-screened counterpart. Now, the iPad version of Imo.im is catching up -- adding VoIP support over 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi to other Imo users across iOS and Android. The latest version of the instant messaging aggregator boasts revamped photo tools too, featuring group photo sharing and real-time image uploads. These tweaks accompany a slew of design changes, including a color-coded status indicator bar and similar hue-based notifications for contact availability. Standard stuff, really, but that shouldn't stop iPad-toting chatterboxes from heading to the source link and giving the app a whirl.
Voxeet, conference calling for iOS with some visual twists
The just-released iOS version of Voxeet is a free conference calling app, running over VoIP and interoperating with the company's Windows and Android apps. Voxeet is designed to handle conference calls in a unique way with excellent audio and some fun visual enhancements. Problem No. 1 on most conference calls is figuring out who's speaking. With Voxeet, you get an avatar with each participant on screen, (either generic or a picture from your contacts) and you see a little level meter bobbing up and down so it is obvious who is talking. You can arrange participants around a virtual table, and if you are wearing stereo headphones, the person on the left side of the screen will be audible in your left ear. That's a clever and useful idea. Calls are done over VoIP, but you can transfer a call to a regular phone or your iPhone. You can import contacts easily, and if you get a call you are notified with an alert. The app works over WiFi, 3G and 4G networks, and if you are so equipped, over LTE. The app is optimized for the new iPhone 5 and iOS 6, and requires iOS 5 or later. I tried a call, and the audio quality was first rate, as good as I've heard. I wasn't in a noisy environment, but the app does reduce background noise and echo. The developers recommend a headset, and I did try it with the new Apple earbuds that come with the iPhone 5. The sound was exemplary, but I also had good audio listening to another party using the speaker phone on the iPhone 5. The app supports up to eight people on the conference call. With three people, including my colleague Mike Rose from TUAW, and a friend in Nevada, we could arrange the participants virtually around the screen. I had Mike on the right, and his audio originated on the right. My friend was on the left, and his audio came from the left. That's terrific for trying to figure out who is talking. Mike discovered that if he moved my avatar further away from his, my voice got softer and had more echo. Closer in, I sounded louder -- adding to the spatial illusion of the virtual conference room. There is a PC version of the app; it's not available for the Mac yet, but I am assured a Mac version is in the pipeline. That's where the transfer feature will be great. Start a conference call on your laptop or desktop computer, then if you have to leave, transfer to your iPhone. Voxeet seemed very stable. While it can be scaled up for the iPad, I'd like to see a specific version or a universal app. Voxeet is a terrific little conference calling app with a few distinct advantages over much of what is out there. Later the app will add premium services like unlimited conference participants and encryption. This version will remain free with the existing features. %Gallery-173252%
BBM 7 leaves beta, brings WiFi voice calls into the mix (video)
RIM moves quickly: it was just a few weeks ago that BlackBerry Messenger 7 was in beta, and today we're seeing a finished version roll out to BlackBerry App World. As we saw in mid-November, the revamp lets chatters switch to free VoIP chat on WiFi without having to drop text messaging or photo sharing in mid-session. That's not the only upgrade; there's also direct BBM profile syncing through a BlackBerry ID as well as in-app notifications for future software versions. RIM warns that the BBM 7 upgrade may take as long as a day to show up in the store, so don't be disappointed if it's not immediately available; do, however, expect inter-BlackBerry voice calls to get that much cheaper.
Skype officially ready for Symbian Belle FP1 and FP2 devices
Skype has been available through official channels for Belle-based Symbian devices for awhile, but not for those running FP1 or FP2. If you'd wanted to use the world's largest VoIP service from a more recent (or recently updated) Symbian phone like the 808 PureView, you were stuck. A low-key update has thankfully flicked the support switch for those who upgraded to the newer OS before their internet calling could follow suit. From early appearances, though, compatibility is the primary upgrade; My Nokia Blog doesn't see a functional difference from earlier releases. The Skype refresh is still a welcome tweak for those who'd like to hold on to Nokia's original smartphone platform for just a little longer.
Skype for Windows 8 update adds Messenger contact support
Microsoft recently revealed that it would be retiring its longstanding Live Messenger platform. However, instead of receiving a commemorative wristwatch and rocking chair for its services, the once prominent IM client will be integrated into Skype during Q1 2013. Taking its first step to get the ball rolling, the company issued an update to Skype for Windows 8. The latest software push brings group searches, improved video performance, bug fixes and most notably Messenger contacts are now available to call. While these changes are subtle, it's good to finally see Microsoft making moves after shelling out $8.5 billion for the privilege a little over a year ago. Hopefully, this will lead to more practical roads, like finally bringing Skype to the Xbox 360. But that would make too much sense, wouldn't it?
