Skype beefs up competition against AT&T and Verizon with iPhone application.

Skype announced a new iPhone application set to be rolled out on Tuesday that will allow users with an iPhone make free Skype-to-Skype calls over Wi-Fi to other Skype users worldwide.

With the Skype iPhone app, users will also be able to make reduced price calls to traditional landline phones, a move that will place Skype in more direct competition with AT&T Inc. and Verizon Wireless.

The application will also work on second generation iPod touch with a compatible headset and microphone. Skype said a version for the BlackBerry available in May. Mobile versions of Skype are already available for Nokia, Windows Mobile, and Google Android phones.

Users will also be able to send and receive instant messages, receive calls to a personal online number on Skype and see when your Skype contacts are online.

Scott Durchslag, Skype’s Chief Operating Officer, said that Skype for iPhone provides the same simplicity that the desktop app provides to its users.

Skype, which began in 2003, is currently adding 350,000 users a day and has over 405 million registered users. The Estonian company was bought by EBay in 2005 for $2.6 billion.

Ride the Wave of iPhone 4s Otterbox!

Many people have an aesthetic sense and they consciously deploy it to make a fashion statement. This really reflects when they choose a case for their iphone. The mind boggling variety of iphone 4s cases may give the buyers a hard time to select just one. With an amazing collection of elaborative pictures and ideal comparison of features it is a difficult decision on which one to buy. The iphone 4s case is not just an accessory, as it has various crucial functionalities and proves to be a great bargain!

With increasing demands, more innovative ideas come handy and offer suitable solutions. It becomes tough to believe on the variety of functionality available in iphone 5 accessories. You can get a slim and trim kickstand to enhance your iphone’s movie theatre experience. Kickstand keeps the phone safe and secure and does not allow the slipping of phone. You can get astounding varieties of material, texture, and designs in the iphone 5 case range. Simple yet highly alluring design comes with the availability of non sliding grips for a typical iphone 5 case. These are available in several materials and the most popular of them is made up of rubber.

Rubber grips offer more stubborn protection from accidental slippage of phone and these grips even protect the phone from shocks. With some innovative cases, you can improve the experience of using your iphone. Various materials used in iphone 4s cases add the appeal and charm for these technology devices. Theme based cases are reflection of your passion and suits the personality of the wearer. Your iphone is not waterproof and this becomes a concern while going out to beach or rainforests or ever during those rainy days. Simple bubbleshields offer complete protection from water and mud. These are sealable plastic pouches to keep your iphone dry and safe.

If you happen to abuse your iphone with rough handling, you can try for cases that protect the phone from intense damage. The most commonly addressed death grip issue with iphone does get resolved with these types oftough cases. The precise fitting of these thin cases does not cause a distraction while docking your iphone to speaker docks and other external equipments. Most of these thin and sturdy cases are snap fit and do not come off easily. All these cases are designed for seamless use and hassle free experience of using a genuinely genius product!

Top 5 Free Music Apps for Your IPhone

SoundHound

Ever hear a song on the radio that you’d like to purchase later but you don’t know the name? This is no longer a problem with the SoundHound app. SoundHound is a music identification app which can be used to find the name, artist, and lyrics of just about any song. Just open the application, tap the on-screen “Tap Here” button, and hold your iPhone with the microphone facing the direction of the sound. In mere seconds, SoundHound will identify the song playing. Unlike other music recognition apps for the iPhone, SoundHound can even be used to identify songs simply by singing or humming them into the microphone. It’s perfect for indentifying those songs stuck in your head, whose names you can’t remember.

Once a song has been identified, you can even purchase the song from within the app. In addition to SoundHound’s music recognition features, the app can also find and display lyrics for the songs in your iPhone’s music library. There is also a premium version of the app but it offers little extra functionality; stick with the free version.

Pandora Radio

The Pandora Radio App is a portable version of the web-based Pandora Radio. With Pandora Radio, you can create and listen to your own personalized internet radio stations, based on your favorite music and artists, right from your iPhone. Pandora works by taking an artist or song you enter and creating custom radio stations with similar music. To further personalize your stations and help the app recognize what kind of music you like, you can rate each song either “thumbs up” or “thumbs down.” If you’re already a Pandora user, you can log in to the iPhone app and access all your stations created at Pandora.com right from your phone. As with SoundHound, you can purchase the songs played on Pandora Radio from within the app. The only downside to the app is that it requires your iPhone to have an active internet connection to function.

Alarm Clock Radio

The Alarm Clock Radio app is exactly what it sounds like. It’s essentially a clock radio for your iPhone. The app displays a stylish, easy to read clock and includes access to over 25,000 free SHOUTcast powered radio stations. You can set the alarm to wake you up to one of the many available radio stations or even your own music. The app includes a snooze feature.

