Microsoft buys Skype ~~ Again, Why?

Will Skype lose it's charm, or gain a whole new suite of features?


The purchase of Skype by Microsoft has not left anyone indifferent, for two clear reasons for the huge investment Microsoft has made the unexpected and operation, as the best placed were Facebook and Google, in that order. While not understand too much interference from Google, Facebook only justified because it could not keep the service in the end neither took the cat to water.

After an extraordinary outlay, now get to see the reason for this investment and how to capitalize, as it is a very strong, and we'll see if it goes well, because the last 5 years Microsoft has generated losses at the end of each exercise.

The business environment is one of the factors that could be based the purchase of Skype, because integration with Lync, unified communications system to provide features audio, video, chat and Web conferencing to the enterprise level. What is clear that unification with any Microsoft service will improve access to real-time video and voice communications, bringing new functionality to users of Microsoft and Skype.

Microsoft, explained in the official announcement of purchase, that their approach is to invest in and deploy communications services and features Lync Skype, Outlook, Messenger, Hotmail and Xbox LIVE. Will also be changes in other devices or bearing Microsoft operating system from Microsoft, as XBOX, Kinect and any Windows Smartphone Phone will see the integration of Skype.

That can make all of this, improved real-time communications, but also a possible implementation of new features and Kinect XBOX game, especially for online gameplay, as players will be interconnected throughout the game. Now we just need Microsoft to get down to work to give us all good for Skype.

http://zonadigital.excite.es/que-quiere-microsoft-con-la-compra-de-skype-N21601.html

Skype Spam ~~ Spam and malware that spreads via Skype!

Is spam invading Skype?

Incredible, right? Check out the details of this disturbing discovery by ESET.


The ESET research company, has warned the use of Skype (software that lets you chat and telephone conversations with users anywhere in the world), to spread spam and get private information from ciberatacantes. In recent days, they detected the insertion of such spam links leading to sites pharmacists in instant messaging service Skype, as a result of the growing popularity of this platform has been purchased. ESET reported in the first instance on this methodology in Lab Blog: http://blogs.eset-la.com/laboratorio/2009/09/08/spam-skype/, and how to properly configure Skype to avoid receiving this type of malicious links.

In addition, the popular chat and make phone calls over the Internet is affected by a Trojan form of Skype spam, detected by ESET Win32/Skytap under the name, which allows users to record conversations for later send them in MP3 format to ciberatacantes who can wield it at will. This methodology is particularly dangerous, since the mere infection by conventional equipment can result in leakage of any confidential information transmitted via Skype to reach the hands of cybercriminals.

How can it be prevented?
To avoid receiving spam through Skype, you must properly configure the application in the section of user privacy. To do this go to the Tools option and then choose Options from the main menu. In the Privacy section, click on Show Advanced Options, which must verify that you are selected in each of the sections the only option people in my Contact List. To increase the level of privacy, it is also preferable not to accept cookies.

Because the Trojan infects the user through any means, even if they have Skype installed, preventive measures are the usual for any other type of malware. The constant emergence of new and increasingly sophisticated malicious code demonstrates the importance of always having antivirus and security solutions with proactive protection capabilities, such as ESET NOD32 Antivirus and ESET Smart Security, that are capable of detecting known and unknown malware.

Worried? You should. But thanks to these tips ESET you can take action to prevent Skype spam abuse.

Skype creates a social network for teachers.

Skype founds a new social network for teachers around the world!

'Skype in the classroom' (Skype in the classroom) is an online directory designed as a social network focused on facilitating interaction among teachers around the world who want to use Skype to "transmit, models of education or sensations experienced in education ".

More than 4,000 teachers in 99 countries and can share resources and experiences, reporting on the details of the subject they teach, find people with similar interests and capable of talks in the galleries. Obviously, one way is to use Skype's own video.

"This community has been created in response to the number of teachers who have integrated Skype into their classes to help students in their learning process, "the official company blog.
With this tool, as Skype, teachers "are taking advantage of that offer communication tools " of this kind to facilitate the learning of different cultures and different forms of communication.
The new tool developed by Skype give educators "search by location, map or keyword to find what you're looking for, whether you are a teacher, a resource or project.

It also allows "show projects" that the teacher wants to carry out, allowing "describe the type of partnership" to seek and find projects that can participate. Similarly, can "share and find" resources, ideas, information and advice, according to the official blog.

Skype Phone Booths now in Estonia!

Cab Skype installed ~ A first.
Thurs 31 March 2011

Can you imagine calling from a phone booth? At this point in the film is certainly not your first choice, especially since the use of Smartphone, endlessly has spread everywhere. Well you might not be so crazy this option, because you do not speak of a telephone booth from which we are accustomed, such Movistar.

I'm talking about the Skype booth, telephone booths themselves this company that lets us make phone calls for free. The first one has been installed at the airport in Tallinn Lennart Meri of Estonia, although the base is the application you can find for PC, but in a cabin qualified to do so, through which we can make video calls free VoIP.

