Skype: Must Have Extra for the Cheap Like Me!

I finally decided to jump back into Skype this afternoon and see what the most recent version looked like. While messing around in Skype I thought I'd have a little fun. For those who may not know about it, Skype is one of the best known VOIP programs available.

Skype has many uses; one of the best being free calls between Skype users.  Skype is free to download and use; unless you want to call landlines and mobile phones as well.  If you choose to do this then you will need to purchase 'Skype Out' credits.  See this chart for a detailed breakdown of rates: http://www.skype.com/prices/callrates/#allRatesTab.  Toll free numbers are usually free as well.  You can also purchase a 'Online Number' number which will allow your friends and family to call you from any phone in the world.  Pretty cool.  There are several different plans, you can pay as you go or pay monthly for really cheap. 

The aim for Skype to be a cheap, user friendly calling service is dead on.  They do a fantastic job.  Other features include sending/receiving SMS text messages, call forwarding, voicemail and caller id.  When added together, to get all of the features you may want can add up.  So today, I am going to show you how to save a little money (not much, because Skype is pretty cheap to begin with); but every little bit helps.

My Skype cost saving tip is how to get voicemails via a really handy 'Skype Extras'.  Skype Extras are extensions for Skype.  They allow the user to add functionality.  There are all kinds of free and paid-for extensions out there; but this afternoon, I'm focusing on one: Richi MP3 Ringback Tones.  It's awesome.

Have you ever called someone's cell phone, and been treated to listening to a song while you are being connected with that person instead of just hearing the ringing sound?  Well that's the goal of 'Richi MP3 Ringback Tones'; but this isn't it's only feature.

'Richi' allows you to pick a MP3 file from your music collection and set it to play when a user calls you.  You can either setup a 'ringback tone' for every person in your Skype contact list, or you can set one song to play as default no matter who calls your Skype.  And it works really well.  It also has a built in answering machine. 

The settings are pretty slim (but hey, it's free and it works, so can't complain here).  See below:

The 'General' Menu:

• Start Richi when Windows Starts
• Enable Ringback Tone Info Button

The 'Standard Ringback Tone' Menu:

• Allows you to pick a default ringtone (see pic).

The 'Ringtone Settings'  Menu:

• Allows you to pick a ringtone for you to hear when receiving a call.

The Voicemail Settings allow you to enable the Voicemail feature and then pick whether to use the default 'canned' voicemail greeting or use your own.  *Note: If you choose to use your own, you'll need to record it yourself using your own sound recorder of choice, there isn't one built into this program.

When you miss a call you can simply click the blue telephone in the main 'Richi' window and a list will popup showing a missed call log.  From there you can click the green 'play' arrow to play the voicemail back or you can simply choose to delete it as well.

Overall 'Richi' is extremely easy to use and setup.  The disadvantages of this program are few; but they are noticable.  The first, unlike Skype's built in voicemail (which costs $6 USD for 3 months or $20 USD for a year) 'Richi' is only active as long as it is running in your computer's system tray (near the clock on you task bar).  For those who leave your computer on all the time, no big deal.  'Richi' doesn't appear to suck up the computer's resources so it should be fine.  But if the program is closed or the computer is turned off, you'll not get the custom ringback tones or the voicemail features.  Skype's built in voicemail will answer regardless.

Secondly, some other apps I've used in the past will send an email notification if you receive a voicemail.  This app doesn't offer this feature; which is a nice compliment to the service it offers, but not a deal breaker either.  My last complaint, is the lack of a built-in sound recorder to use when recording your own Voicemail greeting.

Overall, 'Richi' is a nice tool to use with your Skype client.  It's fun to use, and will offer a few neat surprises to people when they call me.  For free, this little app is a gem in my opinion.  So, if you use Skype and are looking for a free voicemail app, check this one out.  Even though it's main draw is the ringback tone features.

Download Skype: http://www.skype.com
Download 'Rich MP3 Ringback Tones': http://rbt.richi.cc/?lang=eng
See the 'Richi' Extra Page at Skype: https://extras.skype.com/1990/view

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Sony's Playstation Move: Too Funny!

Check this out:

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This Week In Tech News-Week of 3-18-2010

Well it's been kind of a slow week in Tech News this week. So this week we actually have a valid story that all Facebook user's need to be aware of.  Also a hacker controls a bunch of cars, God of War 3, and a new Predator movie.  Read on.

Attention fellow Facebookers: Be Careful.  According to an article at PCWorld emails have been flying around to Facebook users informing them that their password has been reset and requires the user to download the email attachment which contains the nasty virus/malware.  Effects of this trojan are: compromised accounts, harvested password and other information, and potentially even botnet code may be installed.  So, I know most people are aware of the consequences of opening email attachments; but due to the large amount of people who use Facebook, who may be an average computer user innocently believing this email scam, please do not open this attachment.

Always keep in mind, and reputable website that you trust with your password/account info should never reset a password and email a new one to you.  Nor should they ever contact you via email and ask you to email them you password or any other personal information.  Always be cautious and aware of the sites you use and how they interact with their users/customers.


Next up in the news: 20 year old hacks into car system and remote controls car behavior, then gets arrested.  This took place in Austin, TX and affected about 100 cars.  A disgruntled employee of the Texas Auto Center used a co-workers access credentials to gain access to the dealerships remote vehicle immobilization system.  What is this systems purpose?  Easy, car is purchased by a customer, customer then decides not to pay towards the car loan, dealer can deactivate the car.  I imagine this could have some other handy uses as well especially if the car is stolen.  Pretty handy and could no doubt save car owners a lot of trouble.  Until now.

The employee used the system to set off car alarms, destroy customer information, and even went as far as change names on customer leases to celebrity names, and he disabled the cars from starting.  Officials linked the hacker's IP address to the access logs of the system and made the arrest.  He was charged with 'breaching computer security'.  To see the full story check here: http://www.pcworld.com/article/191856/exemployee_wreaks_havoc_on_100_cars_wirelessly.html


God of War 3 is here.  Checkout the goodness that is the launch trailer.

And a new Predator movie is on it's way. Presonally I love the Predator movies (ok, I admit the AVP films were lacking, but I'm past that). This new flick looks very promising in opinion. The director's have brought back the classic Predator and added what looks to be a Predator-like hound as well. Looks sweet. Check it out:

Until next week, happy surfing!

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You Guessed It...More iPad News...

Apple started taking preorders today for it's new iPad.  According to the preorder site, customers who are in the market for the 'Wifi' only models will see that line of the iPad shipping on April 3rd.  The iPad is available in three different storage capacity sizes: 16GB ($499), 32GB ($599), and 64GB ($699).  Also, Apple is limiting the number of preorders to 2 units per customer.  Apple has also announced that they will be shipping the preordered units for free.

For those interested in the Wifi + 3G line of the iPad (same capacity sizes only 3G is added), you'll have to wait until they ship in late April.  The Wifi+3G line is somewhat more expensive: 16GB ($629), 32GB ($729), and 64GB ($829).  And the 3G data plan is not factored into the purchase price, this is sold seperately.

Apple will also throw in 90 days of complimentary telephone tech support, the hardware and it's accessories (yes, there are iPad accessories available too) all carry one year of waranty coverage.  The AppleCare Protection coverage is available as well for those who wish to buy it.

I love peripherals and accessories.  They help me geek out my stuff to my liking (as much as Apple let's a customer customize anything).  And the iPad is no exception, much like ebook readers there is a iPad cover/case and an iPad dock (both will ship for April 3rd), