Gadgety News

If you’re looking for a fully kitted out Skype Video  phone with an “easy-to-use, icon-based interface” - you’ll need the Asus Ai Guru SV1.

It has a 7-inch LCD, integrated VGA webcam that will hook up to 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi or ethernet to a router, and even runs from a battery so it’ll let users chat for 20 minutes without mains power.

It’s the first Skype vid-phone, and you’ll be able to buy one for anyone that hasn’t got a puter - or those that enjoy wandering around as they chat - for $299.

Have a looksee at the press release:

Taipei, Taiwan, September 18, 2008 – September 18, 2008 - ASUS today unveiled the AiGuru SV1, the world’s first Skype Certified™ videophone dedicated to unlimited video calling over the Internet. Boasting a large 7″ display and a built-in webcam, speaker and microphone, the WiFi-capable videophone lets users make unlimited video calls for free to other Skype users without the need for a computer.

Its simple-to-use, icon-based interface and intuitive button layout take the complexity out of Internet calling - making it easy for anyone to make and receive Skype-to-Skype video and voice calls. Users can even join voice conferences, making the ASUS AiGuru SV1 an inexpensive, all-in-one voice and video conferencing solution for small businesses. Furthermore, the ASUS AiGuru SV1 also allows users to make and receive calls to and from fixed and mobile lines at really cheap rates.

“The AiGuru SV1 is Skype’s first foray with a partner into the videophone category,” said Jonathan Cristensen, Skype’s general manager, mobile and hardware devices. “With more than 25% of Skype-to-Skype calls including video, we know that video is fast becoming a mainstream way for people to communicate. The videophone offers the benefits of video calling to a much wider audience, allowing friends and families to share their worlds face-to-face without being tied to a computer.”

Free Calls Whenever, Wherever and Forever
With the ASUS AiGuru SV1, free unlimited video and voice calls can be made to anyone on Skype. Whether it’s a father, child, or business colleague receiving a video or voice call, they do not have to be using a videophone; as long as they are connected to Skype - via a computer or a Skype-enabled device - the call will always be free. This enables people worldwide to make Skype-to-Skype calls either at home or the office whenever the need or mood strikes, without having to worry about cost. ASUS AiGuru SV1 users looking to make outgoing and receive incoming calls to and from fixed and mobile lines can subscribe to one of Skype’s popular unlimited calling* subscriptions or purchase Skype credit to make outgoing calls at www.skype.com

Great Video and Voice Communications Experience
The ASUS AiGuru SV1 is designed specifically for video calling and is equipped with a large, high-resolution 7″ TFT LCD and an integrated webcam, for the best video calling quality. The ASUS AiGuru SV1 also features a built-in microphone and speaker supporting exceptional sound quality. Users who wish to have privacy during their calls can use a standard mini-jack headset and microphone.

Easy to Set Up and Easy to Use
The ASUS AiGuru SV1 offers the quickest and easiest way to make free video calls - at no point is a computer or additional software required. Users can get up and running in three simple steps:
1. Connect to a broadband connection, either wirelessly or via an Ethernet cable
2. Sign-in with an existing Skype name or create a new one
3. Start video calling

The videophone is as easy to use as it is to set up. Its icon-driven user interface and clean, clearly labeled button layout are designed to be immediately intuitive to users.

With its WiFi capability, small footprint and rechargeable battery power system, the ASUS AiGuru SV1 also offers convenience in its portability. The user is neither tied to a wall socket nor a computer during use, which means the videophone can be moved from room to room without hassle, and without interrupting or dropping a call.

Availability
The ASUS AiGuru SV1 will initially be available for pre-order on September 18, 2008 in Europe and North America from Skype’s online shop (www.skype.com/shop). It will be on sale at the beginning of October 2008 priced $299.95/€249.95/£199.95. The videophone will be available in retail outlets in the Asia Pacific region later this year.

