TECHGEEK.com.au » Skype

Your PS Vita gets a little bit more useful – Skype is coming today

Terence Huynh — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:38:15 +0000

The PS Vita – the gaming device that is the successor to the PlayStation Portable (and pretty much a very tiny library of games) – is getting a bit more useful with the addition of Skype. You will now be able to make video and voice calls with the new app, which will be available in the PlayStation Store for free.

And as a little nudge after the lack of such feature with the Windows Phone 7′s version – the PS Vita does support running in “background mode”, so you will be able to pause a game and conduct the call before resuming. Though, it should be noted that some games will automatically terminate the game, rather than pause, as noted by the PlayStation Blog.

So, I’m assuming the five of you PS Vita owners will be pleased.

Latest Skype version adds Facebook video chat, group screen sharing

Terence Huynh — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:46:22 +0000

The latest update of Skype (version 5.8) for Windows is now available. The update, while fixing some bugs, also brings several key new features – including full HD video calling, Facebook video calling and group desktop sharing.

The full HD video is currently supported by one camera – the Logitech C920 webcam. This is because the encoding is done inside the camera, rather than Skype. So, if you want to stream yourself in full HD, you now can – provided that you have at least 2Mbps download/upload speed.

Group desktop sharing means that you can now share a document, image or whatever is on your desktop instantly to a group conversation. This feature, however, will be available only to those with Skype Premium. Facebook video calling is also a big thing, meaning that you can now communicate to your friend even if they haven’t got Skype installed. In order to start a video call with a person on Facebook, you select the person you want and click “video call”.

Other new improvements include a Push-to-Talk feature, integration with the Bing Toolbar and hiding offline Facebook contacts.

You can read the full list via Skype’s blog.

Facebook announces Skype-powered video calling, chat improvements

Terence Huynh — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:03:20 +0000

Facebook has announced today that it will be bringing video chatting to its users, powered by Skype, and will bring several improvements to its chat features – including starting a group chat.

Video calling is only limited to Facebook-to-Facebook users and you will not be able to contact Skype users. Facebook has also made it simple to use, just click the “Call” button or will pop up when someone is trying to call you.

It is available now – if you want to help test it out – and in a couple of weeks will be turned on by default for all users.

Facebook’s other chat improvements include multi-chat, similar to every other IM service, and a new chat design that will put your most-messaged friends at the top, so you don’t have to keep scrolling down your long list of friends in order to contact someone.

While video calling is a big thing and was in the works for months – this is sort of playing catch up with Google+, who has this feature at its beta launch just a week ago. However, Google+ isn’t open to everyone and still is in invite-only stage until the end of July. This now puts Facebook more of an advantage to keep users from defecting to Google’s service, as Google+ still lacks several features that would entice me and others to continually use it.

Well, except for Chris.

It’s official – Microsoft dominates two-thirds of IM market

Terence Huynh — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 05:57:46 +0000

It’s now official. Microsoft now controls two-thirds of the worldwide instant messaging market share – thanks to its acquisition of Skype, according to a brand new report from security analysis firm OPSWAT.

Microsoft’s famed Windows Live Messenger has a market share of 40.67%, while just-bought Skype controls 27.39% of the worldwide IM share. With Yahoo Messenger controlling 15.11% of the market, the three of them now control 80% of the market.

Why is the latter statistic important? Well, Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo Messenger can now interact with each other.

Google, however, comes in fifth with 3.56% of the worldwide market; while ICQ and AIM have 2.01% and 0.73% shares respectively.

Remember, these numbers are worldwide numbers. OPSWAT has not broken down the numbers per region. In addition, they only take into account the number of clients, so Facebook are exempt from this number. However, it does give an insight to how many accounts and how many people are actively using the service.

However, it does show that Microsoft’s success is heavily reliant on its past. How do you think Hotmail still remains to be the number one mail provider? Windows Live has started to compete strongly with SkyDrive – with 25GB of storage for free, among other services. But is this enough to help Windows Live to continue being strong, or is it better that all of them are individual?

UPDATE: Microsoft confirms deal, buys Skype for US$8.5billion

Terence Huynh — Tue, 10 May 2011 07:53:38 +0000

In what might be the biggest acquisition in the company’s history, Microsoft has confirmed that it will buy Skype for US$8.5 billion in cash, allowing Microsoft to have a better footing in the real-time communications market and expand on its services.

Microsoft plans to use Skype’s intellectual property in order to improve its various platforms with Office Lync, its own competitor; Outlook, Windows Live Messenger and Hotmail, and – what could be its big success – on Xbox LIVE.

“Together we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world,” Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s CEO, said in its statement.

“Microsoft and Skype share the vision of bringing software innovation and products to our customers. Together, we will be able to accelerate Skype’s plans to extend our global community and introduce new ways for everyone to communicate and collaborate,” Skype’s CEO Tony Bates said.

It also plans to expand Skype onto its own devices – including the Xbox and Kinect, and on its Windows Phone OS. It will also continue to support and improve on other Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms, including the Mac, Linux, iPhone and Android versions of its client.

Microsoft’s price tag is very large, but with Google and Facebook likely to be successful bidders, maybe it was to beat out the others.

However, the big question is – and Kara Swisher from All Things D notes – how will Microsoft make a profit? While the success of Bing, the entire online division in Redmond still continue to lose money. Windows Live still continues to be a lesser part of the company. As well, the price has also been questioned. Previous owner eBay bought it for $2.6 billion before selling a 70 percent stake and wrote down the value by $1.4 billion.

This isn’t the only time Microsoft has made impressive bids – it bought aQuantive Inc, which became its online advertising platform AdCenter. However, many former and current executives – according to WSJ, believe it was too much. As well, it made a bid for Yahoo valued at $48 billion, before pulling out after the executives at Yahoo rejected the bid.

However, that turned to be a costly mistake for Yahoo, with its market share dwindling and value halved. It recently handed off its search engine platform to Microsoft and its popular Bing search engine; sold off Delicious to the founders of Yahoo and are more likely to shut down existing services and acquisitions in order to slim down the company.

Also amongst concerns was the internal battle on whether it will go to its Office or Online Services division. However, Microsoft has decided to take the third option – create a brand new division within the company, dubbed the “Microsoft Skype Division”. This most likely will allow it to be more flexible with its relations with other divisions inside the company, and also reflects how important Skype is to Microsoft.

Bates will become president of the new division and will report directly to Ballmer.

The deal faces regulatory approval from both the United States and the European Union. Boards for both companies have already approved the deal.

TECHGEEK Weekly 38: That’ll be $78 Trillion, please

Terence Huynh — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 19:00:06 +0000

James Wilson, holding his new partner at the iPad 2 Launch (Image: Stewart Wilson/TECHGEEK.com.au)

Despite the fact that Tom, James and Stewart aren’t on, the TECHGEEK Weekly Podcast still lives on, and we discuss the launch of the iPad 2, talk about the BlackBerry Playbook to come with Android applications and the fact that Duke Nukem Forever is delayed (again!).

We also find out that Tom, James and Stewart really should be on the podcast since Terence is forced to use a crappy free Skype Recorder rather than the professional Skype recording studios from Tom and Stewart. Don’t worry, they are “studying” (code for playing Minecraft).

So enjoy the episode – and just wait for next week. We’ll get much better. Don’t forget to subscribe!!

