Soon we will be able to use video calling on Video Kinect, Live Messenger, Windows Phone 7, iOS, Android and more. Thus, there will be no reason to not stay in touch with your old friends and family.

• Microsoft Buys Skype for $8.5 Billion in Cash – May 10, 2011
• Avatar Kinect: Virtual Meeting on Your Xbox 360 – September 26, 2011
• Xbox Kinect 360 With Over 5000 Swarovski Crystals – September 24, 2011
• Microsoft LightSpace: Moving Files with your Hand – October 9, 2010
• Fring: VoIP for Your Mobile, Now also Do Video Calls – November 27, 2009

Microsoft Acquisition of Skype Could Really Help Video Kinect originally appeared on: Crenk
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It has now been confirmed that Microsoft have acquired Skype for $8.5 billion in cash. Microsoft and Skype are yet to confirm the deal themselves, but a press conference is expected later today.

This is a great result for all investors in Skype who were starting to get a little nervous about their anticipated IPO later this year.

Who were the big winners in this deal:

• If the price is $8.5 billion. eBay received around $2.55 billion for 30%. Great result!
• Founders – Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis made about $1.19 billion for their 14% stake.
• Silver Lake, Andreessen Horowitz and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) own 56 percent of the company and that stake is worth $4.76 billion.

It will now be very interesting to see what Microsoft can do with Skype. There is already a lot of talk about Skype on Kinect and we will post a little something about that within the next hour.

Why did Microsoft buy Skype:

• Great enterprise tool that uses Skype voice call, video calling and sharing options
• Relationship with carrier who are looking to partner with Skype
• Mainly for Windows Phone 7. Skype will offer Microsoft a competitor to Google Voice and Apple Facetime

• Microsoft Acquisition of Skype Could Really Help Video Kinect – May 11, 2011
• Nokia’s Windows Phone 7 Mobile Phones Coming Next Week – October 24, 2011
• Avatar Kinect: Virtual Meeting on Your Xbox 360 – September 26, 2011
• Xbox Kinect 360 With Over 5000 Swarovski Crystals – September 24, 2011
• Samsung Rumoured to be Acquiring Nokia – June 8, 2011

Microsoft Buys Skype for $8.5 Billion in Cash originally appeared on: Crenk
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Download skype.com/intl/en-us/get-skype/on-your-computer/linux/

• Install Skype on Ubuntu 11.04 Linux – January 29, 2011
• SearchBlox: Amazing Search Engine Tool for Your Linux Computer – June 10, 2011
• How to Install MOC Music Player for Linux – May 31, 2011
• Microsoft Acquisition of Skype Could Really Help Video Kinect – May 11, 2011
• Microsoft Buys Skype for $8.5 Billion in Cash – May 10, 2011

Skype Launches Skype 2.2 Beta for Linux: Download Now originally appeared on: Crenk
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Phone numbers in Gmail will appear as links.

It seems like the gap between Gmail voice calling and Skype is getting smaller and smaller. Since Skype has an IPO soon, will upgrades to Gmail voice calling really affect them?

• Microsoft Acquisition of Skype Could Really Help Video Kinect – May 11, 2011
• Microsoft Buys Skype for $8.5 Billion in Cash – May 10, 2011
• Skype Launches Skype 2.2 Beta for Linux: Download Now – April 12, 2011
• Skype Open Up Advertising: More Revenue Streams Before IPO? – March 7, 2011
• Make Free Video Calls on Your Mac: FaceTime for Mac is Available to Download – February 25, 2011

Google Adds One Click Calling to Gmail Voice Calling originally appeared on: Crenk
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The major tech blogs have been quick to jump on the back of Skype who have been running test advertising on their service.

Skype are planning on rolling out advertising within their Windows client this week. Skype already has the advertisers lined up and they include Groupon, Universal and Visa.

It seems like Skype are looking for more revenue streams which will help them push for a strong IPO later this year. Advertising within the free Skype option will drive many millions of extra revenue, without upsetting their client base too much.

According to the companies blog, they have been testing out ads via Rdio for the last few month (Rdio and Skype happen to have the same founders!). All advertising at the moment isnt extremely targetted, thus not using private user data.

Do you think this type of adveritsing is really going to affect you as a Skype user?

