Now Skype has been very popular, more and more people like to use it as a phone call software or just IM tools, like Windows Live Messenger or other IMs. Actually, Skype is very good free software for calling other people on their computers or phones. The calls have excellent sound quality and are highly secure with end-to-end encryption. You don't even need to configure your firewall or router or any other networking gear.Talking, sending instant messages or even file transfers work between different platforms like a charm.
Though Skype is very powerful, it is still in updating and providing more features and functions to us. In 2009, Skype released version 4.1, which is really an important upgrade. Maybe you are still using an old version such as 3.8 or so, that does not matter at all. In this article I would like give a simple review of the new version 4.1 and even some new features of the 4.2 Beta version, and also introduce a very useful Skype Video Recorder software which could record the video and audio when you are in a Skype video call.
. Screen Sharing
The 4.1 version incorporates various enchanting features, highly beneficial for the end users. As you already know Skype is a Voice over IP service, which provides efficient chatting, and communication techniques. The latest version of Skype that is 4.1 beta has incorporated the facility of screen sharing into chatting. Even though such technologies already exist as various remote access tools like Cross Loop and all, this service is not popular among the common people. In this context Skype’s new feature is highly appreciable.
Skype's screen-sharing feature is a clever addition to the VoIP communications application. In our tests it was engaging, especially when paired with Skype's voice calling and chatting capabilities. The fair screen quality and few seconds of lag time won't bother most casual users, but at this point we wouldn't recommend Skype's new feature for replacing a dedicated screen-sharing application or service for frequent collaborators. Skype's screen sharing is view-only; it is not a remote access tool like CrossLoop, which is geared for providing technical assistance. For demonstration purposes, however, Skype's screen sharing is just one more way to connect with faraway contacts.
Screen sharing begins by clicking the "share" drop-down on a contact screen and choosing "Share your screen". Skype then gives you the choice to record the full screen or a region. Pressing the button to initiate the screen share also launches an audio call. You can later resize by clicking and dragging the thick red borders. During a session, a button toggles you between full and partial screen modes. Because screen sharing essentially broadcasts a video recording of your screen to your contact, you can't place a video call and share the screen at the same time — you'll choose one or the other.
. Other important features
Skype 4.1 beta also reintroduces birthday reminder alerts and contacts-sharing, which were two features left out of Skype during its upgrade from version 3.8 to 4.0. Birthday reminders are automatic notices you receive on a contact's birthday if they've added this information to their profile. The send-a-contact feature can be found in the Conversation navigation menu under the "Send" option.
Two other notable re-inclusions are the ability to import contacts from Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail, AOL and LinkedIn in addition to Skype 4.0's support for Yahoo and Microsoft Outlook products; and a screen reader accessibility tool to help visually impaired people use Skype.
The update also brings some bug fixes and audio and video improvements.
. About 4.2 beta
Skype 4.2 Beta was first released in December,2009, which begins to support “30 frames per second” 720p video calling at a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, Skype said on Tuesday. However, the service will require not only new equipment, but also broadband uplink speeds that are at least double the average provided to most UK users. To get this video quality, users need an HD webcam and a PC with a 1.8GHz dual-core processor or better. Skype said that "uninterrupted high-speed broadband of at least 1Mbps symmetrical bandwidth" is needed to support HD video calling on PCs and TVs. In addition, several new models of Skype-certified HD webcams are set to be introduced this week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, from companies such as faceVsion and In Store Solutions. Video encoding and processing for the HD calls is handled by the new webcams themselves, rather than by the user's PC, according to Skype.
. How to Record Skype Video Call
As we have mentioned, the video call of Skype has evolved to a new and higher level. But there is still no recording function. It is really a pity, because so many users of Skype are eager to be able to record Skype webcam video and save on the PC. Here I would introduce a Third-Party software tool which could help you easily to achieve this objective. Camersoft Skype Video Recorder is professional software for Skype. It could record Skype video during the call with your friends or family and save as AVI video files on your PC or laptop. You could free download it or from their official website:
http://www.camersoft.com/
This Skype recorder is very easy to use, only a few mouse clicks are needed to complete Skype recording work. In addition, Camersoft Skype video recorder is integrated with an advanced Video Converter component, which could be used to convert video to many formats, not only the Skype recorded AVI, but also any other video files on your PC or from the internet, including FLV, MP4, MOV, MP3, WMV, MPG, OGG, etc.. It could also support all popular portable players and mobile devices like: iPod, iPhone, BlackBerry, Zune, Nokia, Sansa and so on. It is very useful function and I have used to convert the recorded files to my iPod and share with my friends and partners, really very interesting and joyful.
