iOS 5 Beta’s Add AirPlay Support for FaceTime

Wednesday July 13, 2011 7:38 am PDT by Eric Slivka on MacRumours

As noted by TiPb, the third beta of iOS 5 released earlier this week has activated new AirPlay streaming support for FaceTime video calling. The feature allows users to display FaceTime video calls directly on a large-screen TV for easy viewing by larger groups of people.

If this makes it into the final release — and not everything does — it’ll be fantastic for families and businesses alike.

The ability to easily start a video call and beam it onto the big screen is compelling. Whether it’s grandpa and grandma, or the team in England, it takes FaceTime from a small, personal experience to a big, group experience at the touch of a button.

With the FaceTime camera of course remaining on the iOS device itself, users taking advantage of the new AirPlay feature while participating in a FaceTime video call will need to ensure that they are looking in the proper direction, but it certainly appears that FaceTime over AirPlay does add some utility for video calling in group settings.

Facebook adds Skype Video Chat

by Leena Rao on TechCrunch

Skype CEO Tony Bates just took the stage at today’s Facebook eventannouncing integrated video calling, group chat and new design today and revealed a number of new stats regarding video calling on the VoIP platform. Bates said that Skype users are averaging 300 million minutes per month of video calling. Bates says that 50 percent of Skype’s traffic is video calling.

Back in December, Skype told us that video calling represented 40 percent of all Skype calls, so clearly the interaction with video is growing.

As Bates tells members of the press of the Facebook-Skype integration, For us we think this makes a lot of business sense. Thinking about having Skype paid products on the web. We look forward to bringing video calling powered by Skype on Facebook to every one of you out there.

Bates expects the Facebook integration to considerably increase video calling traffic for Skype.

You can read more about the recently announced Skype-Facebook integration here. And you can also see Skype’s mobile video strategy here.

ooVoo Releases Multiuser Video Chat App for the iPhone

By Ryan Lawler May. 26, 2011 on Gigaom

Online and mobile video chat provider ooVoo has just released a new app for the iPhone  that offers multi-platform video chat for Apple devices. By doing so, iPhone and iPod touch users now have one more way to launch multi-user video chat wherever they are.

The mobile video chat market is heating up, ever since Apple launched its FaceTime app with the introduction of the iPhone 4. Since then, a number of companies have sought to cash in on the phenomenon, including Skype, Tango, Yahoo and others. Like most of these video chat apps, ooVoo works on both 3G and Wi-Fi networks, and enables users to chat with friends on the web and on Android mobile devices.

The big differentiator ooVoo has is the ability to do multi-user chat. The app allows up to six different video chat partners to be logged into a call at once, and it does so with pretty fantastic video quality, even on mobile networks. In that respect, it primarily competes with Fring, which launched a multi-party, multi-platform group video chat app in early April.

There’s one other crucial difference: ooVoo’s user base. The company has long had a video chat application available on the desktop, where it mostly competed with Skype. But while Skype is used by many enterprise users and web-savvy professionals, ooVoo is being adopted by a very young user base, a trend being accelerated with the launch of its Android app. I have two teenaged sisters, and anecdotal evidence from their usage of the app shows that ooVoo is pretty cool with youngsters.

In a phone interview a few weeks ago, ooVoo CMO Matt deGanon confirmed my suspicions that the app has become a popular way for teenagers to keep in touch. According to him, about 57 percent of all ooVoo users are under the age of 25, and the overwhelming majority of that group are under 18. Surprisingly though, those teenagers aren’t necessarily using the app to just speak with their friends; deGanon said young ooVoo users were using the app to connect on social networks and meet new people live.

ooVoo has more than 25 million registered users now, but the launch of the iPhone app will surely drive that much higher. After announcing availability of the iPhone app to its 1 million Facebook fans, it has seen registrations at about three times its usual level, and expects to hit a record for registrations today.

5 Alternatives to Skype on iOS and Mac

Posted 05/10/2011 at 2:59pm | by J.R. Bookwalter on MacLife

As you’ve no doubt heard, Microsoft has snapped up popular VoIP developer Skype for a whopping $8.5 billion. If you’re not too fond of your favorite video chat software now being in the hands of the Borg, you’ll be happy to know there are other choices available.

