skype

GizmoCall tries to make cheap VoIP calls easy

Correction: An earlier version of this story did not appropriately credit the image used. Tom Keating from TMCnet had taken the screen shot of the GizmoCall dial pad. Keating also reviewed the GizmoCall service here. A new image from GizmoCall has been added to this story.

A new low-cost voice over Internet Protocol service started by serial entrepreneur Michael Robertson promises to provide cheap phone calls without requiring any software to be downloaded.

The service, called GizmoCall, launched this week. Unlike Skype, which requires users to download a software client to use the service, GizmoCall is Flash-based, requiring nothing more … Read more

The home stretch: Skype's third 4.0 beta

Those of you following the progress of Skype's beta series for version 4.0 already know that the seminal VoIP caller has been striving to get people interested in--and even aware of--Skype other features by rearranging its program's interface in time for version 4.0.

On Thursday, Skype released Skype 4.0 beta 3 for Windows, the third--and as far as we know, final--beta in the development series.

In addition to Internet telephony, Skype wants to make it easier to switch among IM and phone conversations, to place calls to non-Skype users' mobile phones and landlines, and to … Read more

Skype's latest beta: A worthy Windows Mobile update

Skype for Windows Mobile 2.5 beta, released on Tuesday, essentially brings changes made to Skype's desktop VoIP client (download|review) to Windows Smartphones and Windows Pocket PCs.

The application's display is compact, intuitive, and full-featured.

The mobile version places tabs for your various actions at the bottom of the app. By switching among them, you'll be able to change your online status and see missed calls and instant messages, initiate IMs, or place a call to your contact's Skype account, mobile number, or land line if you've purchased Skype Out. There's also a … Read more

Free and cheap iPhone calls

The free Fring for iPhone is a compelling VoIP caller and multinetwork chat app in one. Tap over to the add-ons section to talk to friends using Skype, SIP, and Windows Live Messenger (MSN), Google Talk, and ICQ's protocols. Like plugging a headset into the PC, Fring's app spells cheap calls to international contacts. Beware though, you'll need a strong Wi-Fi connection to make or receive VoIP calls.

In addition to stretching out your vocal chords, Fring can open conversations for the IM networks above, as well as for AIM and Yahoo. Signing into Twitter from Fring … Read more

Skype's newest feature: Mail-order brides

OK, I've been in New York all week, meeting with customers and partners. It gets a little lonely on the road.

Imagine my surprise when Skype introduced me to its newest feature: mail-order brides! At least, I think that's what this offer was....Is Skype psychic or what?

I knew my wife for six years or so before we got married. What a drag! With Skype I can just log in, get a wife, and log out again. Who knew the lengths to which technology would go to make our lives easier?!?

All Skype needs now is to … Read more

Skype wirelessly with Drone Bluetooth adapter

Most new laptops have built-in Bluetooth these days, but if yours doesn't, you might want to get what CallPod introduced on Thursday, the Drone.

The Drone is not a regular Bluetooth adapter. It's a high-powered device that offers a range of up to 300 feet; that's 10 times the range of regular Bluetooth devices.

Designed mainly for audio purposes, once plugged in, the Drone is recognized by a computer as a speaker. The Drone's built-in firmware then streams the computer's audio feed to Bluetooth headsets or speakers.

For this reason, the device is perfect for … Read more

Google launches video chat for Gmail

Google is rolling out video and voice capabilities for the chat function that is embedded in the Gmail interface. It's a bare-bones voice and video-conferencing service, but it's simple to install and use and is a very good addition to Gmail.

It's no Skype, though. Gmail Video and Voice, as it's called, can't connect to the plain phone network, as Skype's paid service can. And there are plenty of other optional features missing, like a voice call recorder.

I found a demo of voice and video quality on the service excellent, although to be … Read more

Slash your long-distance bills

In some ways, Skype's latest offering takes a step back, but in many, it's a jump forward. In version 4.0, Skype's VoIP app for text, audio, and video calls refocuses on Skype's core competency (and most formidable challenge) of delivering high-quality audio and video calls over the Internet. A new sound engine and bandwidth manager helps keep calls clearer and more stable as talkers reach out across the world, using the spectrum of high- and low-end equipment. The improved sound and video quality were notable in our tests.

Many of Skype's secondary features remain … Read more

Microsoft, Telefonica dial up Live Messenger VoIP

Telefonica, the largest telecommunications provider in Latin America, announced on Friday that it has officially been chosen by Microsoft to provide voice over Internet Protocol services to Windows Live Messenger customers in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, the United States, and Venezuela.

Dubbed Voype, Telefonica's VoIP service works with Live Messenger and will enable Windows Live customers to make calls directly from their PCs to any landline or mobile phone in the world.

Obviously taking aim at eBay's popular Skype Internet telephony technology, Microsoft's Live Messenger VoIP solution may not be such a bad choice. Calls to … Read more