Skype release a toolkit for adding VoIP to devices and web sites
Communications service Skype has published SkypeKit, a collection of software components and programming interfaces that developers can use to put VoIP software on Internet-capable devices and web sites. Also referred to as “headless Skype “, SkypeKit does not require the Skype client. The SDK includes APIs for voice and video support, instant messaging, and Skype’s “Super Wideband Audio Codec” (SILK). In the first stage, the kit is apparently tailored to the needs of device manufacturers. Over the course of the year, however, another version compatible with desktop and web applications is to be released.
Developers who use SkypeKit will be able to use the label “plugged into Skype” on their devices to show customers that the devices offer Skype functions. At the moment, SkypeKit is available in a beta version for Linux systems. Those who have a Skype account can request an invitation to take part in the program. In its questions and answers blog post, Skype says that membership will cost less than $20 (approximately £13).
Skype to make available VoIP on any software and electronics via SDK
SkypeKit software developer kit [SDK] supporting Linux will be available for download on Wednesday
There will be made available SkypeKit software developer kit [SDK] for download by Skype on Wednesday with the kit aims to bring VoiP calling to any software and electronics. For placing Skype modules like voice and video calling, instant messaging into any desktop app or a compatible internet connected electronic device like TV, there will also be provided programmers tools or better say APIs. Skype has also made available SILK audio codec part of the SDK as part of its aims to establish SILK audio Codec as standard with royalty-free availability of it.
For device makers and desktop app developers, Linux supported SDK will be available from Wednesday with Windows and Mac developers to get their versions of SDK in coming weeks. The kit will initially be launched as invitation-only beta; but developers will have an option to request an invite. At the launch event of SDK, Skype also informed about is plans of coming up with the tablet and mobile OS supported versions of SDK; the step one should not wonder at all in view of the already presence of Skype app on iPhone , and is also featured in Android as third party app.
iPhone OS 4.0: How to get the most out of the upgrade
iPhone OS 4.0: Steve Jobs at the launch
Apple has released the latest iPhone operating system upgrade, called iOS4, which offers multitasking and more.
Multitasking is, of course, the most long-awaited of new features, but they will be available only to owners of the iPhone 3GS, 4 and new-generation iPod Touch. Owners of the 3G model and iPod Touches sold in 2008 will get some of the new features (but not multitasking), but processing power limits the scale of further upgrades. If you have an original (2007-8 ) iPhone or iPod Touch, then sorry – it’s not going to happen.
Engadget has a comprehensive breakdown of what you can’t do with your 3G – presuming you even managed to update.
Here’s what you can now do:
Multitasking: With a double-click of the home button, you’ll be taken to a screen showing all running applications. This enables background audio – a big win for those who like listening to the radio on the move but don’t like being locked in to one application. Multitasking is expected to bring a boost for Skype, as new VOIP (voice over IP) technology enables calls to be made while the application is closed. (Charles Arthur adds: arguably, this is cooperative “multitasking” like in the classic MacOS days: the foremost app gets pretty much everything.)
Folders: Drag your apps into a named folder and save it on your dock or, alternatively, clump all the useless (read: default) ones into a folder and drop it on your last homepage.
Enhanced mail: For too long mail has been clunky to use – now you can have a merged the viewing of multiple inboxes, open attachments in a third-party app, and your emails will be threaded. However, there’s still no “Mark all as read” button – leaving some time-constrained Twitter users fuming.
iBooks: Read and purchase ebooks direct from your handset with this app launched alongside the iPad.
5x camera zoom: Zoom comes free with the iPhone 4′s 5-megapixel camera, but now those with a 3GS (3.2-megapixel) camera can also get a close up. Those with older models will have to move towards the photo subject.
Enhanced video: This is cool. Tapping the screen whilst shooting video will focus the recording on a chosen subject. Simple and smart. Great for those with iPhone 4 HD recording.
Other iOS4 features:
- Spell check. You’ll still have autocomplete (to turn ‘new hand on deck’ to ‘new Han on deck‘) but now there’s no excuses for misspelt emails.
- Photo sorting. Sort photo albums by events, dates, holidays and faces.
- Wallpaper customisation. Again, only available to owners of later Apple mobile models, but you can now modify your background, like on the iPad.
- Gift apps. Yep, buy apps and send to loved ones/friends. A day too late for Father’s Day (in the UK) but a nice idea.
Here’s video of Steve Jobs unveiling iOS4 in April.
So does iPhone OS 4.0 offer enough for you? And if you’ve updated already, how are you finding it?
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/jun/22/apple-iphone-os-4
Skype slowly moves to upgrade VoIP app for iOS4.
“With every update to the iPhone OS (now called iOS), Apple introduces a number of changes to the software. In order to make sure we give you the best experience possible, we need to carry out some additional tests with the final version of iOS 4.
“When we’re confident that the app will live up to your high expectations, we’ll make it available for download. Stay tuned!”
Critics note that Skype was included within Apple’s iOS 4 demo way back in March — as you see in the clip above. Some are already accusing the VoIP giant of taking its eye off the ball in its development of a new version Skype app for iOS4. Why?
Commenting on the Skype website, ‘jozsefhor’ said, “Last time Skype said “soon,” it was when they talked about the 3G version of the Skype iPhone app, which came out three months after the “soon” press release. So I’m not banking on getting the iOS-aware Skype app before late August. Question is, which year.”