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Skype partners with Logitech on device that makes video calls via any HDTV

Silicon Republic :: The new Logitech TV Cam HD connects to any HDTV via a HDMI cable to let users make video calls through Skype in high definition, directly from their television set.

A report by Elaine Burke, www.siliconrepublic.com

Skype makes chats and user data more available to police

Washington Post :: Skype, the online phone service long favored by political dissidents, criminals and others eager to communicate beyond the reach of governments, has expanded its cooperation with law enforcement authorities to make online chats and other user information available to police, said industry and government officials familiar with the changes.

A report by Craig Timberg | Ellen Nakashima, www.washingtonpost.com

Skype confirms 'rare' bug: Instant messages 'out of control'

Engadget :: Some Skype users have reported that following an update in June, instant messages have repeatedly and unintentionally been forwarded to random people in their contact lists.

A report by Sharif Sakr, www.engadget.com

15 years in prison: Ethiopia's communications crackdown targets VoIP (e.g. Skype)

Al Jazeera :: A new law in Ethiopia has criminalised the use of VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) services such as Skype. Users could face up to 15 years of jail time. The law was passed May 24th, but the story wasn't picked up by international media until recently.

Continue to read stream.aljazeera.com

Post launch of 'Conversation Ads': Skype 5.8 (Mac), a little boost for screen sharing

The Next Web :: Just a day after it launched “Conversation Ads” in its Windows client, Microsoft has today pushed a new Skype update for its Mac app, incorporating Mountain Lion support, improved screen sharing and additional visual tweaks.

Review - Continue to read Matt Brian, thenextweb.com

Skype advertising update: We've launched Conversation Ads

Skype Blog :: Today we are announcing the launch of Conversation Ads in Skype. These new display ad units will appear within the calling window of users who do not have Skype Credit or subscriptions when they're making 1:1 Skype-to-Skype audio calls using Skype for Windows.

While on a 1:1 audio call, users will see content that could spark additional topics of conversation that are relevant to Skype users and highlight unique and local brand experiences. So, you should think of Conversation Ads as a way for Skype to generate fun interactivity between your circle of friends and family and the brands you care about. Ultimately, we believe this will help make Skype a more engaging and useful place to have your conversations each and every day.

Continue to read blogs.skype.com

Trojan hidden in fake revolutionary documents targets Syrian activists

Electronic Frontier Foundation :: The campaign to use social engineering to install surveillance software that spies on Syrian activists is growing ever more complex as violence in Syria has escalated. Since the beginning of the year, Syrian opposition activists have been targeted using several Trojans, including one disguised as a Skype encryption tool, which covertly install spying software onto the infected computer, as well as a multitude of phishing attacks which steal YouTube and Facebook login credentials.

Reported by - Continue to read Eva Galperin | Morgan Marquis-Boire, www.eff.org

.@CraigSilverman: How to verify information in real-time, from social media

Poynter :: Lots of people talk about how Andy Carvin does crowdsourced verification and turns his Twitter feed into a real time newswire. Lost in the discussion is the fact that Carvin also develops sources and contacts on the ground and stays in touch with them on Skype and through other means. What you see on Twitter is only one part of the process. Some things never go out of style. At the same time, there are new tools, techniques and approaches every journalist should have in their arsenal.

8 must reads - Continue to read Craig Silverman, www.poynter.org

Free communication flow: Skype ban in the UAE could be lifted

The Next Web :: While Skype remains banned in the UAE (website but not service directyl, because VoIP is accessible via proxy), the restriction could easily be lifted following a licensing agreement with the country’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). Speaking about the restriction, Mohamed Al Ghanim, the TRA’s Director General said, “It is purely a licensing matter.”

Continue to read Nancy Messieh, thenextweb.com

Video chat service Tango has social network ambitions

TechCrunch :: Video chat service Tango is moving in a new direction, and this week the company closed a round of $40 million in Series C funding which will take it there, it hopes. Many think of Tango’s service as an up-and-coming Skype competitor, as it, too, is about real-time communication, specifically video calling, between users. But the comparison to Skype may no longer be apt.

Continue to read Sarah Perez, techcrunch.com