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Shownotes

iPad 2 released in Sydney, Australia

iPad 2 Sydney Launch Live

RIM opens up BlackBerry PlayBook to support Android apps

BlackBerry PlayBook gets price in US – $499 for 16GB

Court orders Steve Jobs to answer questions in iTunes antitrust case

Mozilla pushes out Firefox 4 – copies Chrome in more ways than one

AFACT brings iiNet case to High Court

Update: Some MacBook Pros Locking Up Under Load

AT&T to acquire T-Mobile USA for $39 billion

That was quick: Four lines of code is all it takes for The New York Times’ paywall to come tumbling down

Duke Nukem Forever Delayed. Yes, Again

Banning baby-faces from social site Facebook

Limewire Being Sued For 75 Trillion

Hacker Posts His Crime On YouTube, Lands In Jail

Pwnage Playtime

iPad Gaming in HD on a TV: Game Changer?

New Game Releases

TECHGEEK Weekly 27: CES is driving us GaGa

Terence Huynh — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:00:22 +0000

And we’re back officially. CES was in full swing, and we saw a lot of tablets, 4G phones and 3D from Sony. We also had crazy Harvey Norman trying to put GST on our purchases online, Facebook being valued at $50 billion and the Mac App Store launch – and hack.

And yes, it is the first hour long podcast – and the only one as it seems. But, hey, we had a lot to cover, especially with Sony’s 3D addiction.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast!

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The Top Stories

TABLETS OVERLOAD

Samsung to create “Sliding PC 7″ series, combines benefits of laptops and tablets
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/06/samsung-to-create-sliding-pc-7-series-combines-benefits-of-laptops-and-tablets/

Toshiba to release tablet – includes Honeycomb and dual-core Tegra 2
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/06/toshiba-to-release-tablet-includes-honeycomb-and-dual-core-tegra-2/

Lenovo’s IdeaPad U1 (+ LePad) becomes reality – in China
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/06/lenovos-ideapad-u1-lepad-becomes-reality-in-china/

Panasonic develops VIERA tablets, shows off at CES
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/06/panasonic-develops-viera-tablets-shows-off-at-ces/

Dell adds 7-inch tablet to Streak line, adds 4G
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/07/dell-adds-7-inch-tablet-to-streak-line-adds-4g/

4G PHONES

HTC launches three 4G phones for Verizon
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/08/htc-launches-three-4g-phones-for-verizon/

Dell announces new smartphone, dubbed “Venue”
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/07/dell-announces-new-smartphone-dubbed-venue/

Motorola to bring Verizon’s first 4G phone – the DROID Bionic
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/06/motorola-to-bring-verizons-first-4g-phone-the-droid-bionic/

Motorola goes big with the ATRIX 4G smartphone
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/06/motorola-goes-big-with-the-atrix-4g-smartphone/

Motorola brings out the CLIQ 2 – merges corporate features with social networking
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/06/motorola-brings-out-the-cliq-2-merges-corporate-features-with-social-networking/

3D EVERYWHERE

Sony releases laptop with 3D capabilities
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/06/sony-releases-laptop-with-3d-capabilities/

Sony brings out “Double Full HD” 3D camcorder – HDR-TD10
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/06/sony-brings-out-double-full-hd-3d-camcorder-hdr-td10/

Sony brings out 27 new LCD televisions
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/06/sony-brings-out-27-new-lcd-televisions/

THE OTHER CES STUFF

Samsung to bring out really thin laptop – the 9 Series
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/06/samsung-to-bring-out-really-thin-laptop-the-9-series/

Polaroid launches the Grey Label with Lady Gaga
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/07/polaroid-launches-the-grey-label-with-lady-gaga/

Audio-Technica brings out prosumer microphones for podcasters
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/07/audio-technica-brings-out-prosumer-microphones-for-podcasters/

Xi3 Unleashes Their Z3RO Modular Device
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/07/xi3-unleashes-their-z3ro-modular-device/

Microsoft launches Avatar Kinect, improves Xbox experience
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/06/microsoft-launches-avatar-kinect-improves-xbox-experience/

System on a Chip Architectures coming to Micro$oft
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/06/system-on-a-chip-architectures-coming-to-microsoft/

Sennheiser expand noise-cancelling headphones with the CXC 700
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/08/sennheiser-expand-noise-cancelling-headphones-with-the-cxc-700/

Facebook investment ‘values firm at $50bn’
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12106652

Facebook’s financials revealed in leak
http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/facebooks-financials-revealed-in-leak-20110107-19hyt.html

iPhone still king; new smartphone buyers opting for Android
http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2011/01/iphone-still-king-new-smartphone-buyers-opting-for-android.ars

Stewart’s Briefs (2)

Firemint acquires Infinite Interactive
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/05/firemint-acquires-infinite-interactive/

Windows 8 reaches Milestone 2, according to leaks
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/03/windows-8-reaches-milestone-2-according-to-leaks/

Hotmail accounts missing emails
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/03/hotmail-accounts-missing-emails/

Nintendo 3DS has a 3-5 hour with 3DS games
http://techgeek.com.au/2011/01/08/nintendo-3ds-has-a-3-5-hour-battery-with-3ds-games/

Firefox takes top browser spot in Europe: StatCounter
http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/firefox-takes-top-browser-spot-in-europe-statcounter-20110105-19fc6.html

Skype brings group video calling to users

Terence Huynh — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 23:46:08 +0000

Users will now be able to have video conferences on Skype - but for a fee. (Image: Skype)

Skype has announced that it will turn on Group Video Conferences to both consumer and business customers, allowing the entire group conversation able to see each other and show items rather than using the traditional voice group conversations.

The company, however, will make it a premium feature as part of its new Skype Premium package, which also includes live chat customer support. However, users can subscribe for a day for US$4.99 or for a monthly subscription of US$8.99. This is on top of your subscription package for calling – if you choose to have that add on to your Skype account.

Participants must need at least version 5.0 or higher for Mac and Windows. Skype is also having a special promotion that will allow people to get a 33 percent discount if they sign up for a 3-month or 12-month subscription, and 25 percent off a HD webcam or, for enterprise users, 15 percent off a headset and speakerphone bundle.

Press release is after the jump.

LAS VEGAS, Nev.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Skype has officially launched group video calling for consumers and enterprises, allowing people to do more together wherever they are. Whether you’re looking to bring your family together on a video call or better connect with work colleagues across the globe, group video calling makes it easy to bring to together groups of three or more on a single video call. Video calling accounted for approximately 41.5% of all Skype-to-Skype minutes in the second half of 2010.

Group video calling is available as part of the new Premium package from Skype which offers group video calling together with access to live chat customer support as a day pass for $4.99 (€3.49/£2.99)* or as a monthly subscription for $8.99 (€5.99/£4.99)* per month. Skype users who sign up for group video calling in the first month it’s available will receive a 33 percent discount on 3 and 12-month subscriptions. New users receive a 7-day free trial. In addition, consumers who sign up for group video calling will receive a 25 percent discount off an HD webcam.

Group video calling is also available in the new Business version of Skype, a desktop application for PCs, which gives enterprises the ability to control how Skype is used within the workplace, with the capacity to turn off or configure a variety of Skype settings. With group video calling, enterprises can easily set up real-time, face-to-face meetings and work in more collaborative and productive ways. For enterprises using Skype Manager who sign up for Group Video Calling, they will receive a 33 percent discount when signing up for a 3 or 12 month subscription. In addition, they will receive a 15 percent discount off of a headset and speakerphone bundle.

