Say what you like about Windows 8, but Microsoft seems to have knocked developers into line when it comes to interface design. Exhibit a: Skype for Not-Metro, which not only matches the minimal tile design of the OS, but manages to make the iOS version look positively baroque.
The Tiki Is A Compact USB Mic That Looks Good But Sounds Bad [Review]
The Tiki, from Blue Mic ($59), is a compact USB microphone designed to give you great audio for Skype calls and voice notes in rooms with even moderate ambient noise. And while Blue is known for creating mics that sound as good as they look, the Tiki’s beauty is only skin deep.
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Skype Acknowledges “Rare” Bug Causing Some Messages To Be Sent To Unintended Contacts
You might want to hold off on the sexting via Skype for a bit, as Skype has acknowledge a “rare” bug, which according to complaints on Skype support, appears to send messages to unintended contacts. The Skype team has already responded and plans on pushing out a fix soon.
“We are aware that in rare circumstances IM’s between two contacts could be sent to an unintended third contact. We are rolling out a fix for this issue in the next few days and will notify our users to download an updated version of Skype.”
O2’s Upcoming ‘TU Go’ App Will Let You Make & Receive iPhone Calls On Your iPad
There’s no denying that the iPad is far to big to be a telephone, but there are times when it would be nice to make calls on the device. For example, I’ve previously used Skype to make a call on mine while my iPhone was being updated. But a new smartphone app called ‘TU Go’, on its way from U.K. carrier O2, will allow you to use a device connected to your iPhone — such as an iPad — to make and receive calls from your existing phone number.
Carat For iOS Improves Battery Life By Identifying Buggy Apps
If you’re an iPhone user who plays Angry Birds and watches YouTube videos all day long, you probably think your handset’s battery life is terrible. In reality, the iPhone often provides you with a lot more energy than many rival smartphones, and as for the iPad, well, no other tablet beats it when it comes to staying awake.
But there are some things you can do to make your battery life even better. In addition to obvious fixes — like turning down your brightness when you don’t need it to melt your retinas, or killing apps like Skype that constantly run in the background — identifying buggy apps that might be using battery unnecessarily could make a huge difference. And Carat for iOS helps you do that.
Skype 5.8 For Mac Delivers Better Mobile Video Calls, Group Screen Sharing, Mountain Lion Support
Skype has just pushed out its latest update for Mac OS X, which includes a number of enhancements to existing features, as well as support for OS X Mountain Lion. The company promises that contacts lists, video calls to mobile devices, and screen sharing are all much-improved in version 5.8.
7 Awesome Features Apple Left Out Of iOS 6
We’re super excited for iOS 6. Although it isn’t the complete iOS overhaul many users were hoping for, it does deliver a whole host of new features — like a new Maps app, user interface enhancements, improvements to stock apps, and Siri support on iPad — that we’re certainly looking forward to.
However, it’s hard to ignore the fact that iOS 6 still has some things missing. Things we’ve been waiting for for some time. Here are seven of them.
In iOS 6, The Status Bar Changes Color To Match The App You’re Running
We’ve already shown you a whole host of new iOS 6 features that Apple didn’t get time to mention during its WWDC keynote yesterday, and here’s another one. In fact, this is probably one of the coolest in the bunch. Notice how the status bar above certain stock apps — like Settings or Mail — is now blue? Well, that actually changes color to match the theme of the app you’re running.
Seven Apps That Apple Just Killed With iOS 6
With every new OS it releases, Apple manages to make some previously essential third-part apps obsolete. And iOS6 is no exception. In fact, the new iOS might even hold a record for the number of apps that it has rendered useless. Let’s take a look.
Boom 1.4 Update Promises To Deliver All The Features You’ve Been Requesting
Boom, a terrific utility for Mac OS X that boosts system volume well above Apple’s default limit, is set to receive a new update that promises to deliver all of the features and improvements that Boom users have been asking for. That includes scroll gestures for those running Snow Leopard and Lion, the ability to access functions from the status bar icon, and more.
FreedomPop Plans A Better Free 4G Service Than NetZero For Your iPhone
Earlier this week, NetZero launched a new freemium mobile broadband service using Clearwire’s WiMax 4G network. Although NetZero is the first U.S. company to launch a “free” 4G service, it isn’t going to be the last. Skype founder Niklas Zennstrom has begun work on a similar service called FreedomPop that will launch this summer.