It’s hard to believe that Skype has been around less than a decade, with most of that time being spent as under the ownership of another company — first eBay in 2005, then Silver Lake in 2009. Tuesday marked a new era for the little VoIP company that could, with Microsoft acquiring the company outright for $8.5 billion and big plans to set up its own Skype division in Redmond.

As with any such acquisition, there’s a bit of anxiety brewing among longtime users of the Skype service, particularly after the company’s Mac client got an unwelcome, Windows-style update recently. Could worse updates be in store? Here’s a look at a handful of Skype-esque services you might consider if Microsoft doesn’t improve things.

5 Skype Alternatives

FaceTime

Available on the Mac (99 cents via the Mac App Store) as well as iOS devices, Apple’s own FaceTime service is a great free alternative to Skype — assuming you don’t need text chat, file transfer or the ability to connect over 3G. In the case of the iPad 2, it’s one of the only native video chat services currently available, and the price is certainly right.

fring

Although there’s no desktop-based version, fring is a great solution for iOS users, particularly if you want group video calling, live text chat and even the ability to make cheap international calls (via “fringOut,” the company’s own version of SkypeOut credit). fring is also available on Android devices, which broadens the scope of who you can call up.

Nimbuzz

In addition to bundling IM services from AIM, Yahoo, MSN, ICQ, GoogleTalk, Facebook, and MySpace, the Nimbuzz iOS app also offers their own Skype-esque service with free HD voice quality calls. For now, it’s voice and text only, but there’s also a Mac and PC client so you can keep in touch from your computer as well.

Tango Video Calls

If you’re primarily looking for free voice and video calls, Tango has what you’re looking for — and unlike FaceTime, it works over both 3G and Wi-Fi, although the iOS client isn’t optimized yet for the iPad 2. Sadly there’s no desktop connectivity as yet, but since our iOS device is always with us, who cares?

VoxOx

Is it possible to outdo Skype? VoxOx thinks so, and its desktop software provides all of Skype’s key features, as well as free voicemail, conference calls, translation, and even fax services. The free VoxOx Call iOS app allows the key features to be used while on the go. Did we mention it’s free to sign up and get started?

‘Yahoo! Messenger’ Goes Universal, Adds Video Calling for iPad 2

Thursday May 19, 2011 9:31 am PDT by Eric Slivka on MacRumours

Yahoo yesterday released an update to its Yahoo! Messengerapplication for iOS devices, going universal with an iPad-specific interface and adding voice and video calling capabilities for the iPad 2.

What’s new

– iPad-optimized layout
– Voice & video calling for iPad 2
– Improved spam management: block one or all add requests from a single view
– Fixed multiple bugs including the unexpected sign-out issue

Yahoo! Messenger is a free application.

Microsoft’s Skype Buy Could Be Good News for Apple Video Chat

By Darrell Etherington May. 10 on Gigaom

Microsoft announced today that it will acquire Skype for $8.5 billion in cash. Skype will form a new business division within Microsoft, and Skype CEO Tony Bates will become president of said division. Despite Microsoft’s position as a longtime Apple competitor, this deal could improve the state of video chat on Apple devices.

Microsoft, will, of course, most likely prioritize its own software and hardware when it comes to new Skype features and improvements. Redmond has already announced that it plans to bring Skype to Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone 7 and other Windows devices, and that it will also be integrated with existing Microsoft communities like Lync, Outlook and Messenger. But Microsoft is also quick to note it will “continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.”

There’s plenty of reason to believe that isn’t just an empty statement. Microsoft might erode its existing Skype subscriber base by ignoring or closing down support for platforms where the service is popular, including Apple devices. And Microsoft has been good about creating and maintaining software for Apple hardware recently; Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 is a huge improvement over its predecessor, and finally brought Outlook to OS X. Microsoft also provides some interesting iOS products, like Photosynth, which it has yet to release on Windows Phone 7.