Group video calling has brought together family, friends and work colleagues like never before, such as a Spanish family who were reunited after 6 years apart, the Global Learning Exchange who brought together classrooms from Singapore and Bakersfield, CA and companies like ePromos who can better collaborate with remote co-workers and suppliers.

To start a group video call, only one member of the call needs to have activated the seven-day free trial or to have signed up for a day pass or monthly subscription using Skype for Windows 5.1. For all participants to receive video, they need to be on at least the 5.0 version of Mac and windows. Skype video calls between two parties will continue to be offered as a free product.

Panasonic goes crazy with 3D, Plasma and LCD televisions

Terence Huynh — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:50:13 +0000

VIERA TC-L42U30 LCD-LED HDTV (Image: Panasonic)

Panasonic is going crazy with televisions, despite the fact we haven’t seen those announcements of the largest plasma televisions in the entire world. But with 14 3D televisions with HD, 7 plasma televisions, 6 LCD-LED HDTVs and 5 LCD HDTVs, Samsung is also pushing 3D television – like many other television producers (i.e. Sony).

It’s LCD and LCD-LED lineup will feature In Plane Switching Alpha Panel technology, allowing a wide viewing angle with no picture degradation at an off angle, and also producing a clearer picture with less energy. The VIERA X30 series also will feature an iPod/iPhone docking solution to hook up your media to your television. In addition, some LCD-LED televisions are getting 3D television capabilities.

VIERA Connect is also expanded in selected LCD-LED models, with its new Easy IPTV and adding apps such as Facebook, CinemaNow, Napster, Amazon VOD and Netflix. And for those who enjoyed VIERA Cast, all of the features are transferred over to VIERA Connect. It’s just a change in approach, according to Panasonic. Also announced was the addition of Ustream.TV live content to the VIERA Connect.

The full lineup of the Panasonic VIERA lineup is below, after the jump.

Full HD 3D Plasma and LCD-LED TVs

For 2011 Panasonic introduces three VIERA Full HD 3D Plasma model lines – the VT30 series, GT30 and ST30 series – and expands its 3D line-up with the addition of two LCD-LED HDTVs to the Full HD 3D array. Panasonic’s Full HD 3D televisions provide full 1080p resolution to both the right and left eye, thereby giving the viewer the definitive 3D entertainment experience.

Panasonic’s proprietary IPTV functionality is expanded and enhanced for 2011, with a new identifying name, VIERA Connect™¹, reflecting the transition from the walled garden approach of VIERA Cast to the interactive and inter-connected philosophy behind the new Internet enabled service. VIERA Cast’s popular sites, including Netflix™, Amazon VOD™, You Tube™, Pandora, Twitter, Bloomberg News, a weather channel and Skype™ continue on VIERA Connect and are joined by a host of exciting features and apps, all optimized for the best possible user experience. Incorporated in VIERA Connect are such popular apps as Hulu Plus, Napster, CinemaNow, Facebook, and sports sites including MLB.TV, MLS Matchday Live, NBA Game Time, and NHL Game Center².

The 2011 line-up also introduces Easy IPTV, which provides IPTV functionality to 12 select VIERA HDTVs by adding six of the most popular movie, music and social networking sites to the TV’s feature sets. Netflix™, Amazon VOD™, Napster, Pandora, CinemaNow and Facebook are available via Easy IPTV and give the consumer another option to experience an Internet enabled HDTV.

The VIERA VT30 series consists of two models- the 65-inch class (64. 7” measured diagonally) TC-P65VT30 and the 55-inch class (55.1” measured diagonally) TC-P55VT30. The VT30 models are distinguished by a one sheet glass design, giving the TVs a beautiful sleek new design element. In addition to providing 3D viewing, the VT30 series of Viera HDTVs includes the enhanced IPTV VIERA Connect service, featuring Skype video/voice calling. VIERA Connect also provides USB connectivity, allowing for the addition of a wireless LAN adaptor, keyboard and USB memory. In addition to the continuation of such favorite entertainment sites as Amazon Video-on-Demand. Netflix, Skype, Pandora, Twitter, Fox Sports, Google’s YouTube, Picasa™ Web Album, Bloomberg and a weather service, the 2011 models introduce a number of new interactive and entertainment sites, including Napster, Hulu Plus, CinemaNow, Facebook and access to such sport sites as NHL, NBA, MLB and MLS². The VT30 series will be available in Spring 2011, with pricing to be announced.

The VT30 series is Wi-Fi ready including LAN (through USB port) and also features 3D VIERA Image Viewer™ to view JPEG 2D digital still images, 3D digital still images and both 2D & 3D HD video recorded on an SD Memory Card; VIERA Link™; a technology that utilizes HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) to operate all VIERA Link compatible A/V components; a PC input; three USB Ports; THX certification³; 24p playback; 600Hz subfield (produces 1080 lines of moving picture resolution); four HDMI connections; DLNA technology to provide interconnectivity with other DLNA equipped components; fast switching phosphors; a RS232C/ISF connection and an Infinite Black Pro 2 panel. The new and improved Infinite Black Pro 2 Panel raises the luminous efficiency while minimizing pre-discharge, resulting in even more subtle, delicate blacks, in both dark and bright environments than last year’s Infinite Black Pro Panel provided. One pair of Full HD 3D eyewear is included with the VT30 series.

The VIERA GT30 series features four models, the TC-P65GT30, a 65-inch class (64.7” measured diagonally); the TC-P60GT30, a 60-inch class (60.1 measured diagonally); the TC-P55GT30, a 55-inch class (55.1 measured diagonally ) and the TC-P50GT30, a 50-inch class (49.9” measured diagonally). The GT30 series features an Infinite Black 2 Panel; VIERA Connect, Wi-Fi ready with included LAN (through USB port); Skype Video/Voice calling; 3D VIERA Image Viewer™ to view JPEG 2D digital still images, 3D digital still images and both 2D & 3D HD video recorded on an SD Memory Card; DLNA compatibility; VIERA Link, PC input; four HDMI connections; three USB ports; THX certification³; fast switching phosphors and a 600Hz Sub-field Drive. The GT30 models will ship in the Spring of 2011, with pricing to be determined.

The VIERA ST30 series introduces six screen sizes, from 42-inches to 65-inches, to the Panasonic family of Full HD 3D HDTVs. Featured in this series are the TC-P65ST30, a 65-inch class (64.7” measured diagonally); TC-P60ST30, a 60-inch class (60.1” measured diagonally); TC-P55ST30, a 55-inch class (55.1” measured diagonally); TC-P50ST30, a 50-inch class (49.9” measured diagonally); TC-P46ST30, a 46-inch class (46”measured diagonally) and the TC-P42ST30, a 42” class (41.6”measured diagonally). The ST30 Full HD 3D HDTVs present a feature package that includes Infinite Black 2 Panel; VIERA Connect; Wi-Fi Ready with LAN (through USB port); Skype Video/Voice calling; 3D VIERA Image Viewer™ to view JPEG 2D digital still images, 3D digital still images and both 2D & 3D HD video recorded on an SD Memory Card; DLNA compatibility; VIERA Link; three HDMI connections; two USB ports; fast switching phosphors; 600Hz Sub-field Drive. The ST30 HDTVS will be available in Spring, 2011, with pricing to be determined.