Engadget Giveaway: win one of two iPad Minis, courtesy of Rebtel!
In two days we celebrate a holiday in which the main theme (aside from gratitude) is "bigger is better." That's why Rebtel is here to change that mindset by offering two iPad Minis (black 16GB WiFi-only) to a pair of lucky winners, along with a voucher for $100 service credit! The VoIP provider is promoting its iPad app, which is a free download that allows you to make free calls over WiFi and cellular to other Rebtel users, as well as cheap international calls. (If you're not an Apple user, the company also has Android, Windows Phone and PC apps available.) So you know what to do: take a moment to reflect on what you're thankful for, and leave a comment below to enter to win. Update: the giveaway has expired, but stay tuned for our next giveaway coming soon! Winners: congratulations to our winners, Matthew D from Saint Paul, MN and Tony M from Sunfield, MI!
Skype launches gift cards, lets parents drop hints to distant kids
Many empty-nester parents would like nothing more than to hear from their kids every now and then. For them, Skype's new gift cards might be the perfect not-so-subtle clue: both digital and physical cards are going on sale today that offer $10 or more in credit, either for the company's time-honored VoIP calling or (if need be) some Skype WiFi at the airport. Only online versions are customizable, although Americans who want something tangible can swing by the Microsoft Store, OfficeMax or Target. Skype's already brought prepaid credit to Mexico and the UK, but the cards should be more than welcome gift options for anyone who would otherwise have to spring for a prepaid phone card -- just be prepared for more heart-to-heart chats than usual if you're on the receiving end.
Skype disables password reset page to deal with email-based security 'vulnerability' (update)
Skype has taken down its password reset page as it deals with a password reset exploit that can give suspicious types access to your account with only your email address. The issue was first spotted on Russian forums months earlier, but TNW has since been able to replicate the same, apparently easy to reproduce, vulnerability. Before Skype withdrew its password reset page, the only way to avoid the problem was to change your email address to something unknown by anyone. According to Skype's Heartbeat status blog, it's now investigating the issue further. Update: Skype has released a second statement: "Early this morning we were notified of user concerns surrounding the security of the password reset feature on our website. This issue affected some users where multiple Skype accounts were registered to the same email address. "We suspended the password reset feature temporarily this morning as a precaution and have made updates to the password reset process today so that it is now working properly. We are reaching out to a small number of users who may have been impacted to assist as necessary."
BBM 7 beta is open now, adds Voice feature for free calls over WiFi
RIM's BlackBerry 10 launch isn't scheduled until January 30th, but BBM faithful can try out a new feature on their existing handsets -- voice calling. Brand new for BBM 7 it lets users bypass the text chat their thumbs have been used to and directly talk via the service, as long as they're connected to a WiFi network, no 3G / 4G allowed. That connection restriction takes some of the shine off, but BlackBerry users traveling to / living in far locales with minute-restricted SIM cards or less reliable infrastructure might make the most use of it. Voice allows for direct initiation of calls, switching from text chat to a call, using both in split screen and has an indicator to let users know when their friends are open for a chat. That's not the only BBM 7 upgrade however, as the service is now deeply integrated with one BlackBerry ID, which backs up their profile, groups and contacts for easy switching to a new device. Currently BBM 7 is available in beta for BlackBerry OS 6 or higher smartphones, with support for BlackBerry 5 planned "at a future date." If you're interested, hit the Beta Zone to sign up for access at the link below, or check out the press release after the break for more details.
Fraunhofer releases its 'CD-like' audio codecs to developers, lends a little HiFi to VoIP apps
For those who relish high fidelity but not high data consumption (and bills), Fraunhofer introduced its IIs Full-HD codec for Android and iOS earlier in the year, which is currently being used in apps like Facetime. Now you can bring some of that "CD-like" audio quality to your own VoIP app development with the release of the Fraunhofer FDK Codec Library for Android 4.1 and up, iOS 4.0 or higher and OSX. That'll let you build less tinny VoIP apps across platforms with "direct, native access" to all the IIs codecs, according to Fraunhofer. Grab it from the coverage below, or check the PR after the break.
Microsoft to retire Messenger, begins migration to Skype
We've heard plenty of rumors about Microsoft's plans for Skype. Finally the company is laying its cards on the table. After working diligently to bridge the gap between Messenger and its VoIP purchase, its aging IM platform will indeed be retired and users migrated to the more video-focused property. Redmond hopes to complete the move during the first quarter of 2013, after which Messenger will be retired everywhere except in mainland China. Users of both services will be able to merge their accounts and combine their contacts, while those with only a Microsoft account will have to transition to a Skype one. Though, rest assured, your Messenger buddy list will automatically be transferred. With the imminent death of this MSN descendant, it's clear that Microsoft is positioning Skype not just as a VoIP client, but as an all-in-one messaging solution meant to take on the likes of Google Talk, with its Voice and Hangouts features.