The company is clearly keen to capitalize on the opportunities provided by making its software available on competitor platforms, and much of Skype’s value lies in its ability to connect users across a wide variety of platforms. The whole reason I (and many others, I suspect) have a paid Skype account to begin with is that we know it’ll work with basically whatever hardware people I’m trying to contact happen to have. If Microsoft just wanted Skype’s tech in order to keep up with Google and Apple’s video communications tech, it would’ve bought a much cheaper video chat startup and saved itself a few billion dollars. Since it must want the network, too, it’ll keep up development on platforms other than its own.

And since Microsoft is planning to significantly expand the reach of Skype by building it into incredibly popular devices like the Kinect and Xbox, this deal should actually benefit Apple customers who are also Skype users. That’s because it’ll expand the potential user pool considerably, and make it that much more likely that the person you’re trying to reach through Skype for voice and video chat will have access to hardware that’s equipped for the task.

I use FaceTime and iChat for video calls between Macs on occasion, but I know just as many households with Xboxes and Kinects as I do ones with Macs or FaceTime-capable iOS devices. In theory, Skype’s expanded availability should just about double my potential iPhone and Mac video calling audience.

The update cycle for Skype’s Mac and iOS clients might suffer in comparison to their Windows counterparts as a result of this deal, but Microsoft won’t drop support entirely, and the VoIP service’s reach will increase considerably. It’s one more step towards making video chat usable and useful to more people, which is a good thing for those hoping video calling catches on.

9 Great Alternatives to Skype for VoIP and Video Chat

By Simon Mackie May. 10, 2011 on Gigaom

While Darrell thinks that Microsoft buying Skype in a $8.5 billion deal is probably good news for video chat users, there will probably be some Skype customers who are worried about the implications of the acquisition and may be looking for alternatives. While there’s probably no one service that provides a feature-for-feature replacement for Skype, there are plenty that offer great VoIP and video calling services, some of which are even better than Skype’s. Here is a list of some of our favorites:

VoIP/Phone service

• Google Voice. Voice is Google’s phone service, which launched to much fanfare in March 2009. It provides free PC-to-PC voice and video calls, free PC-to-phone calls within the U.S. and cheap calls elsewhere (for users in the U.S. only). One of Google Voice’s most useful features (again, only available to U.S. residents) is that it enables users to have one number that they can use anywhere — any calls placed to that number will ring all of the users’ configured phones. The service also provides a range of useful additional features, such as voicemail, SMS, conference calling, call screening and transcription of voicemail messages.
• Vbuzzer. A VoIP and IM service that, unlike Skype, is based on open protocols like XMPP and SIP. It offers free PC-to-PC calls, as well as paid-for PC-to-phone calls, with typically cheaper rates than Skype. It also features voicemail, call forwarding, caller ID, web conferencing and fax service.
• VoxOx. VoxOx is trying to be an “all-in-one” messaging app for both the desktop and mobile devices. It combines phone calls, IM, SMS, video chat, conference calling and even fax. It also provides similar “one number anywhere” functionality to Google Voice, and outgoing calls can be placed at competitive rates. While Charlie didn’t particularly like the Mac client when he reviewed it back in January, finding some shortcomings, it’s worth a look. The iPhone app is interesting because rather than relying on VoIP, it uses callbacks — the service can ring you on any convenient nearby phone line.
• Viber. iPhone users looking for a way to make free VoIP calls should take a look at Viber, a VoIP app that allows iPhone-to-iPhone calling over 3G and Wi-Fi connections. The app is free, runs in the background, doesn’t have any ads and won’t charge you anything to make calls. Android and BlackBerry apps are apparently in the works, which would extend the app’s reach significantly.
• Grasshopper. Looking for a step up from Skype to a more business-oriented virtual phone system? Grasshopper provides many of the features found in expensive office PBX systems for a fraction of the cost, including support for multiple users, each with their own extension, individual greetings, voicemail, web access and notifications by email or text message, as well as the ability to have local or toll-free numbers for people to call you on. Charlie was impressed by the product and its slick web interface when he reviewed it back in 2009. The type of advanced functionality you get comes at a higher cost than consumer-focused offering like Google Voice and Skype, however, with a range of plans available.
• 8×8 Virtual Office Pro/Solo.  8×8 provides another useful VoIP-based virtual business phone system. It’s available in two editions, Virtual Office Pro for businesses requiring multiple extensions, and Solo for individuals (see Charlie’s recent review). The system includes business numbers, voicemail, call waiting, music on hold, caller ID, three-way calling and the ability to record calls for storage as digital audio files. It costs $49.99 per extension per month for the Pro Edition or $7.99 per month for the Solo edition.