You can also use the app just to listen to the radio stations. The streaming radio stations will run in the background while you use other apps on your iPhone. There are currently some alarm issues with iOS4 users living in certain time zones but the developers of the app have promised an update will be released soon to correct this.

Vevo

The recently released Vevo app allows you to watch your favorite music videos on your iPhone. With this app, you can create playlists, watch and share music videos, and watch new video premieres. The app works on Wifi and also on 3G and Edge connections, at reduced quality. Like many other iPhone music apps, this app allows you to purchase the songs from your favorite music videos from the app.

How to View YouTube Videos Using Your iPhone

One of the best Apple iPhone applications is its feature enabling you to view videos from YouTube. If you are great fan of this video sharing site, Apple iPhone is perhaps your best friend. Of the many applications for Apple iPhone , this feature stands out as it opens a world of possibilities for its users. Explore thousands of videos, new and old one with a picture clarity that is unmatched.

To enable your iPhone to view YouTube videos, you must go through a step-by-step procedure. First go to home screen and tap the YouTube icon, which appears like a tiny TV on the screen. Touch it and you will be directed to the home page of YouTube. On this page locate the Search button where you can type keywords or key phrases. Using the virtual keypad, you can enter specific keywords or broad keywords. Having entered the keywords, you will then be directed to the Search Results page. Now the videos along with their information are displayed on the screen. Now you are ready to use one of the best applications for iPhone. Tap the Play icon for a video selected by choosing the quick play option from many viewing options that can be skipped. The other tools such as Fast Forward and Rewind can be accessed when you touch the areas outside of the main video screen in your iPhone. The sliding bar allows you to manipulate the viewing spot of the video you are watching. No wonder Apple has come out with one of the best iPhone applications to attract customers.

Creating your own video tool bar and YouTube icons is also possible by going to the Edit tool. Just tap the More icon on your phone and this will direct you to the Edit tool. You must also remember that some iPhones need to be unlocked for it to access YouTube videos. For more information on unlocking iPhones, find tutorials on the web.

SignNow Launches Document Signing App for Android

SignNow launches their Android App less than a month after they launched their free iPhone App. This app makes signing and sending documents easier than ever.

Whether you need to sign a document or need somebody else’s signature, the SignNow application has you covered. Gone are the days when you need to print, scan, or fax. Now, just use the phone that you carry in your pocket for your online digital signatures. You can sign PDFs or Word documents with your finger or with a previously uploaded signature, then send to anybody immediately. You don’t even need to involved a pen and paper.

In addition, you can take pictures of a document, convert the image to a PDF and sign it at the same time. As you email these signed documents to others, you will have copy stored electronically for your files as well. All signatures completed are secured with bank quality encryption and more importantly, they are legally binding.

So what would you rather do? Use the free SignNow Android or iPhone App? Or buy a printer, scanner, and fax machine to do all the work?

 

Verizon iPhone Release Date

Without its customary shenanigans and enthusiastic fervor, Apple Inc. announced the Verizon iPhone release date earlier this month. This was one of the strangest Apple conferences of recent times, because not only was Steve Jobs conspicuous with his absence, he actually let the CEO of Verizon (Lowell MacAdam) go ahead and make the announcement. This was unlike the Apple that we have seen in recent times, especially when the announcement was about something as big as a Verizon iPhone, something which a lot of people have been waiting fervently for.

By the time this announcement was made, it was no secret that the Apple iPhone would be releasing for the Verizon network. Months of speculation preceded this development. Until this point, the iPhone was only available to work on the GSM network of AT&T, and they had an exclusive contract with them as well. That, it seems, is now history.

What It Means for AT&T

Many people had complaints with the congested network of AT&T, especially in crowded cities like New York and San Francisco. Hence they were crying out for a switch over to Verizon, or at least the option to change the operator as and when one pleases. AT&T enthusiasts argued for years that since all iPhone users were on the AT&T network it led to congestion and dropped calls, and it was no fault of AT&T’s infrastructure. This is true to a certain limit, and now when many people switch over to Verizon, we will see how true this really is.

AT&T has not endorsed Android devices until now, and with a proportion of its users soon switching to Verizon it is time for them to embrace the open sourced revolution as well.

What It Means for Verizon

Verizon has been the carrier of choice for most people who use Android phones, but many people are now going to switch to the iPhone since it is finally available. It is claimed that the network of Verizon is clearer than that of AT&T, and this will be put to the test now. iPhone users are infamous for using a lot of bandwidth, and I have a strong suspicion that the complaints that people had with AT&T will soon start cropping up with Verizon as well.

