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Skype Comes to the PlayStation Vita

Wed Apr 25, 2012 at 10:30 AM ET
Tags: PlayStation Vita, Skype (all tags)

It's a natural addition to a device with a rear facing camera and Wi-Fi connectivity. Now where are our PSone Classics?

The PlayStation Vita just got a nice upgrade that gives users the ability to communicate with friends and family across the world – Skype. While it's a bit more counter-intuitive on TVs, the Wi-Fi/3G connected device with a rear facing camera is a natural for the service.

Skype will work both over 3G and Wi-Fi, and can run in the background of most games, but not all. If you're called during a game, answering it will pause what you're doing so that you can return to the game after you've hung up.

Skype should be available now, though Sony says it may take a day or two to finish rolling out to everybody.

Source: GameSpot

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Skype Functionality Comes to Vizio TVs

Tue Mar 06, 2012 at 12:00 PM ET
Tags: Skype, Vizio, Connected TVs (all tags)

The company is also launching a $150 camera built just for the purpose.

Skype is an increasingly common feature on connected TVs, allowing people to connect with one another through calls or video chat on the big screen. Vizio is the latest maker to announce a Skype app - a feature which is live now.

The app is free, but to use it you'll need the Vizio Internet Apps TV Video Camera which will run you $150 directly from Vizio. The company says that most of its connected TVs will be compatible, but not all. They've created a handy search if you have any question about whether yours will work or not.

Source: Engadget

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Biscotti Launches a Video Phone for your TV

Thu Nov 17, 2011 at 10:00 AM ET
Tags: Skype (all tags)

It's an interesting idea but it's not cheap and it lacks Skype support.

Biscotti is a company new to the scene and they've just launched their first product - the TV Phone. It's essentially a video phone type device that turns your TV into the monitor.

To use it, simply set up the camera/microphone combo on the top of your TV and then call up whoever you want using the included remote. It's a nice concept, but for a $199 device it lacks one big feature that seems like a no-brainer.

Biscotti can call anyone on a smartphone, tablet, Google contact or other Biscotti users. What it can't do is access Skype, which is becoming a commonplace application on connected TVs.

Source: Engadget

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Skype Comes to Comcast Cable Boxes

Thu Jun 16, 2011 at 12:00 PM ET
Tags: Skype, Comcast, XFINITY (all tags)

Skype features will also be coming to Comcast's Xfinity apps.

Remember a year or two ago when Netflix was the must have app for internet connected devices? This year is all about Skype, and Comcast is the latest to add the capabilities. If you have Comcast cable you won't need to get a Smart TV or set-top box - you can use Skype right on your cable box.

Of course, you'll still need a few things to make it all work. A camera is required, but you probably could have guessed that. Comcast says you'll also need an adaptor box and a specially designed remote control that makes it simple to enter text.

"Our unique relationship with Skype not only will change how our customers interact with their TV, but also will create new and meaningful ways to bring our customers closer to the people they care about," says Comcast president Neil Smit. "TV has evolved into a social experience, and Comcast and Skype will be delivering a product that personalizes the TV experience even more, and brings friends and family together through the biggest screen in their homes."

Source: Engadget

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Microsoft Buys Skype for $8.5 Billion

Wed May 11, 2011 at 08:00 AM ET
Tags: Skype, Microsoft (all tags)

Skype support for the Xbox, Windows phones, and other Windows devices is on the way.

In what came as a bit of a surprise, the folks at Microsoft announced that they've agreed to purchase Skype for a whopping $8.5 billion. The result is a big step forward for Microsoft in the world of real-time communication and a significant payout for Skype.

"Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world," says Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. "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."

Microsoft has announced that the Xbox, Windows phone and other devices will be seeing Skype integration in the near future and you can bet they'll be showing it off at E3 in June.

The folks at Microsoft have not revealed what, if anything, this means for existing Skype partners, but it makes sense that the company would want to keep the service on as many devices as possible.

Source: Microsoft

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Logitech Ships a Skype Camera for Panasonic TVs

Thu May 05, 2011 at 12:00 PM ET
Tags: Logitech, Panasonic, Skype (all tags)

The $150 accessory will allow you to make video calls at 720p.

One of the features often touted by connected television manufacturers is the ability to make video calls using Skype. It's an interesting option, especially for families that want to chat with each other or couples in long distance relationships.

Logitech has just announced that their TV Cam for Skype is now shipping to stores. It's made specifically for Panasonic sets and allows you to send and receive video calls in 720p. You don't need a computer and you don't need to download any software - just plug it in and go.

"You shouldn't have to wait for the holidays, a special occasion or summer vacation to see distant friends and family," says Logitech VP Joerg Tewes. "We believe making a video call to loved ones should be easy and natural."

The Logitech TV Cam for Skype is shipping now and will be available in stores at a price of $150.

Source: TWICE

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Panasonic Enables Skype, Announces Camera Availability

Thu May 20, 2010 at 02:00 PM ET
Tags: Panasonic, Skype (all tags)

And yes, you'll need to shell out $169 for Panasonic's camera.

When Panasonic announced the addition of Skype video calling functionality to their new line of televisions there was a bit of a mixed reaction. All in all though, it's added functionality, even if you'll never use it.

And it's activated now on Panasonic TVs, which means you can get out there and start chatting it up, as long as you pick up Panasonic's camera. According to Panasonic, their own TY-CC10W camera is "the only camera that enables access to Skype on your VIERA video calling features."

It seems like a nice enough camera. It's got four unidirectional mics, echo canceling, and audio processing to help separate voices from background noise. It supports video of up to 1280 x 720 and a maximum of 22fps.

Source eCoustics

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