Full HD LCD-LED TVs

The 2011 series expands the LCD-LED model line from two models in 2010 to eight (TC-L37DT30 and TC-L32DT30 are Full HD 3D models). The 2011 line-up introduces five LCD-LED series – the DT30, D30, E3, E30, and C30, which premieres a new 19-inch screen size. All, with exception of the C30 series, provide 1080p resolution, feature the IPS Alpha panel (E3 is IPS Panel); Easy IPTV (the DT30 & D30 line includes VIERA Connect); DLNA (a technology based on industry standards to insure interoperability with other devices); multiple HDMI connectors; USB ports; a PC input; Viera Link, a technology that makes it easy to connect other VIERA Link compatible components and the VIERA Image Viewer, allowing one to view digital photos and movies recorded on an SD Memory Card.

The C30 series incorporates a new screen size into the 2011 Panasonic family of VIERA LCD-LED HDTVs. The 19-inch class (18.5” measured diagonally) TC-L19C30 is a 720p, 60Hz panel, with one HDMI connection, a PC input, VIERA Image Viewer and VIERA Link. The TC-L19C30 will be available in Summer 2011, with pricing to be announced.

The E3 series presents three screen sizes- the 32-inch class TC-L32E3 (31.5” measured diagonally); the 37-inch class TC-L37E3 (37” measured diagonally) and the 42-inch class TC-L42E3 (41.6” measured diagonally). In addition to the IPS LED panel; the E3 HDTVs provide the consumer with four HDMI connections; two USB ports; DLNA connectivity and a PC input. The three E3 televisions utilize 60Hz technology with 1080p resolution. To further increase the entertainment quotient, the E3 series features Easy IPTV. The E3 series will be available Spring 2011, with pricing to be announced.

The TC-L42 E30, is a 42-inch class (41.6” measured diagonally) HDTV featuring an IPS Alpha panel with LED backlighting and 120Hz Motion Picture Pro 4, for fast motion response speeds. In addition, the TC-L42E30 also includes Easy IPTV, offering multiple entertainment solutions for the consumer. The TC-L42E30 easily connects to other CE devices by offering four HDMI connections; two USB ports; DLNA connectivity and a PC input. The TC-L42E30 also features a clear panel to enhance contrast and reduce ambient light reflections and will be available Spring 2011, with pricing to be announced.

The top of the line TC-L42D30 has a 1080p IPS Alpha panel with 120Hz Motion Picture Pro 5 technology contributing to the set’s overall pristine picture quality. Panasonic’s proprietary IPTV solution VIERA Connect is featured and is Wi-Fi ready. In addition to such favorites from last year as Netflix™, Amazon VOD™, Skype™, Twitter, You Tube™ and Pandora, the 2011 service introduces a number of new interactive and entertainment sites, including Napster, Hulu Plus, CinemaNow, Facebook and access to popular sport sites as MLB.TV, MLS Matchday Live, NBA Game Time, and NHL Game Center². Also included in the feature package are VIERA Image Viewer; DLNA connectivity; VIERA Link; four HDMI connectors; three USB Ports and a PC input. The TC-L42D30 will be available in Spring 2011, with pricing to be announced.

HD LCD TVs

The TC-L32C3, a 32-inch class (31.5” measured diagonally) HDTV is a 720p HDTV with the IPS Alpha Panel. In addition, the LCD TV features two HDMI connectors; a PC Input; VIERA Image Viewer and VIERA Link. The TC-L32C3 will be available Spring 2011, with pricing to be announced.

The TC-L24C3 is a 24 –inch class (24” measured diagonally) featuring VIERA link and VIERA Image viewer.

The LCD U3 series includes two models, the 37-inch class (37” measured diagonally) TC-L37U3 and the TC-L32U3, a 32-inch class (31.5” measured diagonally) HDTV. These two LCD HDTVs deliver 1080p Full HD resolution with a 60Hz IPS Alpha Panel and include three HDMI connectors; a PC Input; VIERA Image Viewer and VIERA Link. The U3 series will be available Spring, 2011, with pricing to be determined.

The U30 series features one 1080p model – the TC-L42U30, a 42-inch class (41.6’ measured diagonally). Featuring an IPS Panel; three HDMI connectors; a PC Input; VIERA Link and VIERA Image Viewer, the TC-L42U30 introduces 120Hz with Motion Picture Pro 4 to the LCD line. The TC-L42U30 will be available in January 2011, with pricing to be announced.

The TC-L32X30, a 32-inch class (31.5” measured diagonally), 720p 60Hz LCD HDTV with the IPS Alpha Panel, continues to offer the popular iPod/iPhone Entertainment kit, allowing the user to connect their device directly to the TV. The L32X30 also includes Easy IPTV; DLNA compatibility; VIERA Image Viewer H.264, providing the consumer with ability to view digital still photos recorded on a SD Memory card; VIERA Link; three HDMI connectors; a USB port and a PC Input. The TC-L32X30 will be available Spring 2011, with pricing to be announced.

¹Some 2011 VIERA Connect applications will only be compatible with 2011 VIERA Connect-enabled Panasonic VIERA HDTVs due to specific technology requirements required to activate certain applications.

²Available to subscribers of the individual sites

^{3 Tentative}

Sony brings out 27 new LCD televisions

Terence Huynh — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 07:27:42 +0000

Sony's BRAVIA XBR-HX929 LCD Television (Credit: Sony)

Sony’s press conference was simply bringing the 3D experience to your house, and with its new BRAVIA LCD HDTV lineup for 2011, it plans to do so. The company will bring out this year 27 new televisions – 16 are capable of watching 3D content, and 22 have internet connectivity.

The 3D televisions will share common features, such as a 5:5 pull down for a more real cinematic experience, built in 3D emitters and deliver outstanding performance with its active shutter technology. For its internet connected devices, it plans to offer content via its Qriocity platform, as well as third party content from YouTube, Amazon, Blip.tv, Hulu Plus and Netflix. They will also have Skype inside the televisions.

Qriocity also got some big changes – with a new video on demand service now allowing movies from all major motion picture studios, and bringing its Music Unlimited service from the UK and Ireland to many other territories via the Qriocity platform. The Music Unlimited service is Sony’s streaming music service and will feature a catalogue of over six million global tracks from all the major labels.

New additions include an improved remote control and even the option to use the Media remote application available on iOS devices or the Android OS phones As well, some of the models will include Corning’s Gorilla Glass – allowing for the screen to be scratchproof, via Sony’s Monolithic Design.

Sony’s new 3D capable television, with included glasses, the XBR-HX929 will be out in April. Sony’s line-up of televisions is after the jump.

BRAVIA XBR-HX929 Series 3D Capable HDTV

Available in April, Sony’s new 3D capable (with the addition of Sony active shutter glasses, sold separately), XBR-HX929 series features brilliant full HD (1080p) picture quality with Sony’s Intelligent Peak LED backlight for outstanding contrast.

The model also features Sony’s MotionFlow XR 960 featuring a precise backlight control that is synchronized with the liquid crystal movement from frame to frame creating clearer, sharper moving images.