Other takes on the Skype advertising: Mashable, GigaOM, Download Squad, TheNextWeb and Techcrunch.

• Skype Push Back IPO Plans Until Second Half of 2011 – January 27, 2011
• Microsoft Acquisition of Skype Could Really Help Video Kinect – May 11, 2011
• Microsoft Buys Skype for $8.5 Billion in Cash – May 10, 2011
• Skype Launches Skype 2.2 Beta for Linux: Download Now – April 12, 2011
• Google Adds One Click Calling to Gmail Voice Calling – March 11, 2011

Skype Open Up Advertising: More Revenue Streams Before IPO? originally appeared on: Crenk
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Apple has just released FaceTime for Mac. The FaceTime application is available to download for $0.99 in the Mac App Store.

FaceTime was first launched on the iPhone 4 and since that time has become amazingly popular. Now users can FaceTime their friends on any Mac in the world. The FaceTime app provides full HD video calls as its main feature.

So why use FaceTime and not just Skype? Ease of use! FaceTime doesn’t have to be open for a user to receive a call, and making calls to iPhone or Mac users is incredibly simple.

[via MacRumors]

• How To Enable FaceTime On Your Apple iPad – February 7, 2011
• Apple Approves Google Voice iPhone Apps – September 20, 2010
• Video: Worlds Largest Apple Store in Grand Central Station New York – November 21, 2011
• Official Steve Jobs Biography is Out – October 24, 2011
• Journey from the Phone to the iPhone – October 19, 2011

Make Free Video Calls on Your Mac: FaceTime for Mac is Available to Download originally appeared on: Crenk
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The process is not complicated , and we will do everything using a terminal.

• First install the dependencies, with the command

sudo apt-get install libqt4-dbus libqt4-network libqt4-xml libasound2

• Now download our Skype. For operating systems 32- bit by typing

cd / tmp wget http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-linux-beta-ubuntu-32

• While for 64-bit systems we type

cd / tmp wget http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-linux-beta-ubuntu-64

• Time (procedure common to both 32-bit and 64 bit) installed Skype with the command

sudo dpkg-i skype-*. deb

• to install and finish the installation of Skype.

sudo apt-get -f install

• Microsoft Buys Skype for $8.5 Billion in Cash – May 10, 2011
• How to Setup Ubuntu 11.04 LAMP Server – May 5, 2011
• Skype Launches Skype 2.2 Beta for Linux: Download Now – April 12, 2011
• Skype Push Back IPO Plans Until Second Half of 2011 – January 27, 2011
• News Feed Reader for Linux – September 27, 2010

Install Skype on Ubuntu 11.04 Linux originally appeared on: Crenk
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From the Wall Street Journal report: “Tony needs to get his feet underneath him and understand the business and the voice of the company,” another person familiar with the matter said. “The intention is to go when Tony is ready and when the macroeconomic climate allows the company to go.” The additional time may help Mr. Bates to get Skype in better shape and increase its value ahead of an offering. But there is also the risk the IPO market weakens, hurting Skype’s chance to go public or depressing the value of the company.

• Microsoft Buys Skype for $8.5 Billion in Cash – May 10, 2011
• Skype Open Up Advertising: More Revenue Streams Before IPO? – March 7, 2011
• Install Skype on Ubuntu 11.04 Linux – January 29, 2011
• Skype Outage Resolved? – January 31, 2010
• VoIP Calling via 3G Arrives on the iPhone (about time!) – January 30, 2010

Skype Push Back IPO Plans Until Second Half of 2011 originally appeared on: Crenk
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AppleInsider reported that the two apps passing approval were GV Mobile + and GV Connect, both of which serve as a Google Voice app. According to the article, earlier in the month, the creator of GV Mobile + stated that he had gotten confirmation that Apple would be approving his app. Furthermore the article states that “the change in policy came after Apple published its App Store Review Guidelines for all to see.” If true, this is indeed a victory…for now.

With the release of apps that function as Google Voice apps, there is no doubt that Google will more than likely resubmit their official Google Voice app. In doing so, there does not seem to be a reason why this app would be rejected seeing how these other two have made it by. No word yet on when Google plans on resubmitting.

Does this change the way you would use your iPhone? With Skype already available and now Google Voice, could this effect the service plans we choose for our iPhones?

