Skype 7.0 lets you format your IMs
When you say, "lets Skype", you usually want to have a video call. That is what made Skype popular, and where its strength lies. However, lately Microsoft has also been focusing on written conversation, perhaps in reaction to how successful IM apps have been.
Microsoft updated Skype last week to 7.0 on Mac and Windows (beta), and one of the features overlooked in the UI redesign was formatting for instant messaging. You can now bold, italicize, or strike-through your messages.
Skype for Mac 7.0 and Skype for Windows 7.0 Preview sport radical new look
Microsoft has released Skype for Mac 7.0 and Skype for Windows 7.0 Beta, unveiling a major redesign of its Skype desktop client in the process.
Version 7.0’s new design mirrors closely that found on Skype’s mobile platforms, and is designed to provide users with a more unified experience across all devices they use it on.
Skype for Android 5.0 readies the way for new 'Find your friends' feature
Microsoft has released Skype for Android 5.0, a new version of its chat tool that includes free audio and video messaging. The latest release concentrates on providing support for one single upcoming feature: find your friends.
The feature, which should roll out over the next few weeks, will give users the option of connecting Skype to their phone’s address book, making it easier to connect with existing contacts through the chat service.
Skype for iPhone adds voice message playback support, offers extended profile view
Microsoft is rolling out Skype for iPhone 5.2, the second significant update to its iPhone client since version 5 was released less than a month ago.
It seems Microsoft has been stung by the negative reaction to the redesigned Skype, and version 5.2 is quick to add another three new features in response to user feedback.
Microsoft to retire old versions of Skype -- Mac users should be worried
Hate all you want, but Skype is awesome. The fact that it is supported on like, everything makes it one of the best video chat solutions. It works on Linux, Android, Windows Phone, iOS, OS X -- it is the bomb. Microsoft shows no favoritism to platform when this software is concerned.
Today however, in a bit of shocking news, Microsoft announces that in an effort to move everyone to the newest version of Skype, it will be retiring older versions for Windows and Mac. Does this mean that outdated versions will move to Florida and join AARP? No, well...maybe. Actually, it is not at all clear what retirement means in this case.
Microsoft rewards Linux users with new version of Skype
Linux users are not the most sociable bunch. Sure, I am generalizing, but I speak from experience. Not only do I know many socially awkward and inept Linux nerds, but I am one myself. While I do not use operating systems based on the kernel exclusively, I use them often, and understand preferring the company of a computer to other humans.
Still, every once in a while, a Linux nerd must communicate with family or friends and what better way to do that than video chat? Skype is one of the best options, although some Linux users refuse to use it since Microsoft acquired it. Me? I could care less who owns it as long as it functions as I expect. Today, Microsoft reaffirms its commitment to Linux with a new version of Skype.
Skype for iPhone 5 now available, sports new look, better performance
Microsoft has released Skype for iPhone 5.0, a major new update to its voice, video and chat messenger for iPhone and iPod touch users. Version 5.0 sports a major new redesign, more in-app options and drops support for iOS 7.
The update has been released separately to the iPad version, with Microsoft claiming to be "hard at work on a new version" for iPad users.
Microsoft wants to see women wearing boyfriend jeans on Skype -- creepy
Each decade, there seems to be new extreme trends in fashion. In the 90s, whether you were grunge or hip-hop, it was cool to wear baggy jeans. However, this decade, there has been a skinny jeans trend. Both men and women are wearing pants that look painted on. This is not conducive to the phablet trend.
However, there is a trend that is the antithesis of skinny jeans -- boyfriend jeans. Yes, this particular style is baggy pants for women. In other words, it is meant to look like they are wearing their boyfriend's pants. Perhaps Satya Nadella is looking to become a fashionista, as Microsoft wants to see women wearing these pants on Skype. Creepy? Sort of.