The beautifully designed model features Sony’s improved Monolithic Design Concept that draws viewers into the picture when the TV is turned on, and blends into the room decor when turned off. The 2011 Monolithic Design BRAVIA models incorporate Corning®’s Gorilla® Glass allowing for thinner, lighter, and stronger screen material.

With integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n), the XBR-HX929 models offer instant access to thousands of Internet movies, videos and music from BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity. Sony’s Media Remote app provides simple operation and search for internet content.

The XBR-HX929 models are also custom installation friendly with key features such as rear IR-input and a two-way RS232c connection for easier integration with third-party control systems.

Other XBR-HX929 Series features include:

Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with full-array local dimming LED backlight

Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology

Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n)

Skype™ ready in 720p high definition

BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity

X-Reality™ PRO Engine

MotionFlow™ XR 960

Rear two-way IR inputs and two-way RS232C control

Screen sizes include 65-inch (XBR-65HX292, which is available in August 2011), 55-inch (XBR-55HX929), and 46-inch (XBR-46HX929)

Other new BRAVIA models include:

BRAVIA® HX820-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV
Available in May

Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight

Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology

Integrated Wi-Fi™ (802.11n)

Skype™ ready in 720p high definition

BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™

X-Reality™ PRO Engine

MotionFlow™ XR 480

Screen sizes include 55-inch (KDL-55HX820), and 46-inch (KDL-46HX820)

BRAVIA® NX720-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV
Available in May

Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight

Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology

Integrated Wi-Fi™ (802.11n)

Skype™ ready in 720p high definition

BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™

MotionFlow™ XR 240

X-Reality™ Engine

Screen sizes include 60-inch (KDL-60NX720), 55-inch (KDL-55NX720), and 46-inch (KDL-46NX720)

BRAVIA® HX729-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV
Available in May

Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight

X-Reality™ PRO Engine

MotionFlow™ XR 480

Integrated Wi-Fi™ (802.11n)

Skype™ ready in 720p high definition

BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™

Rear two-way IR inputs and two-way RS232C control

Screen sizes include 65-inch (KDL-65HX729), 55-inch (KDL-55HX729), and 46-inch (KDL-46HX729)

BRAVIA® EX720-Series LED LCD 3D Capable HDTV
Available in February

Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Edge LED backlight

X-Reality™ Engine

MotionFlow™ XR 240

Wi-Fi™ ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)

Skype™ ready in 720p high definition

BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™

Screen sizes include 60-inch (KDL-60EX720, which is available in April), 55-inch (KDL-55EX720), 46-inch (KDL-46EX720), 40-Inch (KDL-40EX720), and 32-inch (KDL-32EX720)

BRAVIA® EX620-Series LED LCD HDTV
Available in February

Brilliant Full High Definition (1080p) picture quality with Edge LED backlight

X-Reality™ Engine

MotionFlow™ 120

Wi-Fi™ ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)

Skype™ ready in 720p high definition

BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™

Screen sizes include 55-inch (KDL-55EX620), 46-inch (KDL-46EX620), and 40-Inch (KDL-40EX620)

BRAVIA® EX520-Series LED LCD HDTV
Available in February

Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Edge LED backlight

X-Reality™ Engine

Wi-Fi™ ready (USB wireless LAN adapter sold separately)

Skype™ ready in 720p high definition

BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity™

Energy saving Presence Sensor minimize power consumption

Screen sizes include 46-inch (KDL-46EX520), 40-inch (KDL-40EX520), 32-inch (KDL-32EX520)

BRAVIA® BX420-Series HDTV
Available in February

Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with CCFL backlight

Five HD Inputs to connect multiple HD devices

USB input for photo, music and video playback

Scene select customized picture and sound settings

Ambient Light Sensor

Screen sizes include 46-inch (KDL-46BX420), 40-inch (KDL-40BX420), and 32-inch (KDL-32BX420)

BRAVIA® BX320-Series HDTV
Available in February

Amazing High Definition (720p) picture quality with CCFL backlight

Five HD Inputs to connect multiple HD devices

USB input for photo, music and video playback

Scene select customized picture and sound settings

Ambient Light Sensor

Screen sizes include 32-inch (KDL-32BX320), and 22-inch (KDL-22BX320)

App Update: Skype for iOS [v 3.0]

James Wilson — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 06:06:43 +0000

Well it was bound to happen sooner or later and it finally has occurred – call it a last-minute Christmas present from Skype. If you hop on over to iTunes or the App Store, there you will see that Skype has been updated to version 3.0 – a very large milestone, and has some important updates.

The major new feature for this update is the ability to have Skype Video Calls, allowing for one or two-way conversations over Wifi and 3G. This is a big step as Apple have allowed another app to use 3G technology for video conferences, similar to other apps already available but unlike their own FaceTime technology.

Release Notes:

- Make Skype to Skype video calls on WiFi and 3G*
- Call Skype desktop users (Mac OS X or Windows) and other iPhone users.
- Two-way video calls supported on iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch 4th gen.
- Receive only video supported on iPad and iPod touch 3rd gen, with no camera.
- Make video calls in portrait and landscape.
- Skype video calling requires iOS 4.0 or above.

Device Requirements:
- iOS 4.0
- Two-way calls need iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch 4th gen.

Morning Briefing: Tuesday 28 December

Terence Huynh — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 20:24:53 +0000

Welcome to the Morning Briefing for Tuesday 28 December, where we highlight the tech stories from across the web and what we are watching here at TECHGEEK.com.au.

Here’s what we are watching:

Facebook has been valued at $41.2 billion, which is 56 percent higher than the past half year, making it worth more than eBay and Yahoo. Ouch.
The Next Web has an interesting infograph detailing the growth of Google Chrome, at the expense of the previous darling of the web, Firefox, with a prediction that Chrome and Firefox could near parity within two years.
Russia is set to transition to Linux and open source software with Vladimir Putin, prime minister of Russia, signing a document that will see its introduction to government agencies in Q2 of 2012. There has been some criticism on the plan, but none have the political weight to make some impact.
IncrediMail, the company that was the biggest fad in earlier in the decade, has just signed a new two year deal with Google for ad revenue – despite, what TechCruch reports, a rocky relationship.
And of course, patent trolls have decided that is the perfect time to sue with the next target – Skype. The plaintiff is Gradient Enterprises, saying that Skype violated its patent of “METHOD FOR DETECTING AND RESPONDING TO NETWORK NODE-LEVEL EVENTS AND A SYSTEM THEREOF.” You have got to be kidding.
Facebook has been used to save a life, with a girl in Minnesota got a new kidney from a kind stranger via a Facebook post.
Pokemon Black and White to be released on March 6 in North America. Europe and Australian release still pending.
And for those wanting to know, the lead writer of Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, Jeffrey Yohalem, has an interview with MyDVDinsider with the movies that inspired the game – and there are some interesting choices.

TECHGEEK Podcast 15: TERENCE IS GONNNEEEE LETS PARTY!!!

Stewart Wilson — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 13:00:20 +0000

Yes, that’s right.. Terence is on holidays in Rome! So everyone at TECHGEEK.com.au is partying like crazy. We talk about the new Windows Phone 7, The Android ‘dude’ problem, #newtwitter, the iPhone app that allows you to spy and much much more.

Behold, Episode 15 – the first extremely unorganised podcast to come from TECHGEEK.com.au, oh and we have made the clean tag!

