Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Android and Me

Android and Me

Skype fixes security gaps, and by the way, gives us 3G calling!

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 09:53 AM PDT

Skype Skype MARKET QR

With the discovery of a vulnerable spot in their Android app, which left much of users’ private information unsecured, Skype surely disappointed its loyal customers last week. Upon finding that their application for Android was putting people in danger, Skype informed everyone that they would be fixing the problem soon, and sure enough, there is an update available this morning. The update not only fixes the security bridge though, Skype has decided to give us an unexpected surprise!

Do you remember the days when Skype was only available through Verizon? We were all begging Skype to give us an official app for Android, which would allow us to make VOIP calls over WiFi, without the need to go through a 3G network, or Verizon for that matter. We are all happy with Skype now, being able to fully benefit from what it has to offer, only over WiFi though. Before this morning, using Skype over 3G (officially) was still only available through Verizon’s Skype Mobile application, and with this new update, that limitation has vanished. Yes, Skype for Android is now able to make calls over a 3G network, any 3G network, in fact (even in the U.S.). These news should have Verizon a little upset though, because it seems like their Skype Mobile app is now completely unnecessary.

What’s in this version:
1. Security update
2. Calling over your 3G connection is available worldwide – now including the US.Skypemarket update

Well, if Skype had some of its users upset about the security issues, this is a great way to regain their satisfaction!To be able to enjoy some 3G Skype calling, head over to the Market and get your new and improved Skype version! Also, don’t forget to give us your opinions. Are you excited about this update? Satisfied? Is 3G-calling even a big deal to you?

Related content:

  1. Skype comes to all Android 2.x phones, lacks 3G calling in U.S.
  2. Warning: Skype vulnerability leaves your private information out in the open
  3. Download Skype with Video for the HTC Thunderbolt
  4. T-Mobile to add Wi-Fi calling to select Android devices
  5. HTC Thunderbolt to launch without mobile hotspot or Skype video chat


HBO Go streaming coming to Android

Posted: 20 Apr 2011 07:18 AM PDT

HBO quietly posted this ad to their YouTube account a few days ago and for some reason it remained largely undiscovered.

If you are not an HBO subscriber then don’t get your hopes up as the HBO Go service can’t be purchased standalone. The other hurdle to be eligible is that you must get HBO through AT&T U-Verse, Comcast, Cox, DIRECTV, Suddenlink or Verizon FIOS. (That list has been expanding at a glacial rate.) Assuming that you find yourself in the chewy center of that little Venn diagram then feel free to do whatever happy dance you feel is appropriate as there is no additional fee for HBO Go and you are about to be able to enjoy it on your Android phone.

They are calling their shot with May 2nd as the launch date, but with no specifics on whether that means that apps for all platforms will be available that day or if there will be a staggered launch. We’ll keep our eyes peeled on the 2nd and if you happen to spot it first go ahead and give us a shout.

While Android isn’t quite the video streaming panacea that I had imagined it would be when I wrote about it a year ago it does seem that we may finally be at the tipping point this Spring and just in time to give us something to do with all these 4G phones and tablets.

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