skype posts

Filed under: News, VoIP

Skype lives on, reaches settlement with Joltid

by Brad Linder Nov 6th 2009

A few months ago there was talk that a lawsuit could bring down the popular VoIP client Skype. That's because Skype was involved in a dispute with Joltid, a company that Skype was licensing technology from.

Today Skype announced that the company has reached a settlement with Joltid. The net result is that Skype now owns the technology and Joltid founders Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis will join the investor group that is in the process of buying Skype away from eBay as well as the Skype board.

If those names sound familiar, they should. Zennström and Friis were also the founders of Skype, back before eBay bought the company.

While there's a lot of backroom politics involved in the deal, here's what it means for users: Skype isn't going to close up shop anytime soon.

Tags: Janus Friis, JanusFriis, lawsuit, Niklas Zennström, NiklasZennström, skype

Filed under: Linux, Open Source, VoIP

Skype for Linux to go open source... eventually

by Brad Linder Nov 2nd 2009

Skype has been providing cheap and free VoIP, chat, and video conferencing features for Windows, Mac, and Linux for years. But just because a program works on Linux doesn't mean it's open source, and the Linux client for Skype has been just as closed a platform as the Mac and Windows versions. That's not to say that developers haven't been able to build third party add-ons and tweaks for Skype. But the source code hasn't been available, which limits the ability of the open source community to really contribute to Skype for Linux.

But it looks like that's going to change. This weekend Olivier Faurax contact Skype customer support about the availability of an RPM package for installing Skype on Mandriva Linux, and he received a reply that indicated that the Linux client for Skype would be made open source in the near future.

I was a bit skeptical, since customer service folks don't always know what's going on in the minds of management, so I sent a request for more information to Skype's corporate communications office, and it turns out that yes, Skype does plan to make its Linux client open source in the future.

It's not entirely clear when the shift will take place. But it should make it much easier for third party Linux developers to ensure that there are up to date packages for Skype for a variety of popular Linux distributions including Mandriva, Ubuntu, PCLinuxOS, Fedora, and others. It also means that we could start seeing third party applications built around Skype code or more powerful third party plugins for Skype that enhance the application's functionality.

You can read the official statement from Skype after the break.

Tags: open-source, skype, skype-for-linux, voip

Filed under: Macintosh, VoIP

Skype for Mac gets a Snow Leopard hotfix

by Jay Hathaway Sep 17th 2009

The latest version of Skype 2.8 for OS X fixes a whole mess of Snow Leopard compatibility problems. The bugs include everything small UI problems - the field where you type in phone numbers was too dark - to serious problems (like four different crash bugs and a broken hold button). It also clears up some problems with adding new contacts.

In addition to the Snow Leopard fixes, there are also some improvement for users of OS X 10.3 Panther, which Skype surprisingly still supports. If you already have Skype 2.8, this update won't show up when you use File -> Check For Updates. You'll have to download it directly from the Skype website. If you don't have Skype 2.8, I highly recommend downloading it, because the audio and video quality improvements alone make it significantly better than previous Mac versions.

[via SkypeJournal]

Tags: skype, snow leopard, SnowLeopard, voip

Filed under: VoIP

Pamela call recorder, PamFax for Skype to continue

by Brad Linder Sep 14th 2009

A few days ago we discovered that Skype was shutting down its Extras program which lets users download and install add-ons for the internet telephony software directly from the Skype client. But it turns out that doesn't mean plugins for Skype will all disappear at the stroke of midnight.

Pamela makes two popular add-ons for Skype, the Pamela application for recording Skype audio and video calls and PamFax, an application that lets users send faxes over Skype. Both of these applications use the Skype API and will continue to work even after Skype Extras are shut down. But you won't be able to purchase PamFax credits with Skype credits anymore, so the company is planning to come up with a new payment method.

The company does have a stripped down version of Pamela called Pamela Call Recorder which is distributed through the Skype Extras program. It's not clear what the future of this product will be.

It is good to know that by killing off the Extras program, Skype isn't sticking a fork in all of the applications that have sprung up around the platform.

In related news, TechCrunch reports that a Skype official is denying that the company is giving up on third party developers, but rather that future versions of the VoIP software will have a new and improved system for integrating third party tools.

Tags: pamela, pamfax, skype

Filed under: Audio, VoIP

Skype killing off Extras, developer program

by Brad Linder Sep 11th 2009

Skype may be one of the most popular VoIP applications on the planet. But Skype's developer program for third party applications apparently never really took off and today Skype is telling developer that it's closing the doors to its Skype Extras service.

According to the letter sent to developers, "not enough people were using them to justify our continued support of the Extras program."

users can still download a number of applications from the Skype Extras site for now, but the company has stopped certifying new programs. When existing apps expire they'll be pulled from the Extras service and eventually all the free and paid add-ons will disappear from Skype Extras.