• China Launches iPhone 4 – September 20, 2010
• Verizon to Bolster Apple Bottom Line? – August 17, 2010
• iLounge Offers the Buyers Bible For iPads, iPhones, and iPods – May 31, 2010
• Windows 7 Phone Sexes Up the Market – February 18, 2010
• Is the World Ready for Android? – September 17, 2008

Apple Approves Google Voice iPhone Apps originally appeared on: Crenk
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The problems disrupted communications world wide, though it appears North America was the hardest hit. Users were forced to find alternative means to communicate, which was not so much the issue, but at the time Skype’s Twitter messages and website was offering up little more than what we already knew, that the service was experiencing problems.

If you go to both Skype’s blog and their Twitter page, there is never a definite answer as to what the issue was. There’s a lot of “standby” and “we’ll be up and running soon,” but no tangible explanation as to what happened. Kudos to Skype for keeping us informed and even redirecting people to follow their Twitter account due to the heavy load on their site, specifically in the forums, but what happened with sharing what caused down downtime in the beginning?

• Microsoft Buys Skype for $8.5 Billion in Cash – May 10, 2011
• Install Skype on Ubuntu 11.04 Linux – January 29, 2011
• Skype Push Back IPO Plans Until Second Half of 2011 – January 27, 2011
• VoIP Calling via 3G Arrives on the iPhone (about time!) – January 30, 2010
• Microsoft Acquisition of Skype Could Really Help Video Kinect – May 11, 2011

Skype Outage Resolved? originally appeared on: Crenk
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iCall is a new service which has just been announced for the iPhone 3G and the iPad SDK. This comes just hours after Apple dropped restrictions on VoIP services (maybe in an attempt to sugar coat the iPad given the lack of phone features?).

Despite the ‘Why?’, this is great news for all iPhone users. Skype should now be able to flourish on the iPhone and Google Voice will undoubtedly be given a place in the app store even though it was previously banned and the two companies are now at war with one another.

I’m looking forward to trying out some 3G video conferencing and testing out the quality of VoIP over a 3G network. The fact that the iPad doesn’t have a camera may hold it back in this regard but I guess it’s better than nothing.It’s about time Apple started paying attention to the needs of the customer instead of bowing to every demand of AT&T.

• iPad Analytics will be Supported by Motally – January 31, 2010
• IPHDAVAD The All In One HDMI and USB Port for Your iPhone and iPad – November 28, 2011
• Watch YouTube Playlists on iPad – November 27, 2011
• Crenk Weekly: Tech Info You Might Have Missed This Week – May 15, 2011
• Microsoft Buys Skype for $8.5 Billion in Cash – May 10, 2011

VoIP Calling via 3G Arrives on the iPhone (about time!) originally appeared on: Crenk
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Fring video calls are currently available on Nokia X6, N97 mini, N97, 5800, N95 8G and N95 devices as well as Symbian, Android, Windows Mobile, J2ME and Linux devices, and the company plans to launch video calling on the iPhone (the VoIP app is already available on the iPhone, but it does not yet include video). Of course, while the VoIP protocol will mean you use less of your contracted minutes, it will burn through your mobile data connection; make sure you are in range of your Wireless router, or go for the unlimited bandwidth option if you’re going to rely on Fring to make calls.

Here’s an example of their application in action.

If all you want to do is get all your IM friends in one place, you could also go over and check out EBuddy, who run a pretty good service.

• Microsoft Acquisition of Skype Could Really Help Video Kinect – May 11, 2011
• 7 Fun iPhone Apps for Animal Lovers – January 3, 2012
• Microsoft Buys Skype for $8.5 Billion in Cash – May 10, 2011
• Skype Launches Skype 2.2 Beta for Linux: Download Now – April 12, 2011
• Google Adds One Click Calling to Gmail Voice Calling – March 11, 2011

Fring: VoIP for Your Mobile, Now also Do Video Calls originally appeared on: Crenk
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Users must first go to www.starcommentator.com and click ‘Audition’. Then you choose from tonnes of different sports such as Football, Formula One and cricket. When auditioning, you read a small script about the sport from an online tele-prompter above the video recording screen. The contest organizers will then review the submissions. And even if you suck you might as well still enter because they’re giving away a tuck load of booty as seen below.

