At last, Skype has come up with a new version of their VoIP software that I actually want to download for reasons beyond the fact that it happens to be the latest. The Skype 4.1 beta sees the addition of screen sharing across Windows, Mac and Linux plus other trinkets like birthday reminders and a more in-depth contacts search.

Naturally, none of this costs any extra and, in case you're worried about the privacy issue, it's totally up to you whether you share the whole screen or just a part of it.

With the Star Trek film out on Friday, it's high time everyone started cashing in on Kirkmania and, after Toshiba's protective plastic, it's now the turn of the Star Trek Communicator VoIP handset.

Now, before you get too excited, this device is a lot more useless than you might think. Yes, you can use it for Skype or whatever kind of chat service you use but only when it's plugged into your computer via USB. There is Wi-Fi or 3G involved here.

On the plus side, if you are an incurable Trekkie, then you'll be pleased to hear that it comes complete with 21 different communicator sounds and a six foot USB cable with which to parade your new toy about while in your Star Fleet Dressing gown and Tribble slippers.

Buy one

In a world's first, 3 is offering all those with Skype enabled phones free Skype-to-Skype calls and IM from 1st May. Whether you're pay-as-you-go or contract you will not have to pick up a penny of the cost for your Skype data so long as you have a 3 Skype-enabled handset and you are calling within the network. In theory, all you'll have to do is buy a 3 SIM, stick it in a Skype-enabled phone and away you go.

What's more, for the summer, 3 is extending the deal such that anyone on an unlocked 3G handset will be able to take advantage of the offer whether or not they're on 3's network.

The deal looks like a fantastic way for the youngest of the networks to grab a whole load of customers and pick up the money from the non-Skype calls at the same time. It's an excellent move and really good offer. Time to fork out the £1.99 for a 3 SIM.

CLARIFICATION:

Just had a word with representatives of 3 to understand all the ins and outs of the deal. Firstly, the offer has no end date at the moment. It is indefinite. Secondly, so long as the call is made over Skype then it doesn't matter what network the recipient is on. So long as you are making the call from 3, then the call will be free. Presumably, though, if the other person is on another network, then they'll be picking up a data cost at their end.

The service will work on all handsets so long as you can run Skype on them and you stick a 3 SIM into the back. Capiche?

3 Skype Offer

S2 Skypephone Review:

The Nintendo DSi takes a step closer to becoming a mobile phone after Skype reps confirmed that a VoIP client is technically possible for the device. The company refused to confirm or deny the suggestion that it's actively developing for the device.

It's already possible to run VoIP software on the DS and DS Lite, via the installation of the SvSIP homebrew application, but homebrew applications are currently blocked on the DSi due to piracy worries.

Skype applications are already available on most mobile phones and the PSP, so it wouldn't be surprising if the company had at least some form of DSi client in internal development.

Given Nintendo's intention to build the DSi into more than just a gaming device, it's difficult to see any reason why they wouldn't approve such an app, unless they're planning a VoIP client of their own, which has been rumoured.

(via Tech Radar)

If this month's news of Skype all over mobile phones of the world got you thinking how hot the VoIP company is right now, then you might be pleased to hear that eBay is letting the communications service loose on the stock market with an IPO all of its own.

Skype generated a cool $551 million in revenue in 2008 and, although they are beginning to run into the old market saturation problem, it doesn't take a genius to see it's all about the services they'll be offering in the future rather the number of accounts.

So, if you think the future is sky blue, then you might want to set aside some cash for next year. Buy low in 2008, sell high peaking some time around 2013. That's my completely inexperienced and entirely non-culpable piece of financial advice for the day.

Press Release

S2 Skypephone Review:

The Skype application for the iPhone hasn't even been out a week and already they've clocked up over 1 million downloads for the world's favourite VoIP service. To put that in perspective, that's one downloads every six seconds.

Naturally, they won't keep up this rate for long with market saturation on the horizon but it looks like Skype has shown the fastest uptake of any app for the Jobs 5800 since they started accepting external software.

Perhaps the networks have been right to fear Skype's pulling power when it comes to undermining their profits but for more discussion on that, check out our Tech Digest podcast.

Skype

I have a dream that one day the mobile nation will rise up and cast off the shackles of the networks. I have a dream that one day phone contracts will drop below the £5 per month mark. I have a dream that one day we will all see each other when we talk. I have a dream that my little children will be able to use their mobiles the world over without suffering a penny of roaming charges. I have that dream, but I'm not sure that dream is VoIP.

Today we heard that Skype is to launch on the iPhone 3G and BlackBerry in the coming weeks. According to Skype Chief Operating Officer Scott Durchslag, it was the number one request from customers, and I can't help wondering why? Let's ignore the oversized elephant in the room that is the fact that this isn't the first time using your Skype credentials for mobile VoIP on the iPhone has been possible (see Nimbuzz, TruPhone and Fring). Let's also forget that there's already other mobile VoIP services that people could have been using instead on other handsets (see Vyke, Tesco Talk WiFi, etc). What I want to know is how much of a difference will the mass use of mobile VoIP make should mobile Skype be its saviour? Will it bring me closer to my dream?