It's not entirely clear what this means for the future of Skype add-ons. Some popular applications let users record calls or send faxes. Without these add-ons, it'll be a lot tougher to do these things over Skype, although there are some third party programs that do things such as recording calls without directly plugging into Skype. Perhaps that will be how all Skype-related accessories work in the future.

Tags: plugins, skype, skype-extras

Filed under: News, VoIP

eBay to sell Skype in a deal that values it at $2.75 billion

by Brad Linder Sep 1st 2009

Online auction site eBay purchased internet telephony service Skype for about $4.1 billion in 2005. Today, the company has announced it will sell Skype for about $2 billion. eBay will keep a 35% stake in the company, which values Skype at about $2.75 billion.

Sure, on paper that means that eBay is taking a loss, but honestly, it's still probably a good deal, because as far as anyone can tell, eBay never really figured out what to do with Skype anyway.

Once upon a time there was talking about integrating Skype's VoIP service into the auction site to make communication between buyers and sellers easier. But really, who wants to call a comic book collector halfway around the world to ask questions about that $2.75 first edition Spider-Man #1 comic?

While a number of companies, including Google and Skype's founders, were said to have been interested, it looks like the buyer is an investment group. The deal is expected to go through before the end of the year.

Update: You can read Skype CEO Josh Silverman's brief comments on the deal in the official Skype blog post.

Tags: ebay, skype

Filed under: Linux, VoIP, Beta

Skype 2.1 beta for Linux

by Brad Linder Aug 31st 2009

There's a new beta version of Skype for Linux. It's been nearly 2 years since Skype first added support for video to Skype 2.0 beta for Linux, and now that the Linux version of the popular VoIP client has hit 2.1 beta, Skype has cranked up the audio and video quality a bit. Now Skype for Linux uses the same SILK audio codec as the Windows and Mac clients, and packs support for high quality video.

Skype 2.1 beta for Linux also supports sending SMS messages, organizing contacts within contact groups, and a few chat enhancements. The update also brings support for Pulse Audio.

There's also a new panel icon that shows the number of missed events. Skype 2.1 is still beta software, so it might be rough around the edges. But if you're willing to put up with the occasional crash or dropped call, it's probably worth upgrading for the improved audio and video quality. Note that the image above was shot using a 0.3MP webcam and recorded over a Virtual Machine running Ubuntu 9.04, so there's a reason our screenshot doesn't exactly look stellar.

Skype 2.1 for Linux is available for Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and OpenSUSE.

Tags: skype, skype-2.1-beta, skype-2.1-beta-for-linux, skype-for-linux, voip

Filed under: Business, Utilities, VoIP

Will a lawsuit spell the end of Skype?

by Jay Hathaway Aug 1st 2009

A disagreement about the licensing terms for a key part of Skype's VoIP software has brought a legal battle that's threatening to shut the online phone service down. Don't panic yet if you're one of Skype's nearly 500 million users, though. The trial between Skype's parent company, eBay, and the company that produced the technology, Joltid, is not set for trial until June 2010.

Skype is working to develop its own version of the technology, so the Joltid license won't be necessary anymore. This is expensive and time-consuming, and eBay warns that it might not be successful. However, "Skype is confident of its legal position," so the sky isn't falling just yet. Interestingly, the reporting on this battle doesn't mention what part of Skype runs on the Joltid-licensed software, only quoting eBay as saying that Skype could not exist as is without the technology.

[via CNN]

Tags: ebay, joltid, lawsuit, phone, shutdown, skype, voip

Filed under: Utilities, Office, Productivity

3jam: Google Voice may have some competition

by Jay Hathaway Jul 30th 2009

3jam offers a bundle of phone-related services, all connected to a virtual number. It's like Google Voice, but it does a few neat tricks that Google Voice doesn't. Incoming calls can ring simultaneously on your phone, IM or Skype. If you don't use your landline, you can even port that number to 3jam. 3jam also handles text messages, visual voicemail (with transcription), and SMS-to-Email conversations.

3jam is also working an enterprise angle by offering numbers for groups, which is kind of handy if you're a small business or a community organization. 3jam's services will cost you a monthly fee, but the idea is that it will be cheaper and offer more services than your existing phone service. The rates are reasonable, with 5-cent texts in the US, and international rates that seem competitive. Call forwarding rates from the most expensive countries top out around 35 cents, but most are much lower, and it beats paying your cell carrier's long distance rates.

Tags: 3jam, google voice, GoogleVoice, IM, phone, skype, texting, voice, voicemail

Filed under: Audio, Video, Macintosh, VoIP

Skype 2.8 Gold for Mac adds screen sharing and more

by Jay Hathaway Jul 22nd 2009

Skype 2.8 Gold, the final version of Skype 2.8, is now available for Mac users to download. The list of impressive new features for the popular phone app includes screen sharing, improved audio and video quality, and Skype Access, which is a way to pay for wifi hotspot access with your Skype credit. There are a few cosmetic changes to the UI as well, which

Screen sharing has been in Skype Beta for a while, and it works pretty well. The ability to share just part of your screen is a nice touch, and could especially come in handy for presentations. Skype Access - which is currently only available for Mac users - gets you past the annoying signup process for many paid wifi hotspots. Instead of entering your information and your credit card number, you can just pay with your previously purchased Skype credit. Even better, you only pay for what you use, which means an end to paying for a full hour when you only need a 20-minute session.

