Skype’s updated app one-ups Apple with mobile video chat

Skype has launched a video chat feature for their iPhone app which adds 3G capability, as well as being able to chat with iPhone 3GS users in a limited one way video basis.

Users who have the iPhone 4 or 4th generation iPod Touch can initiate video calls with friends who use the iPhone 3GS, iPad, and 3rd Generation iPod Touch, while 3rd Gen Apple device users can only receive the video chat and while talking audio only. Mac Desktop users can also jump into the fray using the Skype client.

But what’s really challenging to Apple’s Facetime dominance is that Skype can video chat over 3G, not just WiFi only. And according to Red Ferret, the data usage isn’t too bad, chiming in at about 1.3MB per minute.

Frankly, I’m amazed that Apple approved this update, but it may be that they’ll be announcing a “one more thing” update next month that will do the same.

The Skype App update is free can is available right now at the App Store.

Skype has launched a video chat feature for their iPhone app which adds 3G capability, as well as being able to chat with iPhone 3GS users in a limited one way video basis.

Users who have the iPhone 4 or 4th generation iPod Touch can initiate video calls with friends who use the iPhone 3GS, iPad, and 3rd Generation iPod Touch, while 3rd Gen Apple device users can only receive the video chat and while talking audio only. Mac Desktop users can also jump into the fray using the Skype client.

But what’s really challenging to Apple’s Facetime dominance is that Skype can video chat over 3G, not just WiFi only. And according to Red Ferret, the data usage isn’t too bad, chiming in at about 1.3MB per minute.

Frankly, I’m amazed that Apple approved this update, but it may be that they’ll be announcing a “one more thing” update next month that will do the same.

The Skype App update is free can is available right now at the App Store.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

Joby unveils two new iPad Accessories at CES 2011

Most of you are familiar with Joby, and they are most famous for their Gorillapod accessories. These are tripods with some very flexible feet for cameras, flashlights, and even the iPhone 4. At CES 2011 Unveiled last night, the company revealed that they have two new iPad related products.

The first is the Yogi, and it is a case for the iPad with those famous Gorillapod legs (seen on the left). Not only can the user take these two legs and twist them around to mount the iPad in many places, but it makes the iPad so it literally stands on two feet for viewing in portrait and landscape mode, perfect for those who like to watch iPad vids.

The second iPad product is the Ori, and it doesn’t have the Gorillapod feet. It does allow the iPad to stand up by itself. Not only can it stand it up in portrait or landscape mode like an easel, but the case itself can fold up and around the iPad, giving the user an extra layer of metal protection for their favorite Apple tablet.

I wasn’t able to get the release dates, but I do have the prices. The Joby Ori will sell for about $79.95 while the Yogi will go for about $49.95.

Most of you are familiar with Joby, and they are most famous for their Gorillapod accessories. These are tripods with some very flexible feet for cameras, flashlights, and even the iPhone 4. At CES 2011 Unveiled last night, the company revealed that they have two new iPad related products.

The first is the Yogi, and it is a case for the iPad with those famous Gorillapod legs (seen on the left). Not only can the user take these two legs and twist them around to mount the iPad in many places, but it makes the iPad so it literally stands on two feet for viewing in portrait and landscape mode, perfect for those who like to watch iPad vids.

The second iPad product is the Ori, and it doesn’t have the Gorillapod feet. It does allow the iPad to stand up by itself. Not only can it stand it up in portrait or landscape mode like an easel, but the case itself can fold up and around the iPad, giving the user an extra layer of metal protection for their favorite Apple tablet.

I wasn’t able to get the release dates, but I do have the prices. The Joby Ori will sell for about $79.95 while the Yogi will go for about $49.95.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »

Iomega shifts to a new media direction

With it’s array of zip drives back in the mid 90s, Iomega was the kind of media storage. Then along came CD burner and larger hard drives and suddently, and zip drives were the 21st century equivalent of 8 Track tape players. Soon, the name Iomega was equated with “remember when.” Not that they died out. They just went under the radar, designing a smooth array of portable hard drives and other solutions. But with the world changing again and moving to the cloud, Iomega is changing with it, offering a cool new media device that marries the Boxee streaming software with the iPhone.

Iomega TV with Dlink’s Boxee will provide not only streaming of iptv over the internet, but also giving to 1 and 2TB storage solutions for saving of personal media. Known as a “hub,” Iomega TV will also interface with the iPod/iPhone through it’s Super Hero backup interface, and have a DLNA media server running as well.

Based on the Intel Atom CE4100 processor, Iomega TV will support 1080p HD video, work on both WiFi and ethernet, and have the signature Boxee keyboard remote control. The SuperHero iPod interface will backup contacts and photos to an SDHC card and provide a line-out audio. But don’t look for it to backup apps or movies and music just yet – that’s up to Apple.

Prices begin at $230 for an internet only version, with storage options at $300 and $350 respectfully. Coming next month.

With it’s array of zip drives back in the mid 90s, Iomega was the kind of media storage. Then along came CD burner and larger hard drives and suddently, and zip drives were the 21st century equivalent of 8 Track tape players. Soon, the name Iomega was equated with “remember when.” Not that they died out. They just went under the radar, designing a smooth array of portable hard drives and other solutions. But with the world changing again and moving to the cloud, Iomega is changing with it, offering a cool new media device that marries the Boxee streaming software with the iPhone.

Iomega TV with Dlink’s Boxee will provide not only streaming of iptv over the internet, but also giving to 1 and 2TB storage solutions for saving of personal media. Known as a “hub,” Iomega TV will also interface with the iPod/iPhone through it’s Super Hero backup interface, and have a DLNA media server running as well.

Based on the Intel Atom CE4100 processor, Iomega TV will support 1080p HD video, work on both WiFi and ethernet, and have the signature Boxee keyboard remote control. The SuperHero iPod interface will backup contacts and photos to an SDHC card and provide a line-out audio. But don’t look for it to backup apps or movies and music just yet – that’s up to Apple.

Prices begin at $230 for an internet only version, with storage options at $300 and $350 respectfully. Coming next month.

Click Here To Read The Full Story »