Programming note: Terence & James are not on this week’s episode. Both are representing groups going to Rome.

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SHOW NOTES

Microsoft unleashes Windows Phone 7

http://www.cnet.com.au/microsoft-unleashes-windows-phone-7-339306522.htm

Aussie carriers jump on Windows Phone 7

http://www.cnet.com.au/aussie-carriers-jump-on-windows-phone-7-339306534.htm

Windows Phone 7 apps

http://www.cnet.com.au/windows-phone-7-apps-339306532.htm

Windows Phone 7 will connect to Macs

http://www.cnet.com.au/windows-phone-7-will-connect-to-macs-339306585.htm

Windows Phone 7 Live Messenger official screenshots

http://www.cnet.com.au/windows-phone-7-live-messenger-official-screenshots-339306624.htm

LG Optimus 7 phone specs leaked after accidental posting

http://techgeek.com.au/2010/10/11/lg-optimus-7-phone-specs-leaked-after-accidental-posting/

Skype 5.0 delivers video-conferencing, Facebook integration

http://www.cnet.com.au/skype-5-0-delivers-video-conferencing-facebook-integration-339306633.htm

Microsoft, Facebook in social search deal

http://www.cnet.com.au/microsoft-facebook-in-social-search-deal-339306588.htm

Telstra unlocks iPhones for free

http://www.cnet.com.au/telstra-unlocks-iphones-for-free-339306621.htm

Geohot releases new jailbreak called Limera1n

http://techgeek.com.au/2010/10/10/geohot-releases-new-jailbreak-called-limera1n/

TweetDeck Android out of beta

http://www.cnet.com.au/tweetdeck-android-out-of-beta-339306599.htm

Does Android have a ‘dude’ problem?

http://www.cnet.com.au/does-android-have-a-dude-problem-339306623.htm

Sony Ericsson bring out LiveView display for Android

http://techgeek.com.au/2010/10/11/sony-ericsson-bring-out-liveview-display-for-android/

Everyone has #newtwitter, old design to be phased out

http://techgeek.com.au/2010/10/14/everyone-has-newtwitter-old-design-to-be-phased-out/

Gran Turismo 5 delayed….again

http://techgeek.com.au/2010/10/15/gran-turismo-5-delayed-again/

Diabolical app turns your iPhone into a spy camera

http://dvice.com/archives/2010/10/iphone-camera-a.php

Apple holding ‘Back to the Mac’ event October 20

http://techgeek.com.au/2010/10/14/apple-holding-back-to-the-mac-event-october-20

CTL 2goPad SL10 with Windows 7 starts shipping for $499, arrives looking better than expected

http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/13/ctl-2gopad-sl10-with-windows-7-starts-shipping-for-499-arrives/

STEWART’S BRIEFS

PS3 NetFlix goes disk free, 1080p streaming and 5.1 surround sound

http://techgeek.com.au/2010/10/15/ps3-netflix-goes-disk-free-1080p-streaming-and-5-1-surround-sound/

New MobileMe Calendar Officially Launched

http://techgeek.com.au/2010/10/15/new-mobileme-calendar-officially-launched

Is this the new MacBook Air?

http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/16/is-this-the-new-macbook-air/

AOL looking to buy Yahoo, talking to private equity firms

http://techgeek.com.au/2010/10/14/aol-looking-to-buy-yahoo-talking-to-private-equity-firms/

Keepin’ it real fake: Magic Mouse and iPhone converge into iPhonc

http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/14/keepin-it-real-fake-magic-mouse-and-iphone-converge-into-iphon/

You could buy a small village or this $8 million iPhone

http://dvice.com/archives/2010/10/8-million-diamo.php

Organs status sent to cellphones wirelessly

http://techgeek.com.au/2010/10/11/organs-status-sent-to-cellphones-wirelessly/

Google tests self-driving car

http://www.cnet.com.au/google-tests-self-driving-car-339306494.htm

TECHGEEK Podcast 14: OMG! There’s another body!

Terence Huynh — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 19:00:51 +0000

Yes, apparently Google is into shooting photos of dead people as photos of the dead appeared on Google Street View. Ouch. As well, Motorola gets sued by Microsoft, Facebook lets you download everything you ever uploaded or wrote on Facebook, and MySpace brings out a craptastic new logo.

As well, we bring out a new TECHGEEK Tips episode hosted by Terence and Chris, and the individual episode gets released on Saturday.

Programming note: Terence & James will not be on next week’s episode. Both are representing groups going to Rome.

Download MP3 | Subscribe to our Feed | Subscribe via iTunes

SHOW NOTES

Aiming at Android, Microsoft sues Motorola
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-20018305-56.html
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703859204575526200991561476.html

With Antennagate over, is Glassgate next for the iPhone 4?
http://gdgt.com/discuss/with-antennagate-over-is-glassgate-next-iphone-ani/
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/07/apple-afraid-of-a-shattering-followup-to-its-antennagate-woes/

What did Facebook really just announce?
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-20018796-36.html

Is your private phone number on Facebook? Probably. And so are your friends’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2010/oct/06/facebook-privacy-phone-numbers-upload

Apple in talks to launch iTunes subscription music service?
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/08/apple-in-talks-to-launch-itunes-subscription-music-service/

New Apple music subscription rumor pegs price at $10/month
http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2010/10/new-apple-music-subscription-rumor-pegs-price-at-10month.ars

MySpace Unveils New, Artsy Logo
http://techcrunch.com/2010/10/08/new-myspace-logo/

Internet Explorer falls below 50 percent in browser market
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/10/05/internet-explorer-falls-below-50-percent-in-browser-market/

LG puts Android tablet on hold, says Froyo not suitable
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2010/10/lg-puts-android-tablet-on-hold-says-froyo-not-suitable.ars

What Did Microsoft and Adobe Chiefs Talk About?
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/07/microsoft-and-adobe-chiefs-meet-to-discuss-partnerships/

Android Most Popular Operating System in U.S. Among Recent Smartphone Buyers
http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/android-most-popular-operating-system-in-u-s-among-recent-smartphone-buyers/

Trouble In Clever Domain Land: Bit.ly And Others Risk Losing Theirs Swift.ly
http://techcrunch.com/2010/10/06/trouble-in-clever-domain-land-bit-ly-and-others-risk-losing-theirs-swift-ly/

Better Clear Some Space For Kinect (Or Move House)
http://kotaku.com/5656638/better-clear-some-space-for-kinect-or-move-house?skyline=true&s=i

Firefox 4 Beta for Android and Maemo is Now Available
http://blog.mozilla.com/blog/2010/10/07/firefox-4-beta-for-android-and-maemo/

Bodies in Brazil: the perils of Google Street View South American-style
http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/bodies-in-brazil-the-perils-of-google-street-view-south-americanstyle-20101005-164yp.html

STEWART’S BRIEFS

Shocking: Apple Approves BitTorrent App For App Store
http://torrentfreak.com/shocking-apple-approves-bittorrent-app-for-iphone-app-store-101002/

Don’t be alarmed but your iPhone may have a daylight saving bug
http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/iphone/dont-be-alarmed-but-your-iphone-may-have-a-daylight-saving-bug-20101005-165d5.html

Skype finally comes to Android
http://www.cnet.com.au/skype-finally-comes-to-android-339306426.htm

