Imo’s iPad app augmented with free voice calling, enhanced photo sharing

imoim for iPad updated, brings in voice calling and enhanced photo sharing

When Imo crammed free voice calling into its iPhone application, it neglected to port the functionality to its large-screened counterpart. Now, the iPad version of Imo.im is catching up -- adding VoIP support over 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi to other Imo users across iOS and Android. The latest version of the instant messaging aggregator boasts revamped photo tools too, featuring group photo sharing and real-time image uploads. These tweaks accompany a slew of design changes, including a color-coded status indicator bar and similar hue-based notifications for contact availability. Standard stuff, really, but that shouldn't stop iPad-toting chatterboxes from heading to the source link and giving the app a whirl.

Continue reading Imo's iPad app augmented with free voice calling, enhanced photo sharing

Filed under: ,

Comments

Source: iTunes

Facebook Messenger allows sign-ups with just a name and phone number on Android devices

Facebook Messenger lets us sign up with just a name and phone number on Android today, iOS soon

Facebook Messenger might as well be as ubiquitous as SMS text messaging for some, but there's a catch to getting everyone to agree: despite there being over a billion Facebook users, not everyone is able (or willing) to fire up a social networking profile to get started. Some of the Android users among us won't have to go through that trouble as of today. An imminent update to the Facebook Messenger app will let anyone sign up using just their name and a phone number; any initial friends will come directly from the newcomer's own mobile contact list. The rollout is currently focusing on Australia, India, Indonesia, South Africa and Venezuela, but should spread to the rest of the world in short order. iOS users are also in line to get the update, although the timetable is less definite. Whatever the platform, Facebook is clearly eager to give those seemingly few holdouts from its service an easy way to test the waters -- and possibly save on their messaging rates in the process.

Filed under: , ,

Comments

Via: Facebook, TechCrunch

Source: Google Play

Facebook Messenger for Firefox arrives in finished form, keeps us in the loop without an extra tab (video)

Facebook Messenger for Firefox

Mozilla kicked off the fall with beta Facebook Messenger support for Firefox that flexed the muscle of its Social API. Now that the snowfall is here in earnest, so too is a polished version of the conversation-driven add-on. Those running the latest version of the browser now just have to enable Messenger for Firefox from its Facebook page, at which point it's an always-on (if thankfully optional) companion to any web explorations: along with keeping chats alive without an extra tab, the resulting sidebar will ping for less urgent events such as post comments or photo tags. We're promised more social networks in the future, but the billion-plus among us who regularly check into Mark Zuckerberg's brainchild can get their fill at the source link.

Continue reading Facebook Messenger for Firefox arrives in finished form, keeps us in the loop without an extra tab (video)

Filed under: , ,

Comments

Via: The Mozilla Blog

Source: Facebook

Skype for Windows 8 update adds Messenger contact support

DNP Skype for Windows 8 adds Live Messenger to contacts

Microsoft recently revealed that it would be retiring its longstanding Live Messenger platform. However, instead of receiving a commemorative wristwatch and rocking chair for its services, the once prominent IM client will be integrated into Skype during Q1 2013. Taking its first step to get the ball rolling, the company issued an update to Skype for Windows 8. The latest software push brings group searches, improved video performance, bug fixes and most notably Messenger contacts are now available to call. While these changes are subtle, it's good to finally see Microsoft making moves after shelling out $8.5 billion for the privilege a little over a year ago. Hopefully, this will lead to more practical roads, like finally bringing Skype to the Xbox 360. But that would make too much sense, wouldn't it?

Filed under: , ,

Comments

Via: The Next Web

Source: Microsoft

Microsoft to retire Messenger, begins migration to Skype

Microsoft to retire Messenger, begin migration to Skype

We've heard plenty of rumors about Microsoft's plans for Skype. Finally the company is laying its cards on the table. After working diligently to bridge the gap between Messenger and its VoIP purchase, its aging IM platform will indeed be retired and users migrated to the more video-focused property. Redmond hopes to complete the move during the first quarter of 2013, after which Messenger will be retired everywhere except in mainland China. Users of both services will be able to merge their accounts and combine their contacts, while those with only a Microsoft account will have to transition to a Skype one. Though, rest assured, your Messenger buddy list will automatically be transferred. With the imminent death of this MSN descendant, it's clear that Microsoft is positioning Skype not just as a VoIP client, but as an all-in-one messaging solution meant to take on the likes of Google Talk, with its Voice and Hangouts features.