Skype for Windows 8 adds cross-device syncing, requires Windows 8.1
Microsoft has unveiled an update to its Windows chat app with the release of Skype for Windows 8 v2.6. Version 2.6 unveils one major update, support for syncing read chats and picked-up calls across multiple devices.
The new feature means that users can switch from their Windows 8 device to another platform and be sure that any chat updates or picked-up calls made on the secondary platform are now acknowledged by the Windows 8 app too.
Skype for Outlook.com finally available to all, gains HD video calling
Ten months ago, Microsoft announced it would be rolling out a preview version of Skype for Outlook.com in the United Kingdom that would allow users to make audio and video calls directly from their inboxes.
Three months later, the devices and services giant expanded the preview’s availability to five additional countries -- United States, Canada, Germany, France and Brazil -- and stated it would be rolling out the feature to the rest of the world "in the coming weeks". A mere seven months later and finally, today, Microsoft makes good on that promise, announcing that Skype for Outlook.com is now available to all. The service also gains support for HD video calls.
Microsoft and Oprah Winfrey want you to say 'hello' on Skype, or in person
Every day, I speak with hundreds of people on social media, IRC and instant messenger. However, I rarely get to see the person face to face. The closest I get is their profile pic. Heck, even those can be faked; a hairy old man can pretend to be a 21 year old female college student -- trust me on this.
In other words, while technology has linked more people together, it has sucked the humanity out of the interaction. Video chat, such as Skype, is a great way to remedy this. Today, Microsoft announces an initiative with celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Sanjay Gupta, urging people to say "hello" to complete strangers or people you haven't talked to in a long time; on Skype or in person.
Microsoft gets a Spice Girl on Skype -- ask her what you want, what you really, really want (to know)
If you wanna be my lover, you've got to...err, enough of that. If there is one thing that technology enthusiasts love, it's the Spice Girls. Yes, their girl-power pop is the soundtrack for computer programmers, gamers and IT professionals the world over. In the BetaNews newsroom, we often have arguments over which Spice Girl is best. While I am partial to Baby Spice, Mark loves Scary.
However, many people love Posh Spice, otherwise known as Victoria Beckham. After all, she is married to the dreamy soccer player, David Beckham. Besides being a great singer, she is also a fashion designer. Today, Microsoft announces that it has managed to get her on Skype to field fashion-related questions from fans.
Microsoft to reward all-Skype all-stars with prizes
Years ago, when people thought of the future, videophones were prominent in their imaginations. Television shows such as Star Trek and The Jetsons made use of video communication. Today, we have many different choices when video chatting -- Apple's Facetime, Google's Hangouts and Microsoft's Skype are a few popular ones.
However, when it comes to multi-platform video communication, for many people, Skype is the best choice. No other popular video chatting service will work on iOS, Windows Phone, Android, OS X, Windows, etc. With that said, Microsoft is looking to give prizes to some people that utilize Skype often on multiple devices.
Microsoft wants to see your pets on Skype
Whenever I go to the pet store, I am amazed by the diverse selection of animals. Other than the typical cats and dogs, there are hermit crabs, chinchillas and snakes. Even more amazing is the amount of toys, clothes and treats for the pets. Some of the dog clothes cost more than mine!
While catnip and squeaky toys are still the standard purchases, isn't that a bit old school? I mean, come on, this is 2014 -- it is time to buy your pet a webcam. While this may sound crazy, Microsoft actually wants to see your pets on Skype.
Logitech ConferenceCam CC3000e -- inexpensive enterprise video conferencing
In my travels, I have discovered an unfortunate trend -- many businesses don't utilize video conferencing for remote communication. In other words, many are still relying on a voice-only approach. While this is functional, it is not optimal. After all, body language speaks volumes and you cannot see boredom or excitement through a phone.
According to Logitech, an alarming 95 percent of conference rooms lack video-conferencing. It is the year 2014, surely video conferences should be the norm by now, right? Logitech is looking to remedy this trend with the ConferenceCam CC3000e. Is the device up to the task?
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