Skype for iPhone and BlackBerry Release!

Skype for both iPhone and BlackBerry have finally become official. Tomorrow (Tuesday) will mark the release of the iPhone version, but BlackBerry users will have to wait until May. While there isn't much information yet on the BlackBerry version, quite a few details have been reported on the iPhone app...

Here is a summary of what to expect:

• Typical iPhone app user interface
  
• Free Skype to Skype calls
• WiFi connection needed for VoIP (won't work over the cellular network)
• Basic chatting
• Mute call
• Hold
• Speakerphone
• Sort contacts
• Set avatar image by a taking photo right in the app, or using your stored photos
  
• Accept Conference calls (but can't make them... yet...)
  

The Skype app will work with the iPod Touch as well, but will require the use of headphones that include a microphone for voice calls. While it is not going to be part of tomorrow's release, hopefully video calling will be a feature added in the near future.

Will currently available services like Fring and Nimbuzz continue to exist after Skype enters the game for two of the most popular smartphones? Well, they better bring some new ideas to
the table if they plan to... Take a look at Google Voice as an example - they really seem to know how to set themselves apart from the competition.

Cnet already has a nice review on Skype for iPhone, as well as some awesome screen shots, so be sure to check it out!

Google Voice Differentiates Itself with Number Portability

Ever since I found out that GrandCentral, acquired by Google in mid-2007, would soon become something bigger and better, I have been increasingly anxious to see where the project would go. Google's announcement on May 11 of this year only made that anticipation grow when it stated GrandCentral would be replaced by Google Voice. The fact that YouMail has begun charging for many of its relatively more useful features such as voicemail transcription, an alternative service is undoubtedly in demand.

For those who aren't yet familiar with the Google Voice service, let me start by saying that it is only being rolled out to GrandCentral users for the time being. But, it is sure to become available to new users sooner than later. I would venture a guess to say that you'll increase your chances of quickly receiving an invitation if you request an invitation from Google ASAP. Basically, you can sign up and receive a brand new number that you can set to forward calls to any (or all) of your existing numbers.

Here's a rundown of the features that have surfaced:

• Online management with full-featured interface - both full web and mobile (click for screenshots)
• Voicemail
• Voicemail transcription
• SMS and email voicemail notifications
  
• Free conference calling
• SMS (send, receive, store)
• Personalized greetings
  
• Call recording
• ... and tons more ...
  

Now, it looks like Google will most likely allow for number porting - not just from Google Voice, but to the service as well. A common reason to use such services is to not give away your main number to people. However, those who already have a number they are willing to hand out will be able to take advantage of all the other great features Google Voice offers by porting their number into it.

Yep, that's right. It seems like Google Voice is becoming a kind of service provider in itself - with no contracts, no early termination fees, or anything of the sort ... just a whole lot of great features. Keep in mind that while number porting from Google Voice is already supported, porting to it is technically not featured yet officially (no matter how likely). So, if you would like to see this happen, be sure to send the feature request to Google.

Definitely check back for updates on this one!