At last, as all the additions make Skype's latest a substantial beta update. But since it's new, there may be bugs and some stability issues — we experienced a couple crashes ourselves during testing. Frequent Skype users will want to experiment with 4.1 or 4.2 beta. You can download the new edition of Skype 4.1 and a pdf describing it's functionalities from their homepage.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Review Windows Live Messenger 2009 and how to record MSN webcam
Some days ago, Microsoft released the betas of the latest versions of its Windows Live Suite – dubbed “Wave 3”, which will also encompass a huge redesign of all the entire Windows Live product line, online and offline. In this update, all of the Windows Live family components have had a redesign, but the biggest has had to be Windows Live Messenger 2009.
Actually, the old versions of Windows Live Messenger or MSN, as most of us used to call it, has gained rich users through out the world. But, just like other software tools from Microsoft, they also bring much complaining. So how about the new Live Messenger? I just upgraded to the latest Windows Live Messenger today and I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised with the major changes they have made with the UI and the features.
This 14MB download took just a few minutes in my tests, though we had to proceed with care to prevent Windows Live Messenger from installing unwanted items, such as a desktop shortcut or Rhapsody music software. Once installed, Windows Live Messenger displays a drop-down menu of features along the top, contacts within the center pane, a search box on the bottom, and tabs for eBay, Rhapsody, and other services along the left. Microsoft fans will like the integration with MSN Spaces and the company's other properties. However, we wish we could hide the animated panel of ads at the bottom.
Then I fantasized a while in the new features of Live Messenger 2009. Because I've been using Windows Live Messenger formerly MSN Messenger for over a more than 5 years, I found that now it really has developed into a fine messenger. After initial testing, I found very little to complain about; in fact, while I could spend an entire week talking about all the cool things, I decided to isolate my reviews on several to new cool features which make Windows Live Messenger 2009 better.
New Vista style look of the main UI
The main sign-in screen has a new clean look with warm colors. A clean and a well defined layout. Taking a page from Vista, Messenger 2009 features a brand new “glassy” look on all the client’s windows, helping it to mesh better with Microsoft’s latest OS. The crystal-cleanliness of the entire client gives the IM a sleeker look outside the original blue and green outfit. The background is now customizable, like it has been in MSN v8.5; but this time, you can add a preset theme, or “scenes”, or create your own with an image of your choice. As well, you have also the choice to mix and match the colors, with one can be the color for the header, and another can be for the color of the bottom part of Messenger. We suggest you stick with the same color for both, but this feature is pretty interesting.
New contact organization and displaying
The biggest out of the redesign is the contact list (see left). The entire thing has gotten a massive redesign, but still has not departed from the original idea that there should not be any menu bars. Before you start organizing your contacts into groups, be forewarned: the 2009 Messenger experience is a little different from version 8.5. Now, your friends will go into “categories.” Meanwhile, you can pair different folks into “Groups” which help facilitate Messenger 9.0’s powerful new group chat feature. The development illustrates a strong commitment to streamlining communications and the group chat feature is no exception.We all have a small circle we talk to most on IM and now, Messenger 2009 makes it easier to find them on our contacts list with the “favorites” category. Organize this section at anytime; when your favorites sign-on, you’ll see them up top, front and center. Simple and effective.
Another brand new thing is “Favorites”, which allow you to make a list of “favorite” contacts. This, effectively, is not a new category, but just a section where you can drag and drop friends or family members that you like. As well, the Favorites section is given a different activity indicator setting, but you can change that as well.Customizable chat window
Greatly improved video phone call
Windows Live Messenger video call quality is better than ever. With the most recent Messenger release and a quality webcam, you can now experience a clearer, sharper picture with full-screen VGA video. True VGA video (640x480) is up to four times better resolution then prior solutions when switched to full screen. To experience a true VGA video call, you will need the latest version of Windows Live Messenger, a webcam, a PC with a dual core processor and broadband Internet connection.However, the evolution of Windows Live Messenger between 8.5 and 9.0 in terms of video call capabilities does not stop here. The instant messaging client now brings to the table superior connection time when users initiate a video call, as well as a video-centric interface available outside of full screen mode. Starting with version 9.0, Windows Live Messenger is now a part of Windows Live Essentials, a package designed to centralize all the components that have been separated from the Windows operating system.
An interesting MSN webcam recorder for you
The video call of Live Messenger has evolved to a new and higher level. But there is no recording function. It is really a pity, because so many users of MSN are eager to be able to record MSN webcam video and save on the PC. Here I would introduce a Third-Party software tool which could help you easily to achieve this objective.
Camersoft MSN Video Recorder is a professional recorder software for Windows Live Messenger. It could record MSN webcam during video call with your friends or family and save as AVI video files on your PC or laptop.This MSN webcam recorder is very easy to use, only a few mouse clicks are needed to complete MSN recording work. In addition, the MSN video recorder is integrated with an advanced Video Converter component, which could be used to convert your videos, whether the recorded AVI or other videos like FLV, MP4, etc... to many formats and support rich portable players and mobile devices like: iPod, iPhone, BlackBerry, Zune and so on.It is very useful feature and I could convert the recorded files to my iPod and share with others, really very interesting and joyful.