Video Chat

While some of the options listed above, like Google Voice,  provide video calling as part of the services they offer, there are also some dedicated video chat apps:

• Tinychat. For multiuser video chats, Tinychat is great. It’s dead simple to use, requires no login, and has a clean interface. It’s Flash-based, so it should work in most browsers and up to 12 people can join a video chat simultaneously. The basic service is free.
• ooVoo. ooVoo also provides free multiuser (up to six people simultaneously) video chat, and has clients available for Mac, PC and a wide range of mobile devices. It even allows for high-quality video calling over 3G wireless networks.
• FaceTime. Apple’s video chat application is no longer just for iPhone users. With the launch of FaceTime for Mac in February, it works on Macs and any iOS device with a forward-facing camera, it makes it possible to place Mac-to-Mac, Mac-to-iPhone/iPod touch/iPad, and iPhone/iPod touch/iPad -to-iPhone/iPod touch/iPad calls. Video quality is high, supporting up to 720p resolution on more recent Macs.

What are your favorite alternatives to Skype?

Photo courtesy Flickr user DanBrady

Microsoft confirms takeover of Skype

10 May 2011 on BBC News UK

Microsoft has confirmed that it has agreed to buy internet phone service Skype.

The deal will see Microsoft pay $8.5bn (£5.2bn) for Skype, making it Microsoft’s largest acquisition.

Luxembourg-based Skype has 663 million global users. In August last year it announced plans for a share flotation, but this was subsequently put on hold.

Internet auction house eBay bought Skype for $2.6bn in 2006, before selling 70% of it in 2009 for $2bn.

This majority stake was bought by a group of investors led by private equity firms Silver Lake and Andreessen Horowit.

Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said: “Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world.

“Together we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world.”

Skype will now become a new division within Microsoft, and Skype chief executive Tony Bates will continue to lead the business, reporting directly to Mr Ballmer.

Price concerns

Analysts say Microsoft’s aim in buying Skype is to improve its video conferencing services.

Although the price tag of $8.5bn will not stretch the US giant, some experts have questioned whether it is paying too much for a company that has struggled to turn a profit.

Michael Clendenin, managing director of consulting firm RedTech Advisors, said: “If you consider [Skype] was just valued at about $2.5bn 18 months ago when a chunk was sold off, then $8.5bn seems generous.

“[It] means Microsoft has a high wall to climb to prove to investors that Skype is a necessary linchpin for the company’s online and mobile strategy.”

This view was echoed by Ben Woods, head of research group CCS Insight.

“The big unanswered question is how do Skype assets work for Microsoft… how do you justify the price?” he said.

Skype was founded in 2003.

Calls to other Skype users are free, while the company charges for those made to both traditional landline phones and mobiles.

iPad 2 – Couple of weeks in…

I haven’t had much time to spend on this blog lately but during my absence there has been a fair amount of Apple news including the release in Australia of Apple’s new iPad 2. It’s been no secret I’ve been anxiously awaiting the 2nd version of this tablet having had version 1 for about 9 months. The addition of cameras and a faster processor and better screen has made the possibilities endless.

I posted a review on FaceTime ages ago on this blog and always said that video conferencing on a device the size of a tablet would be awesome! and I must say Apple haven’t dissapointed. There already are several apps available that take advantage of the cameras for video calling including FaceTime and there are several big names in the video conferencing industry planning releases soon which should make this mobile platform reveal even more possibilities.