*Unlimited calling: All calls are subject to Skype’s fair usage policy which is set at 10,000 minutes per month (which equates to more than 5 hours of calling per day). Unlimited calls to landlines in up to 36 countries worldwide are included. Calls to premium, non-geographic and other special numbers are excluded.

Specifications
Key Skype features

- Skype-to-Skype video and voice calls
- Call fixed lines and mobiles with Skype credit and/or subscriptions
- Online Number (SkypeIn™) – allows anyone to reach you on Skype
Presence
- Call forwarding
- Skype Voicemail
- Participate in voice conference calls (as a guest only)

Interface
Wireless: 802.11 b/g
Wired: 10/100Mb Ethernet port

Protocols
DHCP/Static IP/PPPoE

Dimensions
202 mm (L) x 123 mm (W) x 253 mm (H)

Weight
1.6 kg

Display
800 X 480 pixel 7″ TFT LCD

Camera type
Built in Webcam CMOS (640 X 480 pixels)

Audio
Integrated Speaker
Internal Microphone

Power supply
AC Adaptor: 12V/3A

Battery life
Talking Time : 20 minutes
Standby Time : 30 minutes

Battery charging time
2 hours

Operating distance
Wireless: 50 m (actual transmission distance may vary depending on operating conditions)

Keypad and buttons
- Power button
- Volume keys
- 5-way navigation (Up, Down, Left, Right and Select keys)
- Menu key
- Back key
- Call key
- End key

I/O connectors
- 3.5 mm Headphone jack and Microphone jack
- RJ-45 connector
- USB type A connector
- DC Jack
- Battery connector

[Asus]

VoIP News has listed some well groovy things that I never knew that Skype could do!

These range from LastFM plug-ins to language translation and getting the caller to pop-up on your telebox.

If you’re a Skype user I reckon that these details could prove very useful indeedy!

Go here for the low-down my lovelies!

For all you Mac lovers here’s some web-cam news!

Logitech are launching their first ever Mac-compatible webcam today.  Rah! 

The snappily titled QuickCam Vision Pro for Mac claims to deliver “image perfect detail and exceptional video calling” through iChat and Skype.

It will also produce VGA-quality video at up to 30 frames per second – which is “four times as sharp and twice as smooth as any other video-calling solution - at no additional charge”. Thank you LT :0)

The camera features a Carl Zeiss lens hooked up to a two megapixel sensor.  You can get up close and personal as it will still produce a sharp image when you’re only 10 cm from the camera lens.   Extreme close-up!

The cam uses Logitech’s RightLight2 technology, which enables the webcam to adjust intelligently in dim or harshly backlighted situations.

“With this new webcam for Mac computers, we’ve integrated our most advanced video technologies to truly enrich your video-calling experience,” says Gina Clark, general manager and vice president of Logitech’s Internet Communications business unit. “The lens and autofocus, the sensor and the lighting software all contribute to create image-perfect detail and clarity.”

The plug-and-play Logitech QuickCam Vision Pro webcam for Mac is expected to be available in the US and Europe next month for £69.99.

Logitech Website

The lightweight Linux variant Splashtop that’s pre-installed on some Asus motherboards is bounding over like a playful puppy to a range of Asus notebooks, providing instant-on functions like wireless, web browsing, Skype, etc.  Good boy!

Since the software runs from the RAM there’s no need for the full OS to boot up - this also means that it saves that all important battery life.  Roll over. 

I reckon that this and other similar software will start popping up on more systems.  Beg.

Have a goosey at the press jibba-jabba.  Fetch!

Splashtop comes to ASUS Notebooks Complete range of ASUS notebook models provide ‘instant-on’ Internet and media access May 29, 2008 - SAN JOSE, CA - DeviceVM today announced the release of their award winning Splashtop™ software on numerous ASUS notebooks.