Check it out at www.starcommentator.com

• Microsoft Acquisition of Skype Could Really Help Video Kinect – May 11, 2011
• Microsoft Buys Skype for $8.5 Billion in Cash – May 10, 2011
• Skype Launches Skype 2.2 Beta for Linux: Download Now – April 12, 2011
• Google Adds One Click Calling to Gmail Voice Calling – March 11, 2011
• Skype Open Up Advertising: More Revenue Streams Before IPO? – March 7, 2011

Star Commentator: Present Sports Center on ESPN originally appeared on: Crenk
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In Russia, an activist group called the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs are lobbying to have the service removed or at least hindered in Russia. They argue that the service is not giving Russian services a fighting chance as Skype dominates the market. Other VoIP providers on the hit list were Google Voice which operates a service similar to that of Skype.

“Most I.P. telephony market brands, such as Skype and ICQ, are foreign, and that is why we have to protect the domestic producer.” These domestic producers such as MegaFon would indeed do better if there was no Skype in Russia but it would have disastrous consequences.

For one thing, may Russians rely on Skype as a lo-cost business tool. If it were to be taken away the only way to communicate with other devout Skype users across the globe would be regular phone or a less popular Russian service that would undoubtedly have compatibility issues with foreign VoIP services.

Another is that this would represent a step backwards for the Kremlin towards 1988. I don’t know what I would do if my Skype suddenly vanished – business costs would increase a ton!

• VoIP Calling via 3G Arrives on the iPhone (about time!) – January 30, 2010
• Google interested in Russian Dominated IM Service, ICQ – December 20, 2009
• Hong Kong Apple Store Tour – October 3, 2011
• Huffington Post To Be Leading Independent Online News Source in UK – July 9, 2011
• Microsoft Acquisition of Skype Could Really Help Video Kinect – May 11, 2011

Russia -v- Skype originally appeared on: Crenk
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A few months ago, Skype 4.0 graced our desktops throwing new updates our way. These included a new, more attractive interface and better interactivity. However, they held back. Basic features such as the contacts list and calling functions were upgraded but they decided to leave the fuzzy warm extras for later when we had all begun to forget their previous efforts.

Now Skype have made two great leaps in the world of Windows. Firstly, they have updated Skype for computers by allowing you to access multiple contact lists in applications and e-mail providers such as Outlook, AOL, Gmail and Yahoo! Mail. They have also added ‘Screen Sharing’ which allows you to share a portion or all of what’s on your screen to the person you’re chatting with. They have also released a fresh Skype for Windows Mobile OS allowing you to chat for free on devices such as the Samsung i900.

Then, they marched right on over to Apple, booted in the front door and were asked to wait while the Apple big boys took a look at Skype 1.1 on the iPhone. Much to the relief of the Skype boys sitting in reception getting rather bored with the long wait, Skype was eventually approved for the iPhone and is now available to download as an app.

Now, you can access your Skype voicemail on your iPhone and sent SMS from Skype. The program was also spruced up considerably to be a easier on the eye and boasts multilingual capabilities ranging from French to Polish to Traditional Chinese.

I can’t wait to see what those worker bees at Skype will release next; with any luck they’ll take advantage of growing 3G video capabilities.

• Microsoft Acquisition of Skype Could Really Help Video Kinect – May 11, 2011
• Microsoft Buys Skype for $8.5 Billion in Cash – May 10, 2011
• Skype Launches Skype 2.2 Beta for Linux: Download Now – April 12, 2011
• Google Adds One Click Calling to Gmail Voice Calling – March 11, 2011
• Skype Open Up Advertising: More Revenue Streams Before IPO? – March 7, 2011

Skype Updates for Windows and iPhone originally appeared on: Crenk
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• Save your Photos, Videos and Documents in one Place with PhotoRem – November 7, 2010
• Online Tribes Can Avoid GigaTribe – November 10, 2009
• Web App Buffers Timely Online Communication – November 6, 2009
• Social Networking with 6rounds Expands Online Community – November 4, 2009
• Social Networking Site for Collectors – June 29, 2009

TinyChat Upgrades Amazing Video Chat Application originally appeared on: Crenk
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