Tag Archives: Skype

software, tablets

Microsoft Apps to Come Preloaded On LG, Sony, Other Android Tablets

microsoft-powerpoint-in-android-tablet

Microsoft is one of these tech-oriented giant companies that seem to know a thing or two about software distribution across the pond. But what about apps? Glad you asked, because there’s something going on around the business of this corp these days – strategic wise, of course. Based on the details shared, the Windows maker announced that it has officially partnered with more than 20 Android tablet makers, among them are also big leaders like LG and Sony, to bundle its apps on future tablet versions or updates. Some of the apps which are due to come pre-loaded inside include the popular video messaging app Skype, as well as Bing, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook Word, Excel, and a variety some others. A sort of an Office Suite, if you will. The purpose of this move is likely to create a cross-platform functionality for its apps. Whether this is an indication that Microsoft is giving up on its own platform or not, I have no idea, but time will surely tell.

[Microsoft Blog]

tablets

HP’s 9.7-inch Palm TouchPad Announced: 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon, Beats Audio engine and webOS 3.0 Platform

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We’ve already seen a glimpse of what HP’s 9.7-inch Touchpad device looks like, and today it finally sees an official announcement. And while the tablet itself doesn’t break any design ground, the new webOS 3.0 platform is simply mind blowing. Weighing in at 1.6 pounds and measuring only 13.7mm thick, the Palm TouchPad, which used to be called Topaz, also includes a dual-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon processor, along with a very sharp  9.7-inch 1024 x 768 touchscreen display, an integrated gyroscope, accelerometer, your choice of 16/32GB of internal storage, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, A-GPS capabilities, and a 1.3MP front-facing camera, for audio/video conferencing support. Also, as far as music entertainment at this new Hewlett-Packard tablet goes, you get yourself a set of inbuilt stereo speakers, powered by HP’s own Beats audio engine that produces a  ‘Jump Smokers Sound’ that will make you dance, shake and rock.

Software wise, HP/Palm’s webOS 3.0 is beating everything easily so far. Generally speaking, it does kick Apple’s ass in some of the places, and certainly a lot nicer to use than any Android-powered devices we’ve ever had a chance to experience. Not only is the UI slick and geared toward public consumption, it is probably the only one out there to feature a true multitasking, to date (you hear that Apple?). Besides that, there’s a very cool email app preloaded inside, as well as a virtual keyboard, VPN capabilities, touch to share integration, wireless printing, and well established QuickOffice, Google Docs, Dropbox, and Box.net support.

Regretfully, price wasn’t announced yet (someone’s probably waiting for Apple to announce iPad 2 first) and the ship is set for this undetermined “coming this summer,” date…but that doesn’t mean we are any less excited, right?

While waiting, make sure you hit the jump to watch the video.

Update: We’ve just added another quick hands-on video, courtesy of TechnoBuffalo.

Continue reading HP’s 9.7-inch Palm TouchPad Announced: 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon, Beats Audio engine and webOS 3.0 Platform →

Applications, Internet, Phones

iPhone Officially Gets Skype Application For Free VOIP Calls

At last, after tons of expectations and millions, who’ve been anxiously waiting for this one to come out,  Skype officially releases an iPhone app, to enable worldwide VoIP calls over WiFi (not over EDGE or 3G ) without any extra charge. According to CrunchGear, the desirable application should be available for downloading from Apple’s App Store, somewhere in Tuesday – for free. You will also be able to collaborate with your contact lists, to make calls via Skype and chat with your friends and family, as long as you want. To make it even better, users with Skype accounts will have the ability to make SkypeOut calls, once they travel around hotspots. And last but not least, all your avatars will be automatically imported directly to your iPhone device, so no need to create new ones. Stay tuned !

Update1: In case you haven’t noticed, the iPhone 3G is now available – contract free – in AT&T and Apple stores, priced at $599 for the 8GB version or $699 for 16GB lovers.

Update 2: It is now available in iTunes store, free of charge. You can get it from here.

Update 3: Looks like you’ll be able to dial up via 3G data connection after all, so no need to stay around WiFi spots in order to use skype – COOL !!!

Update4: Apparently, dialing over 3G connection will only work if you have OS 3.0 beta. Having said that, doesn’t mean you won’t have any crashes or audio malfunctions at all. The only way to make it work properly is to have the skype run over WiFi with a non-beta firmware installed.

