Daily Bits

skype

5 kinds of programs you should install on a new Windows PC

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So you’ve unpacked your new desktop or laptop, or just finished a reformat. What programs should you install on your brand new Windows installation? Here are 10 suggested application categories, listed in the order they should be installed.

Keep in mind that the following suggestions are meant for a new Windows installation. As a long-time user of Microsoft’s operating system, I’m aware that even Windows 7 has many disadvantages compared to Linux and Mac OS X. Yet in terms of versatility and availability of programs, Microsoft’s OS remains supreme. [Read more…] about 5 kinds of programs you should install on a new Windows PC

iPhone Skype Video Calling App Now Available!

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The guys at Skype have got a nice Christmas present for iPhone users – albeit a belated one. Skype just announced the availability of a new app for the iPhone that will allow users to do video calls – something that many people have been waiting for for a while now. There is FaceTime for the iPhone, yes, but that only works when both users are on Wi-Fi and not 3G. With this new Skype app, though, iPhone users do not need to connect to Wi-Fi and can use 3G to make video calls!

While the app does have its limitations, such as video calls only working with Skype-to-Skype calls, it seems to be ahead of FaceTime in many different aspects. For one, the amount of data used by Skype video calls is much less than FaceTime. Skype does recommend that the app be used over Wi-Fi for “best results”.

More good news – the app will work on the following devices:

  • iPhone 4
  • iPhone 3GS
  • 3rd generation iPod touch
  • 4th generation iPod touch
  • iPad

Of course, the other party will not be able to see you if you’re using the iPad, but with rumors about the iPad 2 coming soon, it shouldn’t be much of an issue.

You ought to be aware that additional charges may – and probably will – apply when the app is used over 3G.  Still, it should not be too bad since the data usage is not supposed to be that high.  Then again, you might want to take it easy when you first use it so as to avoid unpleasant surprises when your phone bill arrives.  For more information, visit the Skype Help Page.

Photo via Unwired View

Skype and Facebook to Merge?

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Got the new Skype for Windows yet?  If so, you probably have noticed that there is a new tab – a Facebook tab.  This is the result of a collaboration between the two companies.  The presence of a Facebook tab in Skype 5 for Windows implies a lot of things.

One, Skype users will be able to interact with their Facebook friends directly from Skype.  This can be done in a variety of ways – updating of status messages, commenting on other people’s status messages, and “liking” other people’s status messages and posts.  They can also see the news feed directly from Skype.

Two, there is a Facebook phonebook feature in the new Skype that will allow users to directly call – and send text messages – to their contacts from Skype.  If anything, that should be a more convenient way of getting in touch with one’s friends.

Three, group video calling is also available in beta version.  As of now, this is available on a free trial basis.

Experts have noted that this collaboration has been in the stars for a while and that it is but a logical turn of things.  Skype and Facebook have been at the forefront of their respective fields and putting their resources together is the only way to go forward.

For now, only Windows users can enjoy this integration.  For Mac and Linux users, we have to wait indefinitely.  I say indefinitely as there is still no announcement as to when they will release this version of Skype for other platforms.  I just hope that they actually do!

Afterthought: I wonder if they will be able to integrate Facebook chat?  Now THAT would be a definite improvement, don’t you think?

Skype Mobile for Verizon Goes Out on Thursday

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If you’re a Verizon Wireless customer using a smartphone under any Verizon data plan, you’d be glad to know that come Thursday, Skype Mobile will be available for download to your Verizon phones.  Of course, if you’ve been using Skype since ages ago, you’d know that this mobile app will allow you to get in touch with friends, family and colleagues all over the world.

Skype Mobile will let you make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to practically anyone else who are also using Skype.  It will also let you send and receive unlimited instant messages with other Skype users, and call international phone numbers at cheap rates.

So, if you’ve got any of the following Verizon smartphones:

  • BlackBerry Storm 9530,
  • Storm2 9550,
  • Curve 8330, Curve 8530,
  • 8830 World Edition
  • Tour 9630 smartphones,
  • DROID by Motorola
  • DROID ERIS by HTC
  • Motorola DEVOUR

then prepare your smartphones now to download Skype Mobile on Thursday.

Skype Mobile works on Verizon Wireless’ voice network for wireless connection during Skype-to-Skype calls.  When making international calls, Skype Credits are required. But for domestic Skype-to-Skype calls are free of charge and will not affect your monthly minute allowance and data plan.

To get the download link for the app, text SKYPE to 2255 on Thursday.

Skype to Update its Mobile App to Support VoIP 3G

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A couple of days ago, Fring has enabled 3G calling on its iPhone applications. Made us wonder whether Skype will follow them and update their Skype Mobile app for the iPhone.  But apparently, the Skype folks are not rushing into the frenzy created by Apple’s recent ruling on allowing voice calls through 3G on  the iPhone. Before internet voice calls were carried via Wi-Fi only.

So, why is Skype taking its sweet time in updating their mobile Skype app to enable the said feature? According to David Ponsford head of the Skype iPhone Team, Skype will release this update pretty soon.  He also said that Skype wants to make sure that when they allow voice calls through 3G network on their mobile app, the sound quality will not suffer.

Mr. Ponsford also said that the Skype update will allow calls in wideband audio which actually translates to greater clarity and fidelity of voice calls through 3G network.

Interestingly, the Skype folks are also pretty much excited about the recent launch of the iPad. The Skype team is carefully looking into the details of the device and it looks like they might be cooking up something for iPad and Skype. Although I’m not really sure as to how this could be possible considering the fact that the iPad does not have a front-facing camera which is needed for voice chat,  or a mobile phone capability.

Or maybe the Skype team is expecting something else from the iPad that we may not be aware of?