Skype Releases Version 4.0 - Video Calling Now Available

On Feb. 3rd 2009, Video calling over Skype became available to everyone with a webcam and an internet connection.

Face-to-Face Video Calling
"Video calling has emerged as a very popular way for people to communicate online," said Mike Bartlett, director of product strategy for Skype. "Whether it's saying hello to your daughter at college or reading a book to your child while you're away on business--video calling lets you have the conversations that make a difference and it really feels almost as good as being there." Read the Skpe Release

The benifits of Skye 4.0 don't just stop at the video calling features. New Audio codecs have improved the sound performance. Features to allow you to juggle conversations. Oh, and the fact that Skype to Skype Video calls are FREE!

Add an Unlimited US & Canada calling subscription from Skype - $2.95/month.

Use skype on your Mobile with out tethering to your pc

What is iSkoot?

iSkoot is mobile phone software that enables skype on supported handsets ( no iPhone support) like the Blackberry 8300(Curve). It enable you to use Skype without having your handset tethered to your pc.

Now after looking into the iSkoots website and reading a little bit about it, It looks like iSkoot is another way to use up your Data and Voice plans on your mobile network provider. Since most of the phones support are not Wifi-Enabled and incur data plan charges as well as voice plan charges. It's likely this is more of a glorified contact book and mobile social networking application.

Features included:

• Sign in automatically as a registered user
• See who is signed in and view their online status
• Manage your own online status
• Click to call a contact
• Click to chat with a contact
• Make low-cost calls to any phone number, anywhere in the world using SkypeOut
• See your SkypeOut credit balance
• Receive calls from Skype users
• Add or remove friends from your contact list
• Refresh your contact list automatically or on demand

For a full list of support mobile handsets see the iSkoot registration page.

Downloading iSkoot is free. The use of iSkoot on non-wifi enabled phones will work, Check your mobile network provider for data plans and service charges. The FAQ section for iSkoot makes it sound like some calls will use you mobile minutes and chargers will apply, please read the FAQ section for more information

Giving your iPod Touch voice on skype!

Lately a lot of questions and talk have been around the iPod Touch and it's wifi capabilities and the ability to turn it into a VoIP phone.

The biggest set back people faced making calls on IP using the iPod Touch was the microphone missing from the unit.

http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2007/12/touch-4-voip-mi.html is a home made solution and even more mass market solutions are showing up http://www.blueye.co.uk/ which can be purchase at gear4store.com. Find a deal on a iTouch Mic on eBay now.

That being said, I guess everyone will be skype'ing the iPod Touch for a Wifi Hotspot enable phone, sooner than later. Seeing how Apple TV and the Iphone have been skype'd

Does one really need to Skype your Apple TV

If you really think that the device that is suppose to be your entertainment center and give you access to movie and tv downloads, as well as stream from your media center doesn't do enough. Then you might want to check out the Skype Apple TV plugin.

With the Plugin you'll be able to make VoIP calls through a USB headset, or send text messages with a USB Keyboard.

Now this is rumoured to no longer work after the up coming Take 2 update, which should be release by the end of next week if not sooner.

Demo Video available at Brandon-Holland.com