As expected, Microsoft has announced that it is acquiring VoIP firm Skype for $8.5bn in cash. The deal will see Skype integration with Microsoft platforms including Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone and a wide array of Windows devices; it will also allow for cross-communication between Skype users and Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities.
Early last week, T-Mobile announced a fresh crop of VoIP and data services under a new brand called Bobsled. The first of its offerings was a free VoIP calling app for Facebook that may eventually make its way as an app for mobile devices. Unfortunately, the road is a bit rocky, as today T-Mobile announced on their Facebook page that they've voluntarily and temporarily suspended the Bobsled service as apparently they need to work some things out with Facebook.
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A new Skype for Android update has enabled 3G voice calls in the US, addressing one of the biggest complaints users have made about the free VoIP software. The new app, v1.0.0.983, brings the same 3G calling functionality as international users have been enjoying to the US, rather than limiting it to the Verizon version of the Skype app as has been the case until now.
T-Mobile announced today a new service called Bobsled that will bring a host of services that integrate traditional telecommunications with internet-based voice and data services. The first product to launch under Bobsled "brings your voice to Facebook." The service will allow you to make free calls to your friends on Facebook via a downloaded app. The service is powered by Vivox, a VoIP company that has been offering voice chat in video games for Sony as well as within Facebook.
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I am not a Mac user so I can’t speak to the validity of this, but apparently chat on Skype for Mac sucks. It seems that it sucks so badly that Skype is asking Mac geeks for help designing something better. I guess the upside to this is if the new version created sucks, they can blame it on the users and not take the heat themselves.
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Here is yet another reason to rid yourself of that antiquated home phone. gHome is offering a new service that will turn your Google Voice account into a home phone. But can't you already use Google Voice on your home phone? Yes, but you need an actual phone line to do it. This service lets you set up the service using only a high speed internet connection and a VoIP adapter. Yes, you can do that with Vonage, too. But this is cheaper. Find out more after the cut.
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Skype has announced it will begin showing adverts as part of the Skype for Windows home tab later this week, the first time advertising has been promoted within the app. The US, UK and Germany will be the first markets covered, while Groupon, Nokia, Universal Pictures and Visa have all signed up to show their wares on a daily basis.
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Facebook and Skype have apparently returned to the negotiating table, with the prospect of Facebook users being offered video call functionality. Talks last year between the two companies resulted in the launch of Skype voice calls between Facebook friends, but according to Bloomberg's pair of sources the discussions had also tentatively covered video calls as well.
That failed to appear in the October Skype update, but with Apple's FaceTime system gaining momentum - likely to be aided with the launch of the iPad 2 later this week, which features twin cameras for FaceTime support - it seems Facebook's interest has re-awakened.
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Skype announced today their Skype To Go service as a new way to save on calling abroad. This new service lets you enjoy great rates on calls without needing an internet connection or being in an area with 3G coverage. It works on any mobile phone as well as landline phones.
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Skype has stripped the beta label from its Skype for Mac app, and in the process made group video calling a premium - i.e. paid - feature. $4.99 gets you a day's use of group video, or there's a monthly subscription for $8.99. Meanwhile, Skype has also slimmed down the UI and stuffed more of IM conversations into the screen at any one time.
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Google has briefly trialled number porting for its Google Voice service, offering some users of the VoIP system the chance to bring over their existing mobile number rather than use the Google-supplied number. Priced at $20, Google has confirmed that it plans "to offer this feature to all users in the near future."
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Skype's official statistics have confirmed that it set a new record for simultaneous users of its VoIP service, with over 27 million online in the past seven days. In fact, both the 26m and 27m records were broken in short succession in the past few days; Skype is yet to comment officially on the numbers - they're perhaps waiting for the 30m mark, which would be rounder and more press release friendly - but the breakthrough comes in the wake of video-capable iOS apps and new group calling functionality.
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