Apple Verizon iPhone Release Date and Features

The release date for the Verizon iPhone 4 is slated for February 10th 2011. The 16GB version of the iPhone 4 will cost $199 and the 32GB model will cost $299, similar to the AT&T models. These iPhones will work on the CDMA network of Verizon, and it is believed that soon other CDMA networks like Sprint will also get the iPhone functional on their services. The biggest advantage of the new iPhone Verizon release is that users will now be able to use their iPhone as a Wi-Fi hotspot (setting up a Mi-Fi connection) which will allow up to 5 other devices to connect to the network. The disappointing part is that the iPhone will not work on the 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) network offered by Verizon for Android phones. All other Verizon iPhone 4 features will be similar to those on the AT&T iPhone.

There is still no official update on the iPhone 5 release date as yet, but it is widely believed that the new iPhone 5 will come with a dual-band feature that will allow it to operate on the GSM network and the CDMA network.

This move by Apple undoubtedly changes the smartphone market yet again, because now in addition to the Android vs iOS debate, we will also see more of the AT&T vs Verizon debate. With the knowledge about Verizon iPhone release date firmly in mind, the biggest beneficiary is the consumer who now has the choice of an iPhone or an Android device on both AT&T and Verizon networks.

Apple iPhone 5 is Different From it is Predecessor or Not?

The launch of the Apple iphone 5 has forced almost every single person in debating and comparing the gadget with its predecessors like the iphone 4 and iphone 4S. This is a really a wonderful attempt made by the company as the smart phone is fully loaded with great and exciting features moreover it is a motivation gadget for all the earlier models to move for an upgrade. Also if on closely observing the hardware of the iphone 5 you would get to know that it is somewhat similar to its predecessors.

The iphone 5 is just like the iphone 4S as the 4S possess 3 different versions such the 16GB, 32 GB and the 64 GB. All these versions would cost you $199, $299 and $399 respectively and also includes a bond that the consumer would only use one of the phone carriers for a time period of two years such as Sprint, Verizon and AT&T. According to the planning of Apple from 21st September the iphone 5 would be for sale in nine countries those are Germany, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, UK, and US moreover the pre-orders of the smart phone has been taken from 14th September.

This is the most superb time period to purchase iphone 4S as the company has minimized the prices by $100 but on taking iphone 4 it can be free for the users if signing a two years contract from any of the above three carriers. The major difference among the iPhone 4s deals and iphone 5 is that the iphone 5 possess a 4G LTE Networks. So with this the users can watch the videos and download them at a great speed moreover the connectivity would be accessible with the three carriers like Sprint, Verizon and AT&T.

The outer looks of the iphone 5 is also very stylish as the gadget is slimmer, sleeker and taller than its predecessor. Its 4 inch display, 3.95 ounce weight has really amazed everyone as the iphone 4S possess a 3.5 inch display and 140 gms weight so the conclusion is that the iphone 5 is 18% slimmer and 20% lighter. Its retina display features a resolution of 1136 by 640 pixels that are 326 pixels per inch. Apple launch the top most iphone with wonderful technology, features and apps on the mobile market.

iPhone 5 Release Date: Why the Delay?

Well, it’s nearing the end of June, and still no new iPhone. Rumors had put the next iPhone release date in June, so many Apple fanatics are crying about an iPhone 5 release delay. Honestly, Apple made no announcement on the rumored Smartphone — Including any indication the device even exists.

This has not stopped the iPhone rumors from spreading, and now many are pointing toward a September release. So, why would Apple have delayed the new iPhone?

There are several reasons why there could be an iPhone 5 release delay. From a low supply of batteries due to the Japan earthquake, to the fact that Apple recently released the white iPhone 4, and sales for that device are apparently doing well.

Additionally, many people feel the next iPhone release will be the iPhone 4S, and that will most likely put the iPhone 5 release in 2012.

What do you think about the iPhone 5 release date delay rumors? Considering Apple has yet to announce any new iPhone, is it safe to say Appleites won’t see the next generation iPhone until next year?

Secrets To The Best Android Phones From Verizon

Of the thirteen Verizon Android phones the The HTC ThunderBolt is currently their premier phone. Other popular Verizon Androids are the Motorola’s Droid 2 and the HTC Droid Incredible 2. However, these two phones don’t sport the 4G connectivity, while the ThunderBolt does.

From a physical point of view the ThunderBolt is fairly heavy (6.4 ounces) and large (4.8 x 2.6 x 0.5 inches HWD). For some this is not an issue and gives the phone a solid premier feel, but if you like a phone that fits lightly in your pocket this one might not be for you. The display screen is an impressive 4.3 Inches (800 x 480 pixels), giving you crisp viewing even at obscure angles. There is a 1.3 megapixel front facing camera for video calling and a powerful 8 megapixel rear camera with dual-LED flash. The real aspect that puts this phone ahead of the Droid 2 and Droid Incredible 2 is the connectivity speed – the ThunderBolt is now running on Verizon’s 4G LTE network. Verizon’s rapid 4G network is new and already covers a large number of the major metropolitan areas.

