Mobile VoIP service Viber has decided to put down roots on the desktop, with the launch of OS X and Windows versions that turn the messaging system into a legitimate Skype alternative. The new Viber Desktop apps - which come alongside updates to its mobile software - support the majority of the features smartphone users are familiar with, but also benefit from intelligent message and call routing which means not every device will bleep whenever a new alert comes through.
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‘VoIP’ Stories
Viber Desktop for Mac and Windows hits as Skype gets competition
Skype for Windows adds video messaging (but Windows 8 has issues)
Skype for Outlook.com isn't the only new software the VoIP firm has today, with Skype Video Messaging for Windows desktop also emerging for those who want to send quick video snippets to each others' inboxes. Joining February's Video Messaging functionality for iOS, Android, and Mac, the new Windows beta works fully on Windows 7, but those running Windows 8 only get partial support.
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Microsoft launches Skype preview in Outlook.com
Microsoft has launched a preview of Skype in Outlook.com for users located in the United Kingdom, with those located in the United States and Germany being slated to get the preview "in the coming weeks." Following the full preview roll out will be the switch from preview mode, with video and audio calling being offered across the entire expanse of Outlook.com via Skype sometimes in the coming months. Hard dates weren't provided for any of the planned roll outs.
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Skype hits BlackBerry 10, but the Z10 is out of luck for now
Skype has landed for BlackBerry 10, but would-be VoIP users will need a Q10 initially, until BlackBerry updates its initial Z10 smartphone. The new app, confirmed as incoming only earlier this week, offers voice and video calling, instant messaging, and text messaging, just like Skype on other mobile platforms; however, it requires BlackBerry 10.1, loaded from the off on the newer Q10, but still pending for the Z10.
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Facebook Messenger for Android updated with free voice calling
Facebook has finally rolled out a new feature to its U.S. Android users that now allows them to initiate a free voice call with one of their Facebook friends. The voice calling feature will be available automatically, meaning you won't have to go to Google Play to download an update. The feature has been available to iOS users for quite some time now, and Android users in Canada had the feature since early March. The voice calling feature uses up your data plan instead of your actual minutes, so if you're on a tiered data plan, proceed with caution.
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Skype users talk about 2 billion minutes a day
Skype has just announced that its users have broken another milestone today. As of today, Skype says that all of its users use a total of 2 billion minutes a day to call their acquaintances, friends, and family members. That's one day. Now we can see why France wants to tax the VoIP service. Skype has come a long way since its debut, and is now available on almost any device with a screen. You can get it on your PC, Mac, iOS devices, Androids, Windows Phones, and even your TV.
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Twilio joins with Google to bring voice and messaging API to developers
Google and Twilio are teaming up to bring developers cloud-powered tools that will help them integrate their apps with VoIP and messaging services. Twilio has partnered up with Google's Cloud Platform, making it the first voice and messaging API available through the Google App Engine. With its API, developers are able to easily integrate messaging and VoIP capabilities into their apps with just a few lines of code.
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Saudi Arabia eyes ban on Skype, WhatsApp, Viber
Back in 2010 the government in Saudi Arabia threatened to institute a ban against BlackBerry services for not complying with rules in the country have new do with the ability to monitor communications. BlackBerry was forced to work very hard to avoid being banned within Saudi Arabia. Officials in Saudi Arabia are now threatening to ban some major VoIP applications.
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France wants to tax Skype
Arcep, a French regulator, has been demanding Microsoft to register Skype as a telecommunications operator in order to comply with local law. The regulator believes that the VoIP service needs to comply with the obligations of a normal telecommunications operator, such as the need to route emergency calls and integrate a system that would allow legal wiretapping on its service. Arcep has been trying to get Skype to become a telecommunications operator since April 2012.
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Skype 4.6 rolls out for iPad and iPhone, offers calling redesign
Skype has rolled out version 4.6 of its iPad and iPhone app, bringing with it several improvements, fixes, and a newly redesigned calling "experience." General improvements and fixes aside, users will find that some common complaints have been corrected as well, including the issue with dial pad/in-call buttons displaying incorrectly during a call.
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Facebook updates Messenger for Android, adds VoIP for Canadian users
Facebook has updated its Messenger for Android app, adding VoIP calls for its Canadian users. This is a further rollout of the feature we saw back in January, with iOS users in the United States currently having access to the feature. In addition, version 2.3 also brings with it some other updates, including the ability to name a group from a conversation.
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Skype for iOS updates with automatic call recovery, IM improvements
Today Skype released an update for the iPhone and iPad, both of which are getting some exclusive new features. Both devices now have automatic call recovery, meaning that dropped calls will result in an automatic redialing right away. There's also a fix to IM conversations, that make them appear in the correct order this time around, and finally a new opt-in/out selector when registering in the app.
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