October 2005
Skype Security Flaws Discovered
Skype has just issued security patches for two critical bugs involving their popular internet telephony software. The recently discovered bugs would have made it possible for hackers to run hostile code on computers running vulnerable versions of Skype.
US Robotics Releases New USB Phone
Modem and networking market leader, US Robotics, has announced the shipment of its new USB Internet Phone, the USR9600. This is the company’s first VoIP hardware release, and the beginning of a major line of such products.
eBay Removes Skype Brand Name From Buttons
It appears that eBay has been making some questionable decisions regarding the future of the Skype internet telephony service, which they purchased last month for over $2 billion.
Skype to Better Connect eBay Buyers and Sellers
Ever since eBay signed the $2.6+ billion agreement to purchase Skype, people have been wondering why they were willing to pay so much for a service, which is essentially free.
September 2005
New Skype Software Version Released
Skype has recently launched the latest version of its popular VoIP software for Windows. Some of Version 1.4’s most notable new features include call forwarding and support for customized ringtones.
UK Start-Up to Launch Internet Telephony Service
The British telecommunications start-up, Timico is planning to launch a Skype-style internet telephony service, for business users.
Analysts Warn Against Possible Skype Security Risks
Skype Technologies, the free internet VoIP provider being acquired by eBay Inc., is unlikely to be able to offer an enterprise-class system anytime soon, said a research firm on Friday.
eBay Finalizes Skype Acquisition
eBay has announced this morning that it plans to acquire Luxembourg-based VoIP telephony company Skype Technologies.
China Telecom Bans Skype Services
China Telecom has struck a major blow to the advancement of technology in that country, as it moves to block citizens’ access to SkypeOut, Skype’s popular PC-to-Phone telephony service.
eBay to Buy Skype?
Shares of eBay Inc. tumbled almost 4% today due to reports that the online auction company was considering purchasing Luxembourg-based Skype Technologies.
Skype Makes Deal with Mobile Phone Carrier
The new deal will allow E-Plus’s 9.8 million customers to bundle unlimited Skype VoIP service with their wireless web subscriptions.
Skype Works to Encourage Innovation
Skype has plans to launch a new program this fall, which will provide third party software developers with “Skype Certified” logos for software that they develop as an extension of the company's VoIP offering.
August 2005
Google Launches VoIP/Instant Messaging Service
As of last night, Google Talk is the newest player in this growing industry and a formidable competitor to the currently dominant Skype service.
Skype Downloads Up, Usage Down*
According to the count on the official website, the total number of times that Skype has been downloaded is nearing 151 million. Overall usage, however, is declining*.
Is Skype Reall Worth $3,000,000,000?
Among numerous reports over the past couple of weeks that the owners of Skype may sell the company for $3 billion, one is tempted to ask the obvious question. Is it really worth that much?
New Software for Making Skype Calls Over Cell Phones
The new start-up company, iSkoot is piggybacking on Skype to allow cell phone users to make wireless long distance phone calls at very little or no cost.
Telecommunications Industry News
Interesting news about the telecommunications industry.
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