Communications Centre

Skype has released the Skype 4.0 Beta for Windows, focusing on better video calling and conversation management. The focus on video is driven by 28 percent of Skype calls in the first quarter of 2008 were video calls. The new version starts up a video call with a single click on a button with an IM conversation next to the video call can be generated with one click from one window. New “unified conversations capabilities” pull IM voice, video, file transfers, SMS and calls together to allow users to easily move in and out of conversations between single users or groups. There’s also additional ease of use features for installation, finding contacts, and adding new devices.

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As BlackBerrys and the new iPhone that hits stores on July 11 become GPS-enabled, the world will see a drastic leap in hand-held technology, as well. Will GPS make people dumber? How about new jokes about Paris Hilton? Some people claim GPS technology will make it easier for 40 percent of Americans to find the ocean. Evidently they cannot find it now. On the other hand those who claim spell-checking created a generation of poeple that cannot spell are forecasting the worst for GPS.

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AT&T, the exclusive wireless carrier for the iPhone in the United States said customers using the smartphone today are automatically eligible for an upgrade to the new iPhone at the subsidized price of $199 for the 8-GB model and $299 for 16-GB version. As in all upgrades at the subsidized price, customers have to sign a new two-year contract no matter where they are in their current contract. Is this good marketing by AT&T or an attempt to irk existing customers?

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iPhone and iPod touch users will have to wait until June to run third party applications according to the company. Apple has taken a very cautious approach to independent iPhone developers and software development. How much of this is decided by AT&T and how much is decided by Apple is not really clear. Obviously I would run my iPhone on my Cingular / AT&T account, but I would like my choice of third party apps. Maybe I’ve been spoiled by Windows Vista and the choices I have with sidebar applications, called ‘Gadgets’ by Microsoft.

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Running Adwords and Adsense, and trying to keep within the Google TOS, one cannot disclose how much they are making with VoIP ads. However, the same webmasters know how much they are paying for VoIP ads. One must come to an intelligent conclusion that Google is keeping a much bigger cut. But one other possibility is that Google is listening to advertisers as they cry, whine, and complain about conversions from specific websites.

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