Unlike other monitors that only have a webcam or a mic built in, this 22-inch SyncMaster 220TN Samsung monitor has a network module, webcam, microphone and speakers so that you can have a Skype or Microsoft Live Messenger conversation without a PC. Which means that as long as you have power and an Ethernet connection, you can make Skype conversations even on the toilet.

Besides the VoIPing features, it supports 1680×1050 resolution, has a four-port USB hub, and runs WindowsXP embedded (to handle the calls). Its lesser brother, the 225UW, has most the same specs, but only a 2-port USB hub and lacks the PC-less calling features. Of course, these are both only 22-inchers, which are fine for regular work, but I’ve been in the market for a 30-inch cooter-the-size-of-Kansas monitor. I want to actually be able to see the two-month-old fetus inside. [Samsung via AVING via UberGizmo]

This Plantronics Calisto Pro set takes your standard Bluetooth headset and adds in landline and Skype dialing, which means you get the big three (Skype, home, cell) all in one dorky-looking device. Read the rest of this entry »

Unlike other monitors that only have a webcam or a mic built in, this 22-inch SyncMaster 220TN Samsung monitor has a network module, webcam, microphone and speakers so that you can have a Skype or Microsoft Live Messenger conversation without a PC. Read the rest of this entry »

This Plantronics Calisto Pro set takes your standard Bluetooth headset and adds in landline and Skype dialing, which means you get the big three (Skype, home, cell) all in one dorky-looking device. The base station has a USB connector to hook into your PC for Skype and Yahoo calls, a DECT 6.0 handset to handle landline calls, and the headset to connect to both these plus a cellphone. The price for all this convenience while you work at home in your underpants? $279 starting September. [PRnewswire via Web Worker Daily]

After recovering from a major crash this weekend Skype is now pointing fingers, saying that “the disruption was triggered by a massive restart of our users’ computers across the globe within a very short timeframe as they re-booted after receiving a routine set of patches through Windows Update.” Their official statement sounds like the BBC announcing the Nazi invasion of Poland.

Read the rest of this entry »

With “beta” on the label, there may be some wrinkles, kinks and unsprayed bugs which we’ll remove in time for a public release. With that in mind, feel free to download and play with it. Read the rest of this entry »

The latest versions of Skype for bothWindows and Mac include a key new business feature that many customers have been asking for. You can now transfer Skype calls simply and easily to other Skype contacts. Plus, if you’re a Skype Pro subscriber, you can transfer the call to a landline or mobile phone too.

If you receive calls on behalf of a colleague you can screen these calls by placing them on hold and then checking that your colleague is available before transferring.

See the Call Transfer User Guide for more information on how to transfer Skype calls.

We’ve also introduced another new feature; auto-redial. Meaning if the number being called is busy, Skype can automatically redial it every two minutes, until the call is answered.

So make sure you have the latest version of Skype to take advantage of these new business features.