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Filed under: Software, Android

While Apple was busy batting away the FCC with its litany of reasons why its app approval process is totally hunky-dory, Google was apparently having it’s own VoIP-related firefight. It seems that an article in the USA Today which hit newsstands this morning alleges that the internet giant sought to block (dare we say reject) a full Skype application from making its way into the Android Market. The story claims that the application was neutered to become “a watered-down version of the original that routes calls over traditional phone networks” — which would obviously cast a decidedly malevolent slant to the benevolent company’s policies.

Here are the facts, clear and simple: While the first generation of our Android software did not support full-featured VoIP applications due to technology limitations, we have worked through those limitations in subsequent versions of Android, and developers are now able to build and upload VoIP services.

As we told USA Today earlier in the week Google did not reject an application from Skype or from any other company that provides VoIP services. To suggest otherwise is false. At this point no software developer — including Skype — has implemented a complete VoIP application for Android. But we’re excited to see — and use — these applications when they’re submitted, because they often provide more choice and options for users. We also look forward to the day when consumers can access any application, including VoIP apps, from any device, on any network.

[Via TechCrunch; Image courtesy eBoy]

Read – Google-AT&T-Apple fight over Net calls draws FCC interest
Read – Android and VoIP applications

Google refutes USA Today report on blocked Skype application originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Peripherals

At this point, Bluetooth headsets are pretty played, but it’s some kind of thrilling to see at least one company keeping things interesting. Newton Peripherals is that very outfit, today introducing a pair of new devices that are definitely unique in a sea of me-too ear pieces. First up is the MoGo Talk for iPhone, which adheres to the back of your handset and keeps the headset nearby at all times — think LG’s Decoy, but a tad less elegant. Next up is the MoGo Talk for VoIP & Skype (our personal favorite), which slides inconspicuously into one’s ExpressCard slot in order to a) stay out of harm’s way and b) charge when not in use. Too bad Apple decided that these slots were practically unwanted in its newest 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pros, huh? Both devices can be pre-ordered right now for $99 apiece, with shipments expected to begin next month.

[Via HotHardware]

Read – MoGo Talk for iPhone
Read – MoGo Talk for VoIP and Skype

MoGo Talk intros Bluetooth headset for iPhone, everyone else originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: T-Mobile, LTE

It’s still a shockingly open question exactly how the world’s carriers plan on transporting voice over LTE — which is something everyone who loves 4G should be freaking out about, considering that it threatens launch schedules and interoperability among unlocked handsets. A vibrant array of possible solutions are currently on the table, including everything from SIP-based IMS (which is already approved by the 3GPP, helpfully) to the controversial thought of leaving legacy GSM and UMTS networks live for the sole purpose of running voice. T-Mobile International is putting its bets on VoLGA — Voice Over LTE via Generic Access — by participating in the VoLGA Forum, which has just published the second version of its specifications and aims for 3GPP consideration later this year. The technology routes circuit-switched (that is, old-school) voice over data packets, but the problem is that there are a bunch of companies proposing the same thing in slightly different ways; Nokia Siemens Networks, for example, is working on its own proprietary standard that’ll go head-to-head with VoLGA. Currently, T-Mobile’s the only major network actively participating in VoLGA’s development, though it apparently has the support of every major infrastructure vendor except Nokia Siemens. Whether it’s VoLGA or something else, let’s hope everyone gets on the same page on the double before everyone gets too entrenched in incompatible technologies that make roaming difficult and handset variety lame.

T-Mobile steps forward with LTE voice standard, faces uphill battle originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With VoIP and webcam use on the increase, this handsfree headset will make conversations easier. Offering twin stereo jacks and a built-in microphone, you can equally use this headset with your phone as well as your laptop.

With three pairs of silicon ear buds of varying sizes, you can fit the size right for you. The buds are designed to sit inside the ear and exclude most external noise. We found quality was so good we had to turn our music player down to get the best effects.

The cable is 1.2 metres in length, which gives you plenty of flexibility, but we’re not too sure about the build quality as the cable is a little on the thin side – great for keeping weight and size down, but less ideal for everyday use. Fortunately, a carry case is supplied so you can wind them away when not needed.