Skype

Skype testing short video messaging feature

Microsoft is launching a new Video Messages feature to allow Skype users to send short video snippets to each other up to three minutes long. The feature works in both online and offline mode and Microsoft has started testing it with some Skype users on the Mac, iOS and Android, according to multiple web reports. Surprisingly, Skype Video Messages won't be initially available on Windows, but Skype for Windows users will receive these messages with a link to view them online. More tidbits right below...

Skype for iPhone gains emergency call redirection, automatic call recovery

Following a Skype for iPad update earlier this week that has enabled automatic dropped call recovery, in-app purchase of Skype credits and a minor UI tweak, the Microsoft-owned VoIP provider has pushed out an update to its iPhone and iPod touch client this morning. Borrowing from the latest iPad build, the iPhone version will now automatically reconnect any dropped call.

More importantly emergency calls now get routed through the native dialer, which is interesting knowing most other VoIP apps don't support this feature. A few more tidbits and the full changelog follow after the jump...

You can now add money to your account directly in Skype for iPad

Microsoft-owned Skype has some nice mobile clients on the iPhone and iPad (unlike its fugly Mac app). Though it's a tad heavy on CPU and battery, Skype on iOS offers excellent voice quality and image clarity in video chats. At least that's what my experience's been, your mileage may vary. Today, a new iPad build has surfaced on the App Store with some new nice capabilities worth a mention.

If you use Skype credits to text people and make inexpensive calls, no longer do you need to buy these on the Skype web site as the iPad build now supports adding money in-app, but only if you live in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Sweden or Estonia (more countries to follow soon).

Experiencing poor reception (it's Skype's way of letting us know we should buy some credits)? No problem, the new version now automatically reconnects a dropped call. More tidbits right after the break...

Skype update enables chatting with Messenger, Hotmail and Outlook.com contacts

Skype was recently updated with a taller UI tailored for the iPhone 5. Today, Microsoft pushed another update, bringing a few new features to the popular communications client. For starters, you can now merge your Skype and Microsoft account, which also enables the software to connect to Microsoft's other messaging properties. Most notably, this means you can now chat with Messenger, Hotmail and Outlook.com contacts right from Skype...

Skype app updated with new photo sharing feature

Skype users rejoice! The video calling service just updated its iPhone and iPad apps, bringing the mobile client to version 4.1. The update includes a handful of bug fixes and a new photo sharing feature.

That's right, users with the latest version of the app will now be able to send and receive photos...

Facebook testing Messenger for iPad with Skype video calling

A new report alleges that Facebook is working to add video chatting capabilities to its standalone messaging app for the iPhone. Additionally, the Facebook Messenger for iPad with video calling is also being tested internally.

Both versions of the Messenger app take advantage of Facebook’s deal with Skype from July of last year which has enabled the social networking behemoth to deliver Skype video calling right within the desktop interface...

Skype for iOS updated with new interface and bug fixes

Skype is one of the best tools to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues. It allows you to easily send messages and call people for free. Skype's iOS app also makes it even easier to communicate on the go.

Today, the Skype crew has released a welcomed update for their iOS app, that includes a new interface and a slew of bug fixes, in version 3.7:

New Vonage iOS App Promises 30% Lower Rates Than Skype

Vonage has come out fighting in its ongoing battle with the king of VoIP, Skype. The company has just released a new iOS app along with a low calling rate that is sure to put the frighteners on Skype.

Available to download for free right now, the Vonage app allows VoIP calls between Vonage users across iOS and Android as well as cheap calls to traditional landlines, too.

Vonage claims to be 70% cheaper than traditional telcos, and 30% cheaper than Skype...

VoIP-Based Services Like iMessage Reportedly Eating Carriers’ Lunches

With third-party instant messaging apps, Apple's own iMessage, and VoIP services becoming more prevalent, it is to be expected that at some point mobile networks will see a reduction in revenue as people move away from using SMS and voice calling.

What we didn't really expect is the move to start happening so soon. But according to one report, carriers are already feeling the pinch.

Research carried out by infrastructure solutions provider Mavenir Systems on behalf of mobileSQUARED suggests that carriers are already finding that third-party solutions are beginning to impact their business, and it's only going to get worse for the bottom line...

CallBar 1.0 Features Seamless iOS 5 Integration

The latest update to CallBar will add seamless iOS 5 integration to the much loved jailbreak tweak.

CallBar 1.0, as it's being called, is the same CallBar we reviewed back in July, only perfected.

Check inside for a video sneak preview of CallBar 1.0 before it hits Cydia...

Skype for iPhone and iPad Updated with Ads, Bluetooth Support, Image Stabilization

Skype has updated its iPhone and iPad apps in the App Store with several new changes and features. Bluetooth headset support has finally been added to Skype for iOS. A "bugfix for security vulnerability" has also been added, making us think that the privacy vulnerability from earlier has been patched.

Anti-shake technology has also been introduced to help stabilize users' video streams during a call. Skype has also added in-app advertisements for those who haven't purchased Skype credit...