Rumor Has It Skype Coming to iPad Next Week

Skype has long been the software application of choice when it comes to VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). This allows users to make cheaper calls over the internet, compared to making or receiving calls via your network operator. This may sound good, but not if you’re an iPad user. The app is not yet designed for the iPad or iPad 2. However, a rumor suggests that this is all about to change. Skype is said to be working on software optimized for Apple’s tablets. 

According to rumors, the VOIP giant will make an iPad-optimized app, which will roll out next week. This will allow the tablet’s users to enjoy more features than what FaceTime has to offer. No more voice calls only if a wireless network is available.

FaceTime is only available via Wi-Fi. We’ve heard the application Skype is working on can work via 3G networks and Wi-Fi. It is also said to be fully optimized for video calls on a full screen. Other features that are said to be included is the ability to switch cameras while chatting as well as the ability to make use of layered chat on top of video calls.

Despite the advantages, there are, however, disadvantages. One would be no support for file sharing. It is possible, though, that this feature will be available in an update rolling out in the future. This will allow iPad users to enjoy all the Skype features enjoyed by other users across other platforms.

Recently, Skype released a video to promote the app for the iPad and iPad 2. However, the video was removed a few hours after it was uploaded. We’re not sure if this was a mistake or not, but having the VOIP service on the iPad is a great prospect. We’ll keep you update once we’ve heard more.

Tags: apple ipad, iPad, rumor, Rumor Has It Skype Coming to iPad, Skype, Skype Coming to iPad
Category App News |

According to Sanford Bernstein Analyst – iPad Will Dominate in the Tablet Market for Years to Come

Sanford Bernstein analyst, Stacy Rasgon, says iPad will dominate in the global tablet market for years to come. This is according to the analyst’s 49-page report. In this document, he reports that Apple sold 19.5 million iPads on the first year it was made available. This was two times more that the amount of netbooks and three times the amount of iPhones sold on that particular time. 

The analyst said, “Apple has created a company the size of EMC in one year. We have never seen such a high purchasing intent for a new category in the past.”

Other research from Sanford Bernstein adds more grounds to Rasgon’s predictions. According to the research, 20% of consumers are planning to buy an iPad within a year. You may be thinking that tablet sales will be the death of the PC, but this will not be the case. The effects of the current tablet craze on PCs will be minimal. It is the sales of Android tablets that will be greatly affected.

HTC’ Flyer, Motorola’s Xoom, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1, and LG’s Optimus Pad will be facing a tough challenge in the quest for dominance, especially with the iPad 2 on top.

Despite saying that Apple will hold top position for a very long time in the tablet market, Rasgon did say that Android does have a fighting chance. The Android platform is now a formidable force in the market, which is expected to shift an army of tablets by 2012. He believes that the leader of the Android-powered tablet pack will be the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.

Both Blackberry and Motorola have experienced disappointing sales with their respective tablets, the Playbook and the Xoom, which failed to put a dent on Apple’s dominance. However, manufacturers such as Samsung and HTC are expected to give the iPad a run for its money with their Flyer and Tab (10.1 and 8.9). The question is, when will this shift in dominance happen?

Tags: Analyst, apple ipad, iPad, iPad Will Dominate in the Tablet Market, Sanford Bernstein, Sanford Bernstein Analyst
Category Tablet News |

Crayons Available for the iPad

Styli are not new to Apple’s tablets the iPad and iPad 2. In the past, Wacom created the Bamboo stylus, which was specifically made for the both generations of the iPad. HTC’s first slate the Flyer also comes with its magic pen.

Now, Griffin, a company that makes accessories for Apple devices, and Crayola, the famous maker of crayons and art supplies, have teamed up and created the Crayola ColorStudio HD. This is art software that comes with the most technologically advanced crayon in existence, the iMarker. The new stylus can be used to add color to interactive and animated pages that react when the stylus touches the touch screen.

Kids can enjoy as much as 50 activity pages and games. The activity pages come in a number of themes. These include deep sea, jungle, and playtime themes. Each theme has their own unique animation, music, and sound effects.

Crayola’s Warren Schorr said, “Imagine a coloring book that morphs and changes as kids digitally color it in. The application is taking a classic play pattern and bringing it totally out of the box.”

One of the innovative features the Crayola ColorStudio HD has to offer is conveniently recognizing taps from fingers and taps from the iMarker. This means that users no longer have to switch between tapping modes.

The application also allows animated coloring book page design. These pages can also be printed for more conventional coloring using conventional crayons. Designs can also be uploaded on Facebook or emailed to a friend. Your kids can do more than just stick their colored pages on the refrigerator.

This application is a great way to allow kids to nurture their artistic side. It also allows the child in you to come out. The Crayola ClolorStudio HD will be available this coming July for £19.99. This includes downloading the app for free plus updates.

Tags: apple, apple ipad, crayola, crayola for iPad, Crayons, crayons for Apple iPad, crayons for iPad
Category Tablet News |