CES appears to be becoming the first big auto event of the year where auto giants can shine with their latest in-car technologies to consumers. At the upcoming CES next month, GM’s OnStar will be showing off their new in-car system and they have just teased us with.

Beyond OnStar’s ability to track your every move, remotely shut down your vehicle and unlock its doors, they will be introducing a system that will bring video chat and content streaming via Verizon’s 4G LTE network to select GM vehicles.

As you might not have forgotten, OnStar previewed a system which was developed in conjunction with Verizon in the previous year. It was shown off in a Buick LaCrosse research vehicle.

At CES 2012, the latest on that system will be revealed in a Chevy Volt research vehicle. According to OnStar, the new system is coming with features such as cloud-based streaming of content, video chat and rear-seat infotainment management.

As you can see in the above picture, the system features 2 hardwired tablets situated on the rear of the front seat headrests. It seems to be a good way to keep the kids engaged.

OnStar hasn’t announced any details regarding specifications. From the looks of things, it appears like the car itself is coming equipped with a 4G modem for internet access.

The idea of video chat while driving is a bit scary. That’s why the company is also focussing on safety and has announced that front-seat access to video chat will be enabled only when the vehicle is in park. But rear seat passengers can chat, stream, and access content through the tablets whether the car is moving or not.

The post OnStar To Unveil In-Car Video Chat And 4G Video Streaming At CES 2012 appeared first on Mobile Magazine.

This new version of Skype for Android offers features significant enough to bring it numbering to 2.6.x field from the previous 2.5 versions. The usual roster of features are retained:

– Skype-to-Skype free IMs, video and voice calls over 3G or WiFi;

– Low cost calls and SMSes to mobile phones or landline phones from the Skype on the Android device;

– Sending pictures, videos, and files to any of the Skype contacts;

– Improved voice quality for calls

– improved support for phones with Froyo (Android 2.2).

Below are the features that are either improved, or new, as per Skype’s announcement:

– Easier signing out, and also auto-signing in;

– Improved look (of an app though, and not you, or your correspondent!);

– Voicemail improvements

– Better video quality on Tegra 2 devices.

It is also said that sending videos and photos aren’t the only improvements with Skype 2.6 for Android, as battery life is improved with this version especially for devices running on NVIDIA’s Tegra 2 chipset – where these will include the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, Motorola XOOM and Acer Iconia Tablet among others. Not only that, a bunch of other devices that now support video include the HTC Amaze 4G, Motorola DROID 4 and Motorola DROID RAZR, just to keep up with the times. Basically, as long as your device has Android 2.2 Froyo or better, you can always try to give Skype video calling a go.

The upgrade is very fresh on Android Market, but the first response is quite enthusiastic: users note better video call support, auto-login features that save on entering password every time Skype app is started, and some more.

The post Skype 2.6.0.75 For Android Adds Video Calling And More appeared first on Mobile Magazine.

Despite some increased competition, Skype remains as the de facto VoIP and video-chat platform. The app for the iPad was released and pulled a while ago, but now it’s back in the App Store and ready to let you chat it up with your friends around the world again.

There’s already a Skype app for iOS, but this version has been optimization for the iPad’s specs and dimensions. The extra screen space certainly helps for two-way video calling, for instance, but it’s also handy for all the instant messaging and such. And unlike FaceTime, Skype for iPad can legitimately do video chat over 3G without any modification.

As always, Skype for iPad is free on iTunes. You just have to pay for the services as you normally would when using Skype on any other platform. And also unlike FaceTime, your chat buddies don’t have to a part of the iCrew to talk with you over Skype.

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