The station will feature a touch screen, audio, video, and could not be otherwise, wireless internet, where we will introduce our data users to make video calls with your contacts. The project will not be available in the short to medium term is being conducted by Advertising Technology (AdTech), a company specializing in touch screens and LED advertising.

The intention is to mass produce this type of Skype and installed booths in various public areas, mainly at airports, ports, hotels, shopping centers, hospitals and cruise ships. Who was going to tell us not long ago that with the new 3G Smartphones and tablet, we could be talking about phone booths, whether or Skype.

http://zonadigital.excite.es/cabinas-skype-en-el-aeropuerto-tallin-lennart-N20203.html

MSN has bought Skype

Well, it finally happened: Skype sold out.



On Friday we were having breakfast with the news that Skype could be bought by Google or Facebook, in a bitter struggle to gain the users of VoIP phone service in the world. But we did not know was the proximity of the closing, the negotiations were not two-sided if not three, since Microsoft also has been involved in this multimillion-dollar operation.

And is that from the Wall Street Journal ensures that Microsoft has bought Skype for the value of the debt, ie U.S. $ 8,500 million, almost 6,000 million euros. Within 5 days the race to buy Skype has taken an unexpected turn, and the two opponents of Microsoft in the purchase by the VoIP service eventually dropped out of the transaction, which may have much to do to Microsoft has desembolsadol amount.

The operation had more options was the alliance or purchase of Skype and Facebook, but Microsoft has not wanted to leave to escape the potential users that Skype has. And is that with the confirmation of the operation, we are talking about a safe bet that the part of Microsoft, and that the figures used in transactions with Facebook and Google were a maximum of 4,000 million dollars, so that Microsoft would pay double that of its competitors.

Now it remains to see how profitable this astronomical figure, although more than 124 million users worldwide, can provide a strong revenue stream for Microsoft. And integration with Windows Live, Windows Phone in new applications and even Kinect, may be what explains the very large sum payments.

Skype video calls to extend your iPhone

IPhone Skype video calls

Mon January 3, 2011
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Starting today, iPhone lovers have a new reason to be happy after Skype announced extending their service 'star' to these devices. We speak of free video calls that largely are to blame for Skype calling service is through world's most used Internet and, henceforth, can be enjoyed from the iPhone.

Thus, by a notice on its website, Skype communicated the news of the extension of free video calls to the iPhone, something that can be done by downloading a simple application. However, it also has its limitations, since only 4 will be compatible with iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPod Touch ios 4.0 and higher models. Moreover, the iPod Touch 3 and nothing iPad may receive video calls.

Skype's decision to expand into the iPhone, on the other hand, is motivated by the finding that no less than 40 percent of total minutes spent on calls via Skype in the first half of 2010 were for video calls. Thus, video calls can be done through 3G and WiFi networks, while the ability to send and receive video calls will be determined by the bandwidth available to each user. Finally, Skype warned that, despite the free video calls, it is likely that operators choose to apply extra charges for the enjoyment of this service.

http://zonadigital.excite.es/skype-extiende-sus-videollamadas-al-iphone-N16993.html

Skype on 3G

Skype adds video call to your application for 3G networks and WiFi to iPhone and iPod Touch iPad
Jan 2011
IBLNEWS, AGENCY

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Skype announces the arrival of the video call over 3G and WiFi for the iPhone

Skype announced the latest version of its iPhone application that will enable millions of mobile phone users in the world to make video calls via 3G and WiFi networks. The new Skype application for iPhone, available now for download on Apple App Store, allows those with an iPhone, and iPod touch iPad do and / or first receive free Skype video calls. Then they can see their relatives, friends from around the world while talking with them.



According to Apple, Skype is among the top five free iPhone applications major 2010. With the video call service significantly improves the user experience of Skype for iPhone, as they can make and receive free Skype to Skype call fixed or mobile phones worldwide at very low rates, and now also share more time together using the video with Skype for iPhone.

"Video calls accounted for approximately 40% of all minutes of Skype to Skype calls during the first six months of 2010. Our users have shown interest to use the video call on their mobile phones," said Neil Stev



Users can make Skype video calls with the iPhone over a 3G data connection or WiFi. The new Skype application for iPhone is compatible with iPhone 4 generation, 3G iPhone and iPod touch on the 4th i0S 4.0 or higher. You can also receive video from devices in the 3rd generation of iPod touch and iPad. Finally, calls can be made between devices that use the new Skype application for iPhone and computers, including Skype for Windows 4.2 or later, Skype for Mac 2.8 or higher for Linux and ASUS Skype Videophone.

Skype for iPhone application can be downloaded free from the App Store or from Skype.

http://www.iblnews.com/story/59627

Nokia ships phones with Skype.

Nokia to begin shipping phones with Skype in 2010-2011.

Nokia, the world's leading mobile phone manufacturer, has announced it will sell devices with Skype software to make long distance calls over the Internet. The first unit of the Finnish brand that will integrate the application will be the N-97, belonging to the high end, as announced by the CEO of Skype, Josh Silverman.

The Skype application was created in 2003 by Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis Danish. The software lets you make calls over the Internet, using a mechanism very similar to instant messaging services of MSN Messenger. It is also possible to make calls from a computer fixed and mobile phones thanks to SkypeOut, but this service is not free.