[via CrunchGear]

Accessories, Video

Creative Introduces a New Webcams Lineup For Notebooks

Creative unveils 4 new Plug n Play webcams for your notebooks, with built-in microphones and a sleeky design. The new Live! Cam series includes the Notebook Pro VF0400, Notebook Pro VF0250, Notebook, and the Notebook Ultra models. The one that has captured our eyes was the Live! Cam Notebook Ultra with a true 1.3 megapixel resolution and up to 5 megapixel image capture still. The Live! Cam Notebook Ultra supports a Wide-Angle Precision Lens, smooth full-motion 30fps digital video streams, a Smart Face Tracking function, 240 degrees swivel rotation, a strong PowerGrip to fit your lappy, a special effects add-on, and a hands-free stereo headset in the bundle, to speak with your friends on Skype, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger and other compatible messaging services. If you like the new Live! Cam Notebook Ultra, like we do, you can get yours for merely $120.

Creative-Live!Cam-Ultra

[via Creative]

Computers, Hardware

Sungjut TangoX Nano UMPC Features a Wireless Phone And a Touchscreen

Sungjut TangoX wants to play in the popular UMPC game, introducing a model to compete with the famous Asus Eee PC. The new nano UMPC comes with a 7-inch touchscreen – 800×480 and an internal wireless Skype/VOIP phone. It is packed with tons of cool features and houses aplenty of room for storage. Although there is no word on pricing or availability, the nano UMPC seems to offer a great alternative to the Eee. Check out the specs:

  • CPU: 1.2GHz VIA CPU C7-M ULV.
  • Display: 7″ WVGA touchscreen (800×480).
  • Memory: 1GB DDR2.
  • Storage Size: 40GB or 80GB.
  • Features: Built-in WiFi, a 4 in 1 Card reader, Ethernet Port, USB 2.0(x2), DVI output, integrated Skype/VOIP phone.
  • Dimensions: 230x171x29.4mm, 970gm.

Sungjut-TangoX-Nano-UMPC

[via akihabaranews]

Games, Mobile, News, Phones

Sony Magazine Implies For An Optional PSP Phone

No doubt, Sony has big plans for its PSP game console. Turns out the company develops a new PSP-style phone, trying to play in the mobile court, as we read in Sony Magazine. So far, these are just speculations and Sony has denied any development of a PSP-based gaming cellphone, but we have learned that Sony is a fond of “hidden-exposed” sales promotions, as we flutter back to the day the PSP-Skype was initially unveiled. Don’t get us wrong, we like to play with the idea of a mobile gaming device with cellular capabilities, but this time we should take the word of Sony Ericsson’s VP, Merran Wrigley, for not believing his company “would be able to create a phone worthy of the PlayStation brand”.

sony-magazine

[via phonemag]

Applications, Communication, Games, Internet

PSP Firmware Update 3.90 Features Skype

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As mentioned earlier, Sony announced the availability of Skype on PSP and despite a small delay, it is here, included in the latest firmware update 3.90 . For the time being, it is only available through network update for PSP-2000 models, but the new firmware expands the Playstation Network support to all models – Rock on.

Update: The M33 team has released a custom version of the 3.90 firmware update, available through Network Update.

psp-skype-390-update

[via gizmodo]

CES, Communication, Games

PSP Officialy Skyped – Is This The Mic?

psp-mic-skype

Recent speculations, concerning Skype application on the PSP console are becoming reality. Sony announced the availability of Skype on PSP, at the end of this month. Once the new firmware is released and installed into the device, a small Skype icon will pop up in the network section and users will be able to login with their Skype account or create a new one. As other Skype users, PSP owners will have the privilege to talk freely with their Skype friends, make calls to any regular phone or receive calls on their PSP device. Mind you, this will work only on a PSP Slim devices.

This new formation requires a designated microphone, to enable users make or receive calls on their PSP. A Japanese website, Famitsu, unveiled a designed PSP mic, together with some presumably pictures of the new interface.

[via engadget]

Applications, Communication, Games, Internet

Sony PSP Might Get Skype Support

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Recent speculations about Skype, coming to the PSP console, have just confirmed with this 1 frame shot, revealed in an easter egg PSP promo video that Sony released for the CES show, next week. In the picture frame, we spot 2 boys, holding their PSP devices and communicating with each other. In the middle, a sneaky image reads “Make calls with Skype”.

This news, coming out as a teaser from Sony, are going to catch a lot of attention at the CES. After all, it is a cool thing to have wireless communication in your portable game console.

skype-psp

[via engadget]