Tags: audio, phone, screen-sharing, skype, video, voip

Filed under: Windows, VoIP, iPhone, Mobile

Skype 4.1 for Windows, 1.1 for iPhone released

by Brad Linder Jun 30th 2009

The developers at Skype must be working overtime this week. Yesterday saw the launch of Skype 3.0 for Windows Phones. Today Skype pushed out version 4.1 for Windows and Skype 1.1 for iPhone and iPod Touch.

Skype 4.1 for Windows includes support for screen sharing, birthday reminders, and improved audio and video quality. The latest version also fixes a few bugs found in Skype 4.1 beta, so if you're running the beta you'll probably want to update.

Skype 1.1 for the iPhone and iPod Touch now lets you listen to your voicemail on your mobile phone and send SMS. The update also adds support for additional languages.

Tags: skype, skype-1.1-for-iphone, skype-4.1-for-windows

Filed under: Windows Mobile, VoIP, Mobile

Skype 3.0 for Windows Mobile released

by Brad Linder Jun 29th 2009

After months of beta testing, Skype has released an updated VoIP and chat client for Windows Mobile. Skype 3.0 for Windows phones should work with most phones running Windows Mobile 5.0 or newer. It's designed to support WiFi, 2G, or 3G internet connections, although you'll get the best voice quality when using WiFi.

The new features in Skype 3.0 for Windows Phones include the ability to send files to other Skype users and the ability to send text messages at Skype rates. If you don't have an unlimited data plan on your phone, Skype 3.0 isn't going to save you any money. But if your plan offers unlimited data without unlimited texting, the ability to send SMS via Skype could certainly come in handy.

You can also make free Skype to Skype calls using the client, or make long distance calls at SkypeOut Rates.

Tags: skype, skype-3.0-for-windows-mobile, skype-3.0-for-windows-phones

Filed under: Video, VoIP

Skype 4.1 beta for Windows adds screen sharing

by Brad Linder May 27th 2009

Skype 4.1 beta for Windows is out today, and it adds a few new features. Probably the biggest change is the addition of screen sharing technology. While Skype typically rolls out new features for its Windows client before adding them to Skype's other platforms, this feature has been available in Skype 2.8 beta for Mac for a while now.

When you're chatting with a Skype contact, you can now click a Share button in order stream your entire desktop or just a portion of your screen with your contact.

Skype 4.1 beta for Windows also allows you to import contacts from other services including Gmail, Windows Live, Yahoo!, AOL, and LinkedIn. You can also send contacts to other Skype users and there's a birthday reminder feature.

The update also brings some bug fixes and audio and video improvements.

Tags: screen-sharing, skype, skype-4.1, skype-4.1-beta-for-windows

Filed under: Windows, Macintosh, VoIP

PamFax Skype add-on adds support for Mac, incoming faxes

by Brad Linder Apr 28th 2009

PamFax is a plugin for Skype from the same people who make Pamela, an application that lets you record Skype conversations. As you may have guessed from the name, PamFax lets you send documents to fax machines using Skype.

The company recently released PamFax 2.0, which adds a ton of exciting new features including support for Macs, the ability to receive faxes from 27 countries in addition to sending outgoing faxes, and lower prices. PamFax 2.0 can also be run independently of Skype.

The first fax is free, but you'll need to purchase credit in order to send and receive fax messages after that.

[via SkypeJournal]

Tags: fax, pamfax, pamfax-2.0, skype

Filed under: VoIP

Skype offering 25% off 12-month SkypeOut subscriptions

by Brad Linder Apr 27th 2009

If you make a lot of PC to phone calls using Skype but haven't already signed up for a 12 month unlimited plan, you might want to think about placing an order before May 6th. Because Skype is offering a 25% discount for customers who sign up for unlimited SkypeOut plan between now and then.

The cheapest plan starts at $2.95/month before the discount is applied for calls to landlines and celllphones in the US and Canada. You can also subscribe to a plan that lets you make unlimited calls to landlines in a single country, or an "Unlimited World" plan that lets you make calls to landlines in more than 40 countries for $12.95/month before the discount is applied.

[via GigaOm]

Tags: bargains, discount, skype, skypeout, voip

Graveyard Shift - zombie-busting Time Waster

With Halloween fast approaching, it's a great time to get in some practice defending your territory against zombies. In Graveyard Shift, you take aim at zombies and other creepy-crawlies, blasting them into splatters of cartoony green guts. It's a casual first-person shooter, and it's very easy to get the hang of - use the mouse to aim, click to fire. Graveyard Shift has at least 15 levels, and it might even have some secret stages I haven't unlocked yet. They key to getting good at Graveyard Shift is learning to use ...

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