Skype brings 3G video calls to the iPhone

Skype’s iPhone app has been modernized to include video-calling, the company has announced. The move means a mainstream company is now offering video-calling over mobile phone networks, while Apple’s own FaceTime video-calling service currently works only on iPhones and iPod Touches using WiFi.
 

Although many Apple fans have ‘jail broken’ their iPhones to allow 3G video calling already, the new Skype App will be available through Apple’s own App Store and will allow the service on standard devices. Video-calling has been popularized by Face Time, although opinion remains divided on its long-term popularity. It is now also built in to Microsoft's Xbox Kinect gaming console.

Skype’s app and the video calls will be free, subject to data charges dependent on users’ mobile phone tariffs. Both will work on iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS as well as iPad and iPod Touch.

A Skype spokesman said “with approximately 25 million concurrent users logged into Skype at any given time, the new Skype for iPhone makes it easier than ever to share moments wherever you are.”

Skype for iPhone is one of the top five free iPhone apps in 2010 according to Apple.

Trendnet debuts 450Mbps Wireless-N access point

According to TRENDnet (News - Alert), the new 450Mbps Wireless N Access Point supports Access Point, Wireless Distribution System (WDS) and Repeater mode functionality.

The device has been provided with advanced Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna technology with 3 spatial streams per antenna. This feature generates a maximum theoretical wireless throughput of 450Mbps and exceptional wireless coverage, said TRENDnet.

Offered at MSRP $199.99, the new 450Mbps Wireless N Access Point device has been provided with a gigabit Ethernet port that helps in maintaining high-performance wired connections.

The WiFi (News - Alert) Protected Setup (WPS) in the new 450Mbps Wireless N Access Point device integrates other WPS supported devices, at the touch of a button. This eliminates the need for entering complicated encryption codes. The user is required to press the WPS button on the TEW-690AP, and then press the WPS button on a compatible wireless adapter to automatically exchange information and connect.

Other advanced features of the new 450Mbps Wireless N Access Point device include 4 SSIDs per wireless band, different encryption for each SSID, WMM Quality of Service data prioritization, WPA2-RADIUS encryption, and a on/off power switch.

Standards supported by new 450Mbps Wireless N Access Point device include IEEE (News - Alert) 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3ab, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, and IEEE 802.11n.

In recent news, TRENDnet announced the availability of a new 300Mbps Wireless N Media Bridge device, TEW-640MB, which is capable of delivering high performance wireless connection for all networked media center devices such as Ethernet-ready gaming console, network television, receiver, media controller, and DVR. Precisely, it connects networked media center devices to a lag-free high-speed wireless n network.

Clearwire unveils Clear Modem with integrated WiFi router

Clearwire has publicized a new modem for its 4G service called the Clear Modem. 

The modem has 4G wireless broadband capability and has an integrated 802.11n wireless router inside that also supports older and slower wireless protocols. The router is intended to make it easy to share a 4G connection among devices in your home.

The router is good for speeds of up to 3-6 Mbps average with bursts up to 10Mbps. The modem provides wireless connectivity to any WiFi equipped device on Windows, Mac OS X and other OS’s. Clear will sell the modem to you for $120 or you can lease the modem for $7 monthly in addition to your $35 monthly service charge.

Google launches Nexus S Smartphone

Google has publicized a new mobile phone that includes technology which could be used as a credit card one day.

The Nexus S was co-developed with Samsung, and runs the latest version of Google’s Android software, this time nicknamed ‘Gingerbread’.

The Nexus S includes short-range wireless technology known as near field communication (NFC) that lets users read information from 'tags'.

NFC tags can be embedded in many different everyday objects like film posters, stickers and t-shirts. Experts believe it could one day be used to replace credit cards by simply swiping a mobile phone.

Nexus S is also the first device to ship with Android 2.3, the latest and fastest version in the software platform. It supports internet phone calls, and has a gyroscope, just like the iPhone 4.

It has a 1 GHz Hummingbird processor with dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) -- making it one of the fastest phones available. It also has a ‘contour’ design, 16GB of internal memory and front and rear facing cameras for video calling.

Nexus S will receive the latest Android software platform updates first, pushed out directly from Google, rather than waiting for the developer to update its handset.

Carphone Warehouse and Best Buy UK retailers will offer Nexus S for free from £35/month or SIM free from £549.95.

Verizon Wireless Brings Back Kin Phones

Recently, Verizon Wireless announced it is bringing the Microsoft Kin back from the abyss, only in a different form than the mobile phone's first ill-fated stint on the market.

Verizon said it will begin selling the Kin ONEm and the Kin TWOm not as smartphones, but as feature phones. The devices will still have web access and other stripped down features, but will not require a data plan.

"They provide an option for customers who liked the form factor of the previous Kin phones but want an internet-capable device that doesn't require a data plan," a Verizon said.

The Kin ONEm will be available for $19.99 with a two-year contract and $119.00 without. The Kin TWOm will cost $49.99 with a contract and $219.99 on its own.

Microsoft initially released the Kin to the smartphone market in April targeting teens and consumers in their 20s. But poor sales forced Microsoft to table the device in June and choose instead to focus on the development of Windows Phone 7.

Sprint Unveils A Case that gives iPod touch 3G capability

Sprint introduces ZTE Peel, a case for the iPod touch that gives the device 3G data service.

The ZTE Peel receives Sprint's 3G signal, and acts as a wireless network to which your iPod touch -- and any other nearby devices you might have -- can connect.

The Peel looks like a bulked-up protective case and comes with built-in wireless capability which supports up to two Wi-Fi enabled devices at the same time. Its battery allows for three hours of active use on a single charge. The device is the second offered for the iOS platform; in April Sprint released a 4G case for the iPad.

The Peel will go for $79.99, with a $29.99 monthly data plan required from Sprint. One gigabyte of data will be included.

Logitech Unveils K750 Wireless Solar-Powered Keyboard

Logitech's first solar-powered wireless keyboard works by being charged by both outdoor and indoor light, which means the need for batteries or chargers is a thing of the past for Logitech.

This new keyboard also has the capability to remain powered without light for an impressive 3months, with an added indicator that will notify you when the power is running low.

The design is a 1/3-inch thick model, including a full keyboard with a number pad and softer keys which are dimpled to fit the curves of your fingers. The model also features connections for as many as six unifying USB mice and keyboards.

Logitech ensures that this wireless keyboard will stay intact with your system with no interferences as it features a nice 2.4 GHz connection. An app will also be available for download by the middle of this month to solar-power your keyboard so another light in the room doesn’t have to.

The Logitech wireless solar-powered K750 keyboard will be available in the U.S. and Europe this month at a price of $79.99.