Filed under: ,

Microsoft to retire Messenger, begins migration to Skype originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Next Web  |  sourceSkype  | Email this | Comments

Pressure-sensing PC technology knows when you’re busy, blocks notifications accordingly

Pressure-sensing PC technology knows when you're busy, blocks notifications accordingly

We know better than most that when you're working to a deadline, constant pop-ups, notifications and pings can be a real pain. Our frustrations might soon become a thing of the past, however, with some help from boffins at the Graduate University for Advanced Studies in Japan. They are working on technology which monitors keyboard pressure and silences those distractions until it deems you're not busy, showing over 80 percent accuracy during volunteer testing. Understanding that quiet time is also appreciated for other tasks, they plan to use similar techniques to spot when you're staring intently at that report or -- more importantly -- attending to a beverage. It's still early days for the project, but if the stress-saving tech ever spawns a product, we'll take two please.

[Image Credit: Getty Images / Jean Louis Batt]

Filed under: , ,

Pressure-sensing PC technology knows when you're busy, blocks notifications accordingly originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 15:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceNew Scientist  | Email this | Comments

Imo rolls out free voice calling for iOS users, hopes you’ll use it to talk about free voice calling

Image

Imo has no doubt gotten a bit of boost in the last couple of months, when Meebo finally shuttered its Messenger offering ahead of its social-boosting Google integration, and now the service is getting a bit more robust for iOS users. The instant messaging aggregator (AIM, Google Talk, Facebook chat, et al.) is bringing free voice calling to iPhones running iOS version 3.1 and higher, a feature already available on its Android offering. Interested parties can check out a press release and not particularly informative video of the new feature after the break.

Continue reading Imo rolls out free voice calling for iOS users, hopes you'll use it to talk about free voice calling

Filed under: ,

Imo rolls out free voice calling for iOS users, hopes you'll use it to talk about free voice calling originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceimo.im  | Email this | Comments

Naver’s Skype rival Line arrives on Windows Phone

Navers Skype rival Line arrives on Windows Phone

Japanese Skype rival Line is branching out from its iPhone and Android garden to visit Windows Phone. Whilst the app will initially arrive with free calls disabled, the company has promised to rectify that issue in the near future. Still, WP7 users can enjoy all of that free messaging as soon as they've downloaded the app, available at our source link.

Continue reading Naver's Skype rival Line arrives on Windows Phone

Naver's Skype rival Line arrives on Windows Phone originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 09:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceLine  | Email this | Comments

BBM staying exclusive to BlackBerry, says WSJ source

BBM staying exclusive to BlackBerry, says to WSJ source

Been looking forward to porting your BBM addiction to iOS or Android in hopes of finally kicking that Crackberry to the curb? Take a seat -- it looks like RIM's private messaging service isn't going anywhere. According to a Wall Street Journal source, the firm's new CEO has shut down rumors of a BlackBerry Messenger port. "It was not up for discussion," the WSJ was told. According to a person "familiar with the matter," CEO Thorsten Heins decided that RIM shouldn't be pursuing licensing deals. Heins' apparent house cleaning might be a deal breaker for BlackBerry veterans looking to jump ship, requiring users to stick with RIM to maintain their dwindling BBM contact lists. Bummer? Sure is, but at least your pals don't need a security clearance to ping you.

BBM staying exclusive to BlackBerry, says WSJ source originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 18:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink MobileSyrup  |  sourceWall Street Journal  | Email this | Comments

Facebook Messenger update makes it even harder to blow people off

Facebook Messenger update makes it even harder to blow people off

Your friends just don't get it. While they're still bumming around in Nikes, dorms and doomed relationships, your life has recently become more serious. That's why you sometimes need to hide from their constant, mindless barrage of messages, and also why you probably won't install the newly updated Facebook Messenger app v1.7. In line with FB's "mobile first" strategy, it debuts key new functions on iOS and Android, including instant and compulsory "seen by" read receipts as well as optional "sent from" notifications. So, in addition to knowing how aloof you've become, they'll be able to track you down and slap your face.

Facebook Messenger update makes it even harder to blow people off originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 18:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceGoogle Play, iTunes  | Email this | Comments