Ooma HD2 handset and Linx adapter available on Oct.17 for $60 and $50, respectively
Ooma's Telo telephony device is pretty wonderful all by itself, but pairing it with the company's soon-to-be-released HD2 handset and Linx peripheral presents a whole new opportunity to the VoIP crowd. The HD2 -- the second generation Telo handset first introduced at CES 2012 -- offers some smartphone-esque functionality to your home phone: syncing with contacts across various social media services, for one, and profile photos popping up in the 2-inch color screen as identification on incoming calls. It launches very soon -- October 17 -- at US and Canadian retailers with an asking price of $60, despite previously being given a March 2012 launch window. The Linx -- which was outed in an FCC filing earlier this year -- adds a much more quaint ability to the Telo: the ability to plug in any normal landline phone (yes, even that free football phone you got with your Sports Illustrated subscription in the mid-'90s). The Telo can handle up to four connected phones, in the HD2 handset or Linx-connected devices (including fax machines, also from the mid-'90s). Linx connectors are also available as of October 17 at US and Canadian retailers with an asking price of $50.
Sprint Phone Connect 2 will try to replace your landline on October 14th
Last year, Sprint quietly stepped foot into the world of home and office phone solutions with the release of its Sprint Phone Connect service. In a nutshell, this 3G powered VOIP alternative gives would-be customers the option of transferring their existing home or office landline number to Sprint's flat rate $20 per month service. While Sprint Phone Connect may not be among the Now Network's best sellers, it's done well enough to warrant a sequel. Pictured above is an internal screenshot of the unimaginatively named Sprint Phone Connect 2. Set to release on October 14th, this new and improved hardware is packed with a set of new features: dial tone creation, voicemail notification, caller ID (number only), call waiting, call forwarding and 3-way calling. If that MagicJack isn't quite cutting the mustard and you're looking for an affordable home or office phone solution, the Sprint Phone Connect 2 can be yours for free on a two-year commitment, or $150 outright.
Telia scraps plans to charge extra for mobile VoIP in Sweden, hikes overall rates in compensation
Telia raised hackles in March when it proposed charging Swedish subscribers extra if they wanted to use voice over IP. On top of the net neutrality issues, the proposed price premium would have been a slap in the face to Skype, the country's homegrown VoIP pioneer. While Telia's Spanish subsidiary Yoigo has no problems with such a split, Telia itself must have had a change of heart: as of now, all regular plans will continue to treat internet telephony as just another set of data packets. Only a new, ultra-basic Telia Flex Bas plan excises the option. Unfortunately, most everyone will have to pay the price for equality -- new subscriptions will have their data plans "adjusted" to compensate for increasing data use, and those paying daily will see their maximum rates jump from 9 SEK ($1.40) to 19 SEK ($2.90). As painful as the price hike might sound, however, we'd still endure it to avoid carving the mobile internet into pieces.
Slickdeals' best in tech for September 19th: an ASUS wireless router, keyboards and more
Looking to save some coin on your tech purchases? Of course you are! In this round-up, we'll run down a list of the freshest frugal buys, hand-picked with the help of the folks at Slickdeals. You'll want to act fast, though, as many of these offerings won't stick around long. Everyone loves to save some hard-earned cash when it comes to those tech spending sprees. In today's batch of discounted tech links, Slickdeals offers up a bit of a gadget sampler. There's a duo of keyboards, a wireless router, a VoIP phone system and a gigabit networking switch that are ready to get cozy at your place if you're in the market. Don't sweat the rebates this time around, though, as all of these links come with coupon codes. Head on past the break to see the full list.
Viber comes to Symbian, S40 and Bada, adds HD voice calling and group messaging to Nokia Lumia handsets
VoIP-over-3G app Viber broke down in tears when it learned that, after Android, iOS and Windows Phone, there were no new worlds to conquer. Then a helpful soul pointed out that there were more than 1.5 Billion S40 devices in the world, and it set about adding that to the existing 100 million users of its service. In addition, it's bringing its free-calls platform to Symbian and Bada handsets while current Nokia Lumia owners running Windows Phone 7 will find they can now access HD voice calls and group calls. iOS users shouldn't feel left out, however, since an update to their app will add support for a variety of languages including Simplified Chinese, Hebrew and Portuguese.