Actually, the old versions of Windows Live Messenger or MSN, as most of us used to call it, has gained rich users through out the world. But, just like other software tools from Microsoft, they also bring much complaining. So how about the new Live Messenger? I just upgraded to the latest Windows Live Messenger today and I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised with the major changes they have made with the UI and the features.
This 14MB download took just a few minutes in my tests, though we had to proceed with care to prevent Windows Live Messenger from installing unwanted items, such as a desktop shortcut or Rhapsody music software. Once installed, Windows Live Messenger displays a drop-down menu of features along the top, contacts within the center pane, a search box on the bottom, and tabs for eBay, Rhapsody, and other services along the left. Microsoft fans will like the integration with MSN Spaces and the company's other properties. However, we wish we could hide the animated panel of ads at the bottom.
Then I fantasized a while in the new features of Live Messenger 2009. Because I've been using Windows Live Messenger formerly MSN Messenger for over a more than 5 years, I found that now it really has developed into a fine messenger. After initial testing, I found very little to complain about; in fact, while I could spend an entire week talking about all the cool things, I decided to isolate my reviews on several to new cool features which make Windows Live Messenger 2009 better.
New Vista style look of the main UI
The main sign-in screen has a new clean look with warm colors. A clean and a well defined layout. Taking a page from Vista, Messenger 2009 features a brand new “glassy” look on all the client’s windows, helping it to mesh better with Microsoft’s latest OS. The crystal-cleanliness of the entire client gives the IM a sleeker look outside the original blue and green outfit. The background is now customizable, like it has been in MSN v8.5; but this time, you can add a preset theme, or “scenes”, or create your own with an image of your choice. As well, you have also the choice to mix and match the colors, with one can be the color for the header, and another can be for the color of the bottom part of Messenger. We suggest you stick with the same color for both, but this feature is pretty interesting.
New contact organization and displaying
The biggest out of the redesign is the contact list (see left). The entire thing has gotten a massive redesign, but still has not departed from the original idea that there should not be any menu bars. Before you start organizing your contacts into groups, be forewarned: the 2009 Messenger experience is a little different from version 8.5. Now, your friends will go into “categories.” Meanwhile, you can pair different folks into “Groups” which help facilitate Messenger 9.0’s powerful new group chat feature. The development illustrates a strong commitment to streamlining communications and the group chat feature is no exception.We all have a small circle we talk to most on IM and now, Messenger 2009 makes it easier to find them on our contacts list with the “favorites” category. Organize this section at anytime; when your favorites sign-on, you’ll see them up top, front and center. Simple and effective.
Another brand new thing is “Favorites”, which allow you to make a list of “favorite” contacts. This, effectively, is not a new category, but just a section where you can drag and drop friends or family members that you like. As well, the Favorites section is given a different activity indicator setting, but you can change that as well.Customizable chat window
Greatly improved video phone call
Windows Live Messenger video call quality is better than ever. With the most recent Messenger release and a quality webcam, you can now experience a clearer, sharper picture with full-screen VGA video. True VGA video (640x480) is up to four times better resolution then prior solutions when switched to full screen. To experience a true VGA video call, you will need the latest version of Windows Live Messenger, a webcam, a PC with a dual core processor and broadband Internet connection.However, the evolution of Windows Live Messenger between 8.5 and 9.0 in terms of video call capabilities does not stop here. The instant messaging client now brings to the table superior connection time when users initiate a video call, as well as a video-centric interface available outside of full screen mode. Starting with version 9.0, Windows Live Messenger is now a part of Windows Live Essentials, a package designed to centralize all the components that have been separated from the Windows operating system.
An interesting MSN webcam recorder for you
The video call of Live Messenger has evolved to a new and higher level. But there is no recording function. It is really a pity, because so many users of MSN are eager to be able to record MSN webcam video and save on the PC. Here I would introduce a Third-Party software tool which could help you easily to achieve this objective.
Camersoft MSN Video Recorder is a professional recorder software for Windows Live Messenger. It could record MSN webcam during video call with your friends or family and save as AVI video files on your PC or laptop.This MSN webcam recorder is very easy to use, only a few mouse clicks are needed to complete MSN recording work. In addition, the MSN video recorder is integrated with an advanced Video Converter component, which could be used to convert your videos, whether the recorded AVI or other videos like FLV, MP4, etc... to many formats and support rich portable players and mobile devices like: iPod, iPhone, BlackBerry, Zune and so on.It is very useful feature and I could convert the recorded files to my iPod and share with others, really very interesting and joyful.
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