For almost all the smartphones you are required to select the $30 data plan, giving you unlimited data, and there is no extra cost if you are running on 4G versus 3G. A neat option is to get WiFi hotspot, this $20 add-on allows you to connect up to eight devices, such as your laptop, to your phone’s internet so you always have internet on the go. The flip side to having such quick browsing speeds is that your battery probably will not last you more than two and half hours of 4G use. This has raised a lot of questions as to the functionality of the phone. However, on 3G you can expect to get around eight hours of talk time. Which by all accounts is very reasonable. The reality is you are likely to have trouble getting through the day without recharging. For a high pace corporate individual this might not be the right phone for you, but if you want to dazzle your friends with the fastest internet speeds then this one is for you.

You are likely to find the phone quick to maneuver through apps and day-to-day use with the 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, and Android 2.2 (Froyo) operating system. Unfortunately, the Thunderbolt does not ship with the latest Android version (Gingerbread, 2.3). However, it is expected to have an official upgrade sometime this Summer, with unofficial version online for users that have rooted their handset. Note, Android has blocked users with rooted devices from using the movie rental options. The phone ships with 2.5 MB of built in memory and a 32 SDmicro card – more than enough room to store all your pictures and videos.

To sum things up, the Thunderbolt is Verizon’s premier phone. It is a better option for you even if you do not have access to the 4G network than the Droid X, merely because the interface from HTC (Sence) has better functionality than Motorola’s MotoBlur. If you are toying with the iPhone, don’t. It does not have the 4G connectivity, and nor will the iPhone 5, soon to be called iPhone 4S. The Droid 2 might be an option to consider if you prefer having a physical keyboard (much improved keyboard from the original Droid). If not, stick with the Thunderbolt and hope that the next generation smartphone’s have better battery efficiencies.

Building Apps for Apple's iTunes Store

While the country has reeled under rising unemployment with corporations slashing jobs and numerous software positions being outsourced to Asia, some software developers have turned to the app store for hope. At a time when a looming deficit, rising health care and education costs, and tightened budgets have become mainstream, Apple’s iTunes App store has provided an outlet of relief for software developers. In fact, the company has done so well with its young app store that it posted a billion-dollar profit for 2009.

Seizing the opportunity ahead, Google has jumped on the bandwagon as well, launching its own mobile Android store. The time for mobile technology on smart phones even though it is in its infancy, has surely arrived. The public is hungry and the producers are eager to supply the need.

Quitting A Six-Figure Job To Build Apps

Forty-seven year old Joe Michel was one of the many hopeful software developers, who decided to embrace the new platform when he saw jobs at his company in Scottsdale being outsourced to Asia. In April of 2009, he began working on an iPhone application called My Eyes Only to save credit card information, passwords, and other personal data in an encrypted format. By July of 2009, sales through the App store had replaced his six-figure income. Michel now operates his own app company Software Ops devoted to building apps full-time.

Competition has tightened up now as more than 100,000 apps are available in the iTunes store and steadily increasing. While app millionaires may seem rare, many developers are still seeing record sales. With more than 1.5 billion apps downloaded since the App store’s launch 28 months ago and more than 45 million iPhones and iPod Touch devices sold, the future is very optimistic.

App Ideas and Breakthroughs

New iPhone App ideas continue to emerge that encourage use of the iPhone in novel and interesting ways. For example, the car-sharing company Zipcar recently launched a Zipcar app that can locate and reserve a vehicle, unlock it, and start the engine. The Zipcar app is the first application that actually allows customers to control the car’s operations. By simply touching the iPhone, a user can get into a car with the Zipcar app. The kind of functionality that the Zipcar app provides dramatically alters the possibilities available to integrating technology with vehicles.

Mainstream Appeal from Software Industry Giants

One of the “Top Free” photography apps, Adobe’s ever popular Photoshop is available for download as a free app in the App store. Its recent update includes numerous features such as filters and effects in addition to cropping, rotation, and flipping techniques for manipulating photographs. The app is also linked to an online Photoshop account where users can store 2GB of photographs for free.

Gaming industry giant Microsoft Xbox is also reaching into the deep pockets of Apple’s apparently endless market appeal. The 360 Live app retailing for $1.99 provides iPhone and iPod Touch owners access to their online accounts for the Xbox 360 videogame console. Currently, players cannot play remotely but can exchange mobile messages, check online status, and accept or reject friend status as well as numerous related features. In the upcoming months, it will be interesting to see what new features the software developer will provide for the app.

The app store has attracted some controversy because of the approval process. However, developers are eager to climb aboard the billion-dollar platform that only promises to keep growing.