“The Social Network” tops US box office, gets rave reviews
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/10/04/the-social-network-tops-us-box-office-gets-rave-reviews/

United Arab Emirates will not ban Blackberries
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11499755

Sony’s 16.41MP Sensor Shoots 1080p Video and Will Be in Phones Next Year
http://gizmodo.com/5657866/

Palm ‘Mansion’ coming: 800×480, no physical keyboard
http://www.precentral.net/palm-mansion-coming-800×480-no-physical-keyboard

Turnbull says $65 a month will keep most off broadband
http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/turnbull-says-65-a-month-will-keep-most-off-broadband-20101004-164ek.html

LG launches LED HD 3D TV – and yes, you still need to wear those glasses

Terence Huynh — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:32:37 +0000

LG has announced a brand new 3D television, the LX9500, which is built using LED technology – not like the LCD screens many other 3D screens are using. The television is also super thin – measuring 16mm thin – and is said to allow you to watch any movie from any direction because of its “Multi Picture Format”, unlike many others which are limited sitting directly at the screen. You still, however, need to wear those geeky and uncomfortable glasses. It also support 1080p and features the Skype TV function.

It also has a HDMI 1.4 port, a USB 2.0 port and is DLNA ready. Also present is a Wireless AV link and its NetCast Broadband TV service.

Consumers in Korea are going to get it first, then other markets will receive them in early May.

TG Podcast: Ep. 1 – We’re Back…

Stewart Wilson — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:00:33 +0000

And we’re back with something new. Thanks to Stewart, we are getting back into the podcast game, though we are going to do this monthly. Yeah, I know, a monthly podcast. Basically that would mean that we would basically catch you up with an entire month’s worth of news in a 30 or so minute show, and thanks to Stewart’s wonderful (or infamous) editing skills, we did just that.

The episode basically covers CES and the first few day’s of news; and this was recorded a week before the Google incident – but we’ll cover it on the next episode, hopefully. See you in February!

Download – MP3

Warning: the following episode has a sample rate of 16Khz – blame Stewart or Audacity for the encoding, we hope to fix that in later episodes… hopefully. Show notes after the jump.

Episode 1 – We’re Back

Google Reveals the Nexus One
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/06/google-reveals-the-nexus-one/

Vodafone Aus. confirms Nexus One is coming (to them)
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/08/vodafone-australia-confirms-nexus-one-is-coming/

Seesmic acquires Ping.FM
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/05/seesmic-acquires-ping-fm-moves-beyond-the-twitter-client/

Microsoft dumps upgrades, trims retail editions of Office 2010
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/07/microsoft-to-dump-upgrades-trim-retail-editions-for-office-2010/

Tablet: Apple snubs Intel, may have huge learning curve
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/07/tablet-rumours-apple-snubs-intel-may-have-huge-learning-curve/

Japanese PM starts tweeting, opens blog
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/03/japanese-pm-starts-tweeting-opens-blog/

Palm releases Pre and Pixi for Verizon, adds Plus to its name
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/08/palm-releases-verizon-versions-of-pre-and-pixi-adds-plus-to-its-name/

Live: Microsoft Keynote
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/07/live-steve-ballmer-keynote/

Xbox 360 to go back in time with Game Room
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/07/xbox-360-to-go-back-in-time-with-game-room/

Alienware launches 11-inch gaming laptop
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/08/alienware-launches-11-inch-gaming-laptop/

Sony brings out SD memory cards… wait, what?
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/07/sony-brings-out-sd-memory-cards-wait-what/

Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid makes a kaptop into a detachable tablet
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/05/lenovo-ideapad-u1-hybrid-makes-a-laptop-into-a-detachable-tablet/

Plastic Logic brings out QUE
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/08/plastic-logic-brings-out-que-and-expensive/

Intel announce WiDi HD
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/08/intel-announce-widi-hd/

Skype Video Goes HD!
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/05/skype-video-goes-hd/

Sony completes with Flip with the “Bloggie”
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/07/sony-competes-with-flip-with-the-bloggie/

Confirmed: HP to make Windows Slate PC
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/07/confirmed-hp-to-make-windows-slate-pc/

Dell brings out tablet concept
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/08/dell-brings-out-tablet-concept/

Lady Gaga, Dr. Dre help Bono with new headphones
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/08/lady-gaga-dr-dre-help-bono-with-new-headphones/

Sean “Diddy” Combs, Dr. Dre to sell overpriced earphones
http://techgeek.com.au/2010/01/09/sean-diddy-combs-dr-dre-to-sell-overpriced-earphones/

Guess what, a HD web camera.

Terence Huynh — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 07:27:36 +0000

Since Skype has announced that it will support HD video during conversations, we thought it would take a year until we see a camera that would allow you to use this feature. Turns out, it wasn’t that long. FaceVision has announced a brand new HD camera called the TouchCam N1 camera. Simply connect the camera with the USB cable and there you go, 720p HD resolution video. No more pixelation when we see your face, though for some of our readers, we suggest you don’t get this – unless you want people to see your face, or take the time to put makeup on to cover those blemishes on your face.

Still, I don’t even know why we need a HD camera or even HD video during Skype calls, but apparently it’s wanted by users of Skype.

Skype Video Goes HD!

Andrew Booth — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:00:27 +0000

Today Skype announced a remarkable step up in the world of video calling. The latest version of Skype is going to suport HD video calling which can be received at up to 720p, Skype has also announced plans to embed the software into televisions that are ‘internet-ready’. Surprisingly this significant upgrade doesn’t come with much of a cost to the end-user, the new FV TouchCam N1 HD webcamera being available in early Feburary 2010 at just $69 without a microphone and $99 with. Skype estimates that the software will run fine on a computer with atleast a 1.8GHz processor & Skype 4.2 BETA. All webcams will be available to purchase in the Skype Shop shortly after release.

With Skype embedding the software into HDTVs it will make the video calling experience much more comfortable and ‘at home’. Skype announced that users can expect the following from their new Skype HDTV.

Free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls
Calls to landline or mobile phones at Skype’s low rates
The option to receive inbound calls via a user’s online Skype number
Skype voicemail, if it is set up
Being invited to participate in voice conference calls with up to 24 other parties
Support for up to 720p HD video calls, depending on the availability of high-speed broadband and a HD webcam

At CES, Skype announced partnerships with LG and Panasonic for the new televisions. Skype will be installed on Panasonic’s 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled HDTVs & LG’s 26 new LCD and Plasma TVs with NetCast Entertainment Access. Both series are expected to be available in mid 2010, LG and Panasonic will be selling specialised webcams which can be plugged into the televisions and optimize the Skype experience. The webcams will record video in 720P HD and have microphones that can pickup audio in your living room or where ever your HDTV might be located. Skype recommends an internet connection of 1MBPS symmetrical bandwidth to achieve the best possible results.

Skype founders/eBay legal spat ends, gets 14 percent stake in new Skype

Terence Huynh — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:55:40 +0000

eBay has announced that it has settled a lawsuit with the co-founders of Skype around its sale of the VoIP service, allowing the deal signed by eBay with several investment firms to sell a majority stake in the company worth US$2 billion to go ahead as planned.

The founders, Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis, will take on a 14 percent stake of the company, while eBay will still hold a 30 percent stake. The investment firms will now take a 56 percent stake in the communications company, lower than the original 65 percent stake that was announced previously.