From the beginning, the telephone companies were in a serious competitor to Skype, because their users pay little or nothing to make calls, often long distances. But Nokia has proposed approach it differently, offering it as a service. For them is based on the experiences of some telephone companies such as 3G, which have used the application to exploit the benefits of flat rate, leading to increase revenue by 20% among users of Skype.

Skype, with over 400 million registered users, warmly welcomes the agreement reached with Nokia: "When we partner with manufacturers can deliver a superior experience," according to Silverman. It is also possible to download the program to other mobile brand that does not bring integrated, but in this case, the applications will be more basic and less options.

http://zonadigital.excite.es/nokia-vendera-moviles-con-skype-N5438.html

Skype pays downtime compensation.

Dec 2010
Skype is working again and promised to pay compensation


After days of confusion among the millions of users that Skype has throughout the world, the waters seem back to normal after the announcement of the company, which ensures that their services are once again operating almost 90 percent for peace of those usually make use of them. After repair of 'supernodes' that make the connection between users, and installing new ones to strengthen the service to any faults, Skype makers consider that everything is under control.

And, since last week, millions of Skype users unable to access their accounts or use services like video calling, still to this day still giving some problems. However, since Skype, once solved the problems, has been ruled out with certainty that they come from a hacker attack eager to advertising.

On the other hand, aware of the introduction of Skype worldwide for the simple and reliable to use and is free of much of its services, the company that offers Internet calling service over extended time has decided to compensate users who have suffered in these days before and after Christmas Eve. Thus, Skype said it will send credit bonds with free calls for most of their users, they could not contact his family in these days of Christmas.
http://zonadigital.excite.es/skype-vuelve-a-funcionar-y-promete-compensaciones-N16798.html

Alternative to Skype ~~ FreeCall

FreeCall 4.2
An alternative to Skype that is easy to use
Published on March 19, 2009

FreeCall is a VOIP phone program, how to use the computer as a phone.

This phone is activated whenever the application is running.

Calls between computers are free from computer to the phone are extra, like Skype, but at a much more competitive than usual among telephone companies.

Download FreeCall 4.2 Build 516 at
http://freecall.softonic.com/

Skype alternatives for Free Calling

Skype alternative ~ 2008


With Skype we run the risk of repeat the story: a program based on a proprietary protocol and just grabbing the whole market almost solely by the weight that users "prisoners" of a closed system and not can use an alternative client to communicate with them. Can you imagine if the television broadcast protocol SONY outside and keep it secret so that we could only receive the signal using their devices? Well, let ... Better not give them ideas ...

There are alternatives to Skype. Many (just look at this comparison table of wikipedia) and some of them as good or better than Skype itself. In addition, a large majority of these systems uses SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), an open protocol and formally specified in RFC 3261. This allows them, if the system operator does not place obstacles, interact with each other so that calls can be made between customers of different systems. Here you have some alternatives now that there is still time, we can choose:
EkigaGizmo


Ekiga (formerly known as Gnomemeeting) and Gizmo are, so far, my two favorites. Both use SIP calls can exchange freely between any customer who uses this protocol and are available with full functionality for Linux and Windows (unlike Skype for Linux version of which is old and very limited). Ekiga is free software and has support for video conferencing. Gizmo is not free software (although free, like Skype) but other than that the protocol used if opened my other reason to take this into account is that it has a function similar to SkypeOut to call regular phones around the world . Looking at them over (I have not done a detailed study country to country) Gizmo rates are virtually identical to those of Skype and also no connection charge. If you are also looking for a client to a corporate environment, both interact well with an Asterisk server. Gizmo also has a version for MacOSX: Wengophone.
A third client that combines the advantages of both and more but, I admit, I have yet to sheer laziness. Wengophone called (now QuteCom) and is distributed with GPL license. Use the SIP protocol, supports video conferencing lets you use instant messaging accounts of the most popular protocols (for it is based on Gaim) and allows sending SMS messages and calls to regular phones with a very competitive fee schedule. Does anyone more? The client is available for Linux, Mac OSX and windows or firefox extension for the last two systems (for Linux is announced as in development).

One last note. Gizmo, like Skype, it works perfectly without having to touch anything on the firewall in all environments in which I tested. Ekiga or Wengophone to work all I had to redirect the appropriate ports. The information to do so have it available in their respective wikis support (here and here for Wengophone Ekiga).

UPDATE: Gizmo has been acquired by Google who has discontinued the product

Why Did Microsft MSN buy Skype?

Why did a buyout come now?
Because Google is aggressively trying to takeover the social-networking market.
Since MicroSoft hasn't made as progressive inroads in social media marketing, as Google has, one may assume the purchase was a defensive manuever to prevent Google from monopolizing this marketplace.

The free utilities offered by Skype, including International Calling, Video Conferencing and Instant Messaging will be critical elements in the social-media 'maze' (more like a jungle than a network) which is rapidly evolving. Whether Microsoft quickly incorporates this into their 'social network interface' (ie, MSN) will remain to be seen.