Skype 3.6 for windows with high quality video capabilities
November 16, 2007
Skype launched its Skype 3.6 for Windows, the upgraded version of its communication software that will enable its users to make/receive High Quality Video calls. These free video calls will display pictures that are sharper, smoother and of better quality than any other Skype instrument could display in the past. This announcement has come after Sky has signed a pact with Logitech, one of the major manufacturers of webcams to jointly launch a new kind of communication software with superior video quality.
The High Quality Video that comes with Skype 3.6 for Windows will have VGA-quality video calls with pictures set in 640×480 pixels)and to 30 frames per second (fps) to Skype users who use a broadband connection (384 kbps connection or higher). The basic requirements to enable this service are a High Quality Video-certified Logitech webcam and a PC with a dual-core processor. The Video calls not only accompanied with sharper and smoother picutures/videos but you can also set the display to full-screen mode.
Skype, the world’s leading VoIP provider takes the VoIP video calls to a new dimension with its Skype 3.6 (for Windows). Logitech, with its new set of redesigned drivers used in its QuickCam software not only offer the best picture quality but also its software has the capability to recognize the Skype callers who are using the most recent version of Skype sotware.
There are also options to integrate Skype 3.6 with a variety of Logitech Webcams - the Logitech® QuickCam® Pro 9000, the Logitech® QuickCam® Pro for Notebooks and the Logitech® QuickCam® Orbit AF (Logitech® QuickCam® Sphere AF in Europe).
Other features:
Skype 3.6 for windows, which is available in 28 languages can be downloaded from skype.com without any charges. For free download of Logitech’s QuickCam software version 11.5, visit www.logitech.com/downloads
Regarding the launch of its new communication software with high quality video capabilities, Skype issued a statement:
“Our recent announcement made many people realize that sharp, smooth and life-like video calls on the internet should be available to everyone, not just big companies with expensive video-conferencing equipment,“ said Gareth O‘Loughlin, Skype’s general manager, mobile and hardware devices. “Those who’ve previewed High Quality Video have been blown away by its realism. Today, with Skype 3.6 for Windows, the Genie is out of the bottle for good.”
Bugs in BT Home Hub raise security issue
November 12, 2007
BT Home Hub, the wireless router supplied with BT broadband packages is reported to be vulnerable to the attacks of hackers and other external threats, according to Adrian Pastor and Petko D. Petkov who say all Alcatel Speedtouch 7G routers will have same problem as Home Hub and these routers are made by Alcatel. Due to the presence of many bugs in these routers, a hacker can easily override password authentication system and assume the role of administrator. This makes these routers quite incapable of providing complete security to your PC and network, thereby it is open to exploitation of your VoIP service or Wi-fi service, according to the report in theregister.co.uk.
Even without knowing the administrator password, a hacker can gain control of the PC/network just by making the user to visit a specific site which is used by hackers to collect all vital information about the user. The crafty design of the hackers may also include the secret listening to your VoIP calls or stealthily getting your WPA key.
However, BT issued a statement saying that it was seriously looking into the matter. BT further said: "However, as part of a series of ongoing improvements, this week we began pushing out a new firmware update to Home Hub owners which further improves security in a number of areas,"
Free VoIP calls with BT broadband Packages
November 6, 2007
VoIP or broadband calls help you to save the money you spend for your phone services.
Voice over Internet Protocol is a way to use your internet connection to call some one who is online with same audio equipment you have. This type of VoIP calls are free and you need not pay any service provider for making and receiving these calls.
Say, you want to call some landline or mobile number. Although the normal VoIP will not allow this, you can get this service by subscribing to VoIP providers like Skype or Vonage. Various call plans are available to suit your needs. You may also read VoIP guides to know how to setup VoIP and use it.
A few broadband providers like BT offer free VoIP calls with their packages. For instance, their BT Total Option 1,2 and 3 offer free evening & weekend VoIP calls to 01 and 02 numbers. After 60 minutes usage, there will be a charge of pence per minute. To avoid this, you can disconnect before 60 minutes and redial the number.
If you do not wish to go for a stand-alone VoIP service, these packages help you to use this technology along with your conventional phone service. BT business broadband packages also include VoIP calls. Whether you look for a home broadband package or a business package, VoIP calls included in BT broadband packages make them complete packages.
Get Cost Efficient By Making VoIP Calls
November 3, 2007
An advanced technology has been invented to make even international calls at cheap costs, which is called as ‘VoIP’. Voice over Internet Protocols has been shortly abbreviated as VoIP. This technology needs the support of high speed internet access to function perfectly. Therefore it is advisable to use broadband connections to get high quality VoIP service.
This technology uses internet to transfer analogue voice signals in to digital signals. Users can enjoy high quality of conversations that too at a comparatively cheap cost. Some of the needed facts to be known have been explained in this article to broaden your knowledge in this technology.
1. Ability to get more services
VoIP users can, not only get the telephony services, you can enjoy certain other services like:
• business solutions
• Wholesale carrier services and
• VoIP reseller programs.
2. VOIP needs only minimum investment
Most people think that the VoIP service needs a huge investment. But in real, it won’t cost more. Suppose you want to become a VoIP reseller, you have to invest only reasonable amount. But the back end equipments have to be owned by the VoIP reseller.
3. Possibility to control the market prices
Most of the wholesalers have high command over the prices of VoIP transmission services. The reason behind is they only get the VoIP minutes in bulk. These wholesalers are considered as the major role player in controlling the market price of VoIP services.
4. Voice quality may vary from provider to provider
Many people have criticised that they do not get VoIP calls with adequate quality. The quality of the service mostly or always depends on the access speed of getting the internet connection. The more the broadband speed the high will be the VoIP quality. It becomes essential to choose a right broadband service provider to get good quality VoIP service.
5. Select an appropriate broadband provider
The role of ISP is also considered as an important factor in getting the right VoIP service, as the quality of service depends on the internet access speed.
6. Considerations
It is a wrong conception that the rate is the only criterion for choosing a VoIP service provider. Apart from the cost of the service, the users have to think about:
• the quality of service
• the access speed
• round the clock service
• technical supports
• supply of essential hardware’s
• live chat facility etc
After considering all these points carefully, choose an appropriate service provider with reasonable service charges.