The agreement sees Zennstrom and Friis dropping their lawsuits over intellectual rights over Skype’s core technology, via Joltid and Joost, and will transfer that core technology to the new Skype. The deal also gives them two seats in the board, possibly being filled by the two.

“Skype will be well positioned to move forward under new owners with ownership and control over its core technology,” eBay President and CEO John Donahoe said. “ At the same time, eBay continues to retain a significant stake in Skype and will benefit from its continued growth. We look forward to closing the deal and focusing on growing our core ecommerce and payments businesses.”

“At the same time, eBay continues to retain a significant stake in Skype and will benefit from its continued growth. We look forward to closing the deal and focusing on growing our core ecommerce and payments businesses,” said Managing Director for Silver Lake, which is an investor in the new company, Egon Durban said.

As part of the settlement, the company will give 10 percent to the founders in the new venture, and the founders paid US$83 million for another four percent stake in the company. The deal is expected to close by the end of this year.

It has also been announced that Index Ventures has withdrawn their participation in the new investor group. “Although Skype has the potential to be a great investment, the deal terms changed for Index such that it no longer matches our investment criteria and thus we have decided not to participate in the transaction,” Index partner Danny Rimer said in the statement.

The new deal will value Skype at US$2.75 billion with eBay expected to receive at least US$1.9 billion in cash once it is completed.

eBay to sell 65 percent stake in Skype

Terence Huynh — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 07:50:14 +0000

It’s confirmed! eBay has said that it will sell a 65 percent controlling stake of internet telephony and VoIP service Skype to private investors, ending a relationship that was confusing in the first place to many people in the tech sector.

The private investors include the previously revealed Andreessen Horowitz, Index Ventures and Silver Lake Partners, but also include the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board; and have agreed to pay US$1.9 billion in cash, also $125 million note, for the stake. eBay will retain a smaller 35 percent stake in Skype, allowing it to no longer run the business day-to-day, but still allow it have a seat in the board.

After buying it in 2005, it has had a turbulent effect on eBay. In 2007, it took a US$1.4 billion write-down on its initial acquisition, and had a public split with the co-founders after a pay dispute. The co-founders are now suing eBay over the technology-licensing agreement for Skype.

However, in the second quarter, Skype’s revenue was up 25 percent from a year earlier at $170 million, and has currently 480 million users worldwide. This is expected to grow.

The deal was seen by many as not really fitting in with its core business of auctions, and eBay has admitted that it was a poor fit. Skype will retain its current CEO and its current headquarters in London.

NYT : eBay reaches deal to sell Skype

Terence Huynh — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:37:29 +0000

Internet auction website eBay is reportedly have reached a deal that would see Skype being sold to a group of private investors, months after announcing its intention of spinning off the online telephony and VoIP service, according to the New York Times, citing two people who were briefed on the plans.

It is expected that the announcement would be held on Wednesday, or Tuesday in America.

Though eBay has not commented on the matter yet, it is said to include the new venture capital firm headed by Netscape co-founder Marc Andreessen, Andreessen Horowitz. Other named partners include London-based Index Ventures, an early investor in Skype, and the private equity firm Silver Lake Partners. The price was not disclosed, but it is expected the price to be around US$2 billion.

eBay bought Skype in 2005, outbidding rivals Yahoo and Google. However, it is also seen to be one of the worst transactions in the tech sector in the decade because Skype did not really fit in with eBay’s already existing services, and it later wrote down the asset by $900 million. The price, however, topped at US$3.1 billion as it also included payouts to the founders of Skype, Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis – who would start up Joost, a online video service that has failed to catch on.

It was also reported that Google was looked as a potential suitor, but Google walked away from the deal, fearing litigation that would leave it vulnerable to damages and that it might also alienate wireless carriers since they offer Google Android and its Google Voice service.

Three to launch new social phone – integrates Facebook, Live Messenger & Skype

Terence Huynh — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:25:11 +0000

3 Australia will be releasing another phone to Australia that will integrate Skype, but will also include integration with popular IM Windows Live Messenger and social network Facebook in attempt to create a more social-friendly phone. Called the INQ1 – pronounced as “ink one”, the phone is expected to be around by Christmas.

The phone is, according to The Guardian, based around an open platform, meaning that any site wishes to have their social network on the phone, they will be able to do so. The phone will also support Flash Lite, something that the more-powerful Apple iPhone does not have. At the time of writing, the phone has one-touch access to Facebook and Last.FM – with Skype and Windows Live Messenger as IM clients. YouTube and eBay, however, can be accessed via 3’s mobile portal.

The phone features MP3 support, a 2.2-inch QVGA screen with 262K TFT colour, HSDPA support, Bluetooth and a 3.2 megapixel camera. The phone will come in either silver or black, and will have an internal memory capacity of 50MB, but that is expandable to 4GB on an unspecified storage card. According to 3, the battery life for the phone is up to 327 hours standby and 324 minutes of talktime.

The phone will be available under contract from 3 for only $39 per month. Under this, customers get a $310 cap value, 1GB of data, 4,000 minutes of Skype-to-Skype minutes and 10,000 Skype chats – among other things. The phone is also protected by a 2-year warranty. However, if you don’t like contracts; the phone will also be available under Prepaid, costing $179 when you purchase one of the new Prepaid Cap recharge vouchers – which start off at $29.

Fring brings Skype, VoIP to iPhone

Terence Huynh — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 03:54:47 +0000

You can now use VoIP and Skype without jailbreaking your iPhone, thanks to Fring, a free mobile Voice-over-IP service, after releasing a brand new app for the Apple’s App Store. This means, basically, you can now make Skype-to-Skype calls on your iPhone.

As well as the Skype functionality, Fring will also allow you to chat (and call) your friends over on MSN, Google Talk, AIM, Yahoo, Twitter, ICQ and its own service. While there are many VoIP applications out there in the App Store, this one shows much promise, since it uses different services, including its own.

VoIP applications are allowed on the iPhone, but they cannot be used on the 3G network – since it uses too much data to travel the call. It supports both iPod Touch and iPhone, but we will have a review as soon as I find a pair of iPod ready headphones with a microphone.

Skype joint venture in China snags and stores users’ messages

Terence Huynh — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:32:05 +0000

According to a report released on Wednesday (PDF) by Canadian researchers; the Skype joint-venture in China, TOM-Skype, is recording customer text chats and then censoring them if it contains certain keywords related to topics that the Chinese government deemed objectionable.

Sensitive words include the Falun Gong, Taiwan independence and earthquake. The group also found that there logs of intercepted messages, where if one person types the word “fuck” into the program, it sends the message to a remote location – and it also found that the directories were accessible by using a web browser.

“While Skype specifically stated that censored messages are ‘simply discarded and not displayed or transmitted anywhere,’ this report demonstrates that not only are filtered messages transmitted to and stored on TOM-Skype servers located in China, but also that the servers themselves are configured with such poor security that it is possible to retrieve and decrypt these logs,” according to the report.

Also found were logs of IP addresses, usernames and the content of the text messages which have been filtered, recordings of Skype voice conversations with their names and their phone numbers. However, this is locked away in a directory that has been encrypted and each sub-directory inside of that is also encrypted.

It also found that it has been used for piracy, and it is obvious when you type a search query in Google. We tested it, and it does seem to work.

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