Sorry about the delay in announcing the winner for the Ipevo Skype phone, but I’ve been a little preoccupied with GDC today. So, without further ado, the CG staff would like to congratulate Robert Johnston. Watch your inbox, Robert. Thanks to everyone for entering and we’ll be sure to run more contests like this in the future.

The executive branch of the European Union is investigating whether wireless carriers there are illegally blocking VoIP calls from being carried over their networks. You know you can’t use Skype-like applications over 3G using your iPhone? If the Commission gets its way, that practice would end, one would assume.

It’s like this: the European Commission doesn’t like it when companies screw you, the consumer, over. So since it suspects, apparently, that the wireless carriers are, in fact, screwing you, it’s launched the investigation. The Commission sent a questionnaire to several unknown wireless carriers asking them a whole host of questions about what “tools” they use to manage their network, including the restriction of VoIP.

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It’s hard out there for a VOIP solution. Skype rules the desktop and Vonage rules the den so where does an upstart like VoxOx belong?

The product, founded by a group of voice networking ninjas who wanted to create a desktop-based VOIP and chat solution with full IM and social network integration. Think of it, then as a cross between Adium/Digsby and Skype with a little Grand Central thrown in.

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Usually I think claims like this are just shrill alarmists who can’t deal with the sexy wilderness that is the internet. In this case, however, I think they have a point. Skype porn spam is unavoidable, and there is no measure that can be taken to prevent complete strangers from hitting you with an dirty-talk contact request accompanied by an explicit picture.

The Windows client, at least, allows such messages to accumulate in the taskbar, but OS X users get popups — trouble if your Skype is idling and your kid is googling something. I can hear them now: “Dad, what’s a horny webcam?” — “Look mom, she’s hugging her friend with her legs!”

Some diligence can prevent this potentially hilarious tragedy, but the program is meant to replace your phone, so why should you have to turn it off when you’re not actively using it? Just make the option to block all but your contacts available, people!
[image credit: The Register and its tipper]

IPEVO has lots of experience at making hardware for Skype and they’ve been there from the start. Over the years they’ve slowly branched out into other venues to satisfy the masses with POV web cams (review above), VoIP handsets and products specific to the Mac (Not yet announced, but available in Apple stores, pictured below), which have also been well received and readily available. Beginning next year we can expect them to branch out even further and take gadgets that are already available now and tweak them to be more unique. We’ve got the inside scoop so read on, dear friends. Read More

TOM, Skype’s local partner in China, was censoring and tracking Skype chats, flagging conversations that could have been embarassing to the ruling junta. Originally, TOM filtered by keyword and threw out objectionable material - a good comprimise - but now it seems TOM was also storing and reporting bad messages to certain Communist Parties. Not so good. They also discovered that TOM’s system was completely unsecure and that those store messages were accesable to others.

Well, Skype President Josh is informing the world that TOM, whose software included the censorship system, is not officially part of Skype and that Skype messages - using original Skype software - are always secure and private. Clearly that doesn’t help if you don’t have access to Skype software in China but I’m sure industrious Chinese have found ways around that little stumbling block. Again, all we’ve learned is that government meddling in electronic communications creates more fools than leads.

As we learned today, ASUS is releasing a Skype videophone that brings the 25th century to the comfort of your home. The device has a full color camera and mini-screen and brings up your Skype contacts for immediate video calling without a PC. This is basically the best thing ever for grandmothers, mothers, and whoever else you might want to video chat with and who is unable, for whatever reason, to press the green button on Skype to make a call. Read More

Where in God’s name is Skype for the iPhone?

The best Mr. Malik could get out of Skype CEO Josh Silverman was a “stayed tuned.” Great, thanks. Maybe while we’re waiting, while we’re staying tuned, one of them there indie developers creates an absolute hit of an iPhone VoIP app, leaving no reason for us to keep waiting for a Skype app. Then what, Skype?

I do like how Skype is all, “we need to be available on all cellphones, and not just limit ourselves to one platform.” Fair enough, but when that one platform is the iPhone, it makes sense to put a few resources into coming out with a app as soon as possible.

And yes, perhaps Apple (or AT&T here in the U.S.) is playing hardball, doesn’t want you to use Skype over 3G, or have the app be able to run in the background. That’s fine. Just release your app as Wi-Fi-only, get your blue little icon on millions of iPhones, and build an audience.

Expressivo 1.4.2 from IVO Software integrates speaking capability into Skype functions. As Skype has grown from just a cheap way to make calls, they have added features such as IM and video calling. Now, with Expressivo, Skype has the ability to inform users when friends log in without having to check the screen.

While Skype can now read instant messages, it can’t receive dictation. (still waiting…) Even though this will be of no small consequence to the eyesight impaired, it will have its uses for the casual user too. The ability to let your computer do the talking from time to time will surely have its applications. The promo video shows a dude getting a to-do list from his girlfriend, but I imagine there are more fun uses than that.