901am

New Media News Every Morning

Yugma is latest addition to Skype Extras

By 1 Comment

Yugma is the latest addition to Skype Extras. Extras are plug-ins written by independent third-party developers that let users expand Skype functionality and enrich their Skype conversations. To date, more than 185 different Extras are available and there have been more than 24 million downloads of Extras since the Skype Extras Manager was launched in late 2006.

With easy access to Extras from within Skype software or on the Skype Web site, users are now able to use Yugma within Skype.

Originally posted on February 10, 2008 @ 7:26 pm

MySpace, Skype announce partnership for a voice-connected community

By

skype.pngMySpace and Skype announced a partnership to empower the MySpace community with voice communications. With more than 110 million monthly active MySpace users and 220 million Skype registered users around the world, this partnership connects two of the most popular communications platforms on the Internet to create the world’s largest online, voice-connected community.

The announcement unveils MySpaceIM with Skype, a new product that integrates MySpace’s popular IM client with Skype’s free, high-quality voice-calling capability. The partnership will also enable users to link their MySpace profiles and photos or avatars to their accounts on Skype. Both products will be available to users starting in November.

Financial terms of the MySpace and Skype deal were not disclosed.

Originally posted on October 17, 2007 @ 10:58 am

Niklas Zennstrom steps down as Skype CEO

By

ebay_skype.jpgeBay Inc. announced that Niklas Zennstrom has stepped down as CEO of Skype. Zennstrom, who co-founded Skype in 2003, will become non-executive chairman of the Skype Board of Directors. Michael van Swaaij, eBay’s Chief Strategy Officer, will become acting CEO until a permanent successor is found. Russell Reynolds Associates is conducting the search for Zennstrom’s replacement.

Henry Gomez, Skype’s President, who remained a Senior Vice President at eBay during his two-year tenure at Skype, will return to eBay as Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs, reporting to President and CEO Meg Whitman.

eBay also announced that it has paid EUR 375 million (approximately $530 million) to settle all of its future obligations under the earn-out agreement signed with certain Skype shareholders when eBay acquired Skype in 2005. The earn-out agreement provided for payments of up to approximately EUR 1,200 million (approximately $1,700 million) based upon specific active user, revenue and gross profit targets that were to be achieved in 2008 and the first half of 2009. eBay believes that the EUR 375 million payment is reasonable given the progress and anticipated rapid growth of Skype’s active user base.

Originally posted on October 1, 2007 @ 10:22 am

Skype back to normal

By

skype1.jpgAs a person heavily dependent on Skype for more than 2 years to sustain my long distance relationship, Skype’s announcement that it’s back to normal is very overwhelming!

According to Skype Hearbeat, the disruption that happened last August 16 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.”

More importantly, they cleared that there were no malicious activities or security risks encountered. It’s just plain technical failure, nothing more.

I don’t think this rare incident will prompt users to shift to other VoIP networks. Skype is a powerful brand and has been very reliable for more than 3 years in the market. However, it must remain vigilant and proactive in detecting possible problems in future.

On a positive note, I discovered that Google Talk is as clear as Skype.

Originally posted on August 20, 2007 @ 3:11 pm

Skype co-founders invest in Asian 3D social networking company

By

frenzoo.jpgAmbient Sound Investments (ASI), established by the four co-founding engineers of internet telephony software company Skype, will acquire a stake as part of a Series A funding round in 3D social networking company Frenzoo, to bring to market an exciting new online experience across the region.

Frenzoo enables teenagers and young adults to connect with their friends and become budding fashionistas. Frenzoo users can express themselves by personalizing their own virtual 3D characters, and play mix-and-match with a variety of branded clothes, footwear, accessories, furniture and lifestyle items.

“We are attracted to Frenzoo’s unique technology and business model” said Toivo Annus, Managing Partner at ASI. “Integrating 3D and social networking opens up a world of opportunities for both users and advertisers. Asia is a dynamic and growing market, and we look forward to helping Frenzoo bring this service to life.”

The Frenzoo experience utilizes the company’s RealFashion 3D Engine that simulates users’ character, clothing and living environments in true 3D, leveraging recent advances in graphics hardware.

Originally posted on May 29, 2007 @ 7:31 am