FreedomPop plans to offer more monthly data for free than NetZero’s paltry 200MB. It will also target iPhone owners as a major part of its user base.
Skype 5.6 Now Available With Full Screen Video Mode In OS X Lion, More Features
Skype has released a new public version of its Mac app with full screen video mode for OS X Lion, automatic updates, improved group calling, and more. Version 5.6 includes multiple bug fixes and interface improvements.
Best Buy Predicts 42-Inch “Apple HDTV” In Customer Survey
A rumored Apple television set has received just as much — if not more — attention than the company’s upcoming iPhone 5 in recent months, but the questions we’ve all been asking about its specifications have been answered… by Best Buy.
The retailer has been issuing surveys to its customers to obtain feedback on potential new products and services, but many were surprised to find details on a 42-inch “Apple HDTV,” which will apparently be available for $1,499.
Skype 5.5 Beta For Mac Released With Design Improvements And New Call Features
Skype has released a new beta for Mac users today that brings an enhanced call UI and more features. Call quality and stabilization improvements have also been introduced.
‘The Heck With Waiting For CES,’ Says Logitech, ‘We’re Releasing Our New Goodies Right Now!’
Logitech isn’t waiting for CES next week; instead, the gadget giant is releasing two new products today — one of which raised eyebrows here.
Rode Podcaster USB Microphone: You’re Going To Like The Way You Sound, I Guarantee It [Review]
If you’ve spent much time podcasting, Skyping, recording any kind of audio on your Mac, you’ve no doubt found its built-in microphone woefully inadequate. Well if you’re ready to toss down some Benjamins for an upgrade, the Rode Podcaster Microphone ($230) is a rich-sounding, easy-to-use option you should consider.
Latest Skype For Mac Beta Gets Facebook Video Chat
The new beta of Skype for Mac and Windows integrates with Facebook to allow video calling between two people. As part of Skype’s new partnership with Facebook, users can access their friends’ Facebook status updates and messages within the Skype app.
Bluetooth Headsets Now Work With Skype’s iOS Apps [App Update]
Over a year ago, when Skype’s iOS app was finally upgraded with the ability to work as a backgrounded app, it was a big step in the direction of untethering voice communications from the telcoms. Today marks the next big step in that direction, as both Skype’s iPhone and iPad app add Bluetooth support.
Skype Releases New WiFi-Only App For Accessing Hotspots With Skype Credit
In a surprise move, Skype has released a WiFi app that allows users to access over one million hotspots with Skype’s pay per minute credits. The app is clearly geared towards international travelers, and Skype is offering its new WiFI app for free in the App Store.
These Orangutans Just Love Playing With Their iPads
Orangutans at the Milwaukee County Zoo could be some of the luckiest orangutans on Earth. Why? Because just like millions of humans, they enjoy using apps, playing games, and watching videos on the iPad.
Facebook Messenger App Lets You Chat With Your Friends, Video Chat May Be Coming Soon
Someone must use Facebook’s chat system, because the social networking giant just released Facebook Messenger, a dedicated iOS app that allows you to send and receive messages or chat with friends on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. It even comes with push notifications so you won’t miss any messages.
More interestingly, though, Facebook’s Messenger app contains files that hint at future video calling functionality to come.
This Week’s Must-Have iOS Apps: Skype, Rdio, eBay Instant Sale & More!
This week’s roundup must-have apps features the long-awaited Skype app for the iPad, a beautiful new music app from Rdio, the quickest and easiest way to sell your old gadgets through eBay Instant Sale, and a new digital magazine from AOL that’s tailored just for you.
Skype for iPad Is Finally Here! Download It Now!
Finally! After a false start earlier this morning, Skype has finally rolled out their long waited for native iPad app.
Skype for Mac Updated with Group Video, New Control Bar, Still No iPad App
While we patiently await the release of Skype for iPad, which was supposed to land last Tuesday, the Skype application for Mac just got a fancy new update that introduces background video calling and group video chat.
UPDATED: Check Out What Skype’s Native iPad Client Will Look Like [Video]
UPDATE: Skype has confirmed that the video is real. The app has been submitted to the App Store, and is pending Apple’s approval.
Earlier today, Skype allegedly posted the above video to their official YouTube account, then just as quickly whisked it away. We don’t know if it’s legit or not, but we hope so, because Skype for iPad looks great.