I purchased a 64GB WiFi model, I see no need for a 3G capable iPad especially as I own an iPhone 4 and I can use the personal hotspot feature to share my mobile internet connection with the iPad negating the need for a seperate mobile data plan for the iPad.

I did test a 3G model for a few days and found the 3G capabilities to be as good as version 1 and on par with the iPhone.

The faster processor makes loading apps significantly quicker, I tested the same app on a version 1 iPad and loaded them at the same time and found the iPad 2 to load most apps almost twice as quick. The processor coupled with the higher resolution display makes this an ideal media consumption and gaming device but it has enough grunt to do advanced music and graphics editing as well as read your email, surf the web or watch YouTube.

One thing I noticed right away was the redesign of the case, thinner with rounded edges and noticeably lighter than my iPad 1. My only complaint about the external design of the iPad 2 is the connector port at the bottom is flimsy, the connector is easily dislodged due to the rounded edge of the case which makes accidentally unplugged the iPad 2 easy (a blessing if you forget its connected and stand up with it in your hands!).

I purchased a red leather smart cover at the same time and I must say this is one of the most simple yet elegant accessories Apple has ever designed for one of it’s products. The magnetic connectors work well, the ability to fold up the cover into a stand that cat sit upright or lying down is brilliant! One thing I noticed there aren’t many back covers out yet that are compatible with the smart cover, I’ve seen a couple and will be checking one out soon. At the moment I use a clear silicon back cover which I have cut on one edge to facilitate the smart cover, it works but it’s not great.

Battery life I noticed isn’t as good as the iPad 1, and it drains quicker when doing certain things like graphics intensive movies etc. The new display must chew a fair bit of juice compared to the iPad 1. Charging seems to take longer as well.

Apps that are specifically designed for the dual core processor and/or higher res display are great, and even regular apps work just as good if not better on the iPad 2 and many app publishers are updating their apps to take advantage of all the new features on the iPad 2 such as the gyroscope for game control etc. My favourite games at the moment are EA Sports Fight Night 2, EA Sports Need For Speed Hot Persuit, Garage band from Apple is great if your into creating music or just messing with a guitar or drums!

All in all the iPad 2 has live up to my expectations and I already look forward to the iPad 3 and what Apple is going to give us that’s new! Whilst this device isn’t cheap compared to other mobile devices and tablets I think the overall design and engineering of the hardware coupled with Apple’s iOS operating system make this the front runner in the market as a mobile media consumption device.

That’s right, a media consumption device. Not a replacement for your PC or laptop or mobile, but a separate portable device designed for consuming local and online media be it audio, video, documents or websites etc this device has many uses and indeed can do most things a laptop can do but not all. If you set your expectations as such you won’t be dissapointed in purchasing an Apple iPad 2.

Fring First With iPhone Group Video Calling

By Darrell Etherington Apr. 28, 2011, 10:42am PT on Gigaom

Fring released an update Thursday for its iPhone app that brings group video chat to the service. You can now use Fring to chat with up to three friends (for a total of four people) over 3G and Wi-Fi. Android users can also get in on the action, using Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G and both platforms can talk to each other. Fring had been testing the group video chat feature in limited betasince the beginning of April.

Fring is the first app that brings group video chat to the iPhone, beating out industry leaders like Skype, and also Apple itself. Code found in FaceTime for iPhone seems to indicate that Apple plans to eventually roll out group video chat for the service, but for the time being, Fring gets to be the only game in town (for iOS; there’s a group video chat for Android and Mac/PC called Oovoo). Best of all, video calling is completely free with Fring. Enabling group video chat in the Skype desktop client requires a paid premium account.

Group video chat may not be a feature many users find themselves pining for just yet, but if you do happen to need it, not having a mobile option is a considerable drag. And even if not many users actually take advantage of Fring video calls, the company still scores a significant victory just by being first to market, especially in a field like video calling, which is expected to become huge in the next few years, especially on mobile devices. That Fring also managed to bring cross-platform support for the two biggest mobile operating systems out of the gate at feature launch is also no small victory.