Splashtop is a light-weight operating system that allows consumers to use their computers seconds after hitting the power button. Models spanning a wide range of segments are to ship with Splashtop pre-installed by ASUS starting in June this year. “The integration of Splashtop into notebooks represents a big step forward in portable computing, where instant ‘on’ and ‘off’ is essential,” said Mark Lee, co-founder and CEO of DeviceVM. “We are pleased to introduce Splashtop to portable computing together with our partner ASUS.” Branded “Express Gate” by ASUS, Splashtop software enables users to browse the web, watch videos, listen to music, chat with friends, share photos, and more - just seconds after turning on their PC. Express Gate is already available on a wide range of PC motherboards from ASUS.

The notebooks announced today are the first to integrate Express Gate for the broad consumer market, including the M70T, M50V and M51T multimedia series and the stylish F8Va/Vr series. “ASUS is always committed to bring customers the most innovative solutions,” said Henry Yeh, General Manager, ASUS Notebook Business Unit. “With Express Gate, users will experience a new, fast, and secure way to surf, chat and play on ASUS notebooks for a new computing experience”

**ASUS booth will showcase Express Gate at Computex in Taipei International Convention Center TF1L & 101B, June 3 - 7. Please come by for more information.

Splashtop

Skype has announced that version 3.8 for Windows is ready to be downoaded for free and they claim that this version of their VOIP sounds better than ever before.

The main improvements are in the “audio engine” which should mean significantly reduced background noise, less delay, fewer call drops, and fewer cut-outs especially when both sides are using 3.8.

The new version also lets you change your headset, headphones or microphone without messing around with sound settings.

Another change is that the user’s profile image on incoming authorisation requests are now hidden by default - this is because some people have been using “offensive” images - so you now you’ll have to click through to see the hidden avatar.

This release also includes a number of video-related bug fixes and “other tweaks.”

This clever little thing is the new Sungjut TangoX Nano UMPC.

When it hits the streets it will be packed with a VIA CPU C7-M ULV ticking over at 1.2GHz, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, 40 or 80GB HDD, HD Audio, 7″ WVGA (800×480) touch screen, a 4 in 1 Card reader, Ethernet Port , WiFi a/b/g, USB 2.0 (2 ports), DVI output and a detachable, integrated Skype handset.

This is all cro-barred into a case measuring just 230 mm x171 mm x 29.4 mm and weighing in under 1 kg!

I can’t find any reference to pricing or availability yet.

via Akihabara News

By the sounds of things it’s only (sorry) Japan that have been hit by the delay/stoppage of the Sony handhelds VoIP gadgetery.

So, I’m guessing, as of tomorrow the rest of us can get Skyped up!!!

 :0)

Well - I for one was excited at the news that the PSP was gonna get VoIP and it was more than a rumour as Sony themselves announced it on their website before getting to the CES.

But, because Sony’s mics aren’t up to Skypes’ specs, they have withdrawn everything prior to tomorrow’s would be release.

No news as yet as to when or, indeed, if they will be going forward with the service now.

Booooooooooo!

New from the guys who brought you the R2-D2 projector which appeared in my crimbo wish-list, is the R2-D2 skype phone and remote controllable webcam!

The blinged out chrome-look lightsabre makes sounds like it should and opens up to reveal the dial pad.  As well as being a skype phone it will also control the little R2-D2 which is a fully functioning, remote controllable Skype webcam.

The included software allows you to overlay different cockpits, such as the X-wing and the Millennium Falcon, over your webcam images for the ultimate Star Wars geek fan.

Via T3

Flexible Keyboard & Skype Dial Pad with USB Hub.

As it suggests, this is a very bendy, washable (if needs be?!?!) keyboard with a Skype pad, built in microphone and speaker and 2 USB ports.

So you can roll it up and take this multimedia board with you - perhaps a fold up puter and monitor would be also useful. 

This flexiboard retails at $59.99US.

Even before the CES starts there’s a number of rumours of what to expect at the show.

One of the ‘rumours’ that I’m hoping is going to be true actually comes from Sony’s official CES site.

Their CES preview page mentions a Skype client for the handheld console leading to speculation that this will be one of the big announcements.

Here in the UK we should see the outcome this month of BT and Sony’s VoIP team up for the PSP so, timing-wise, an American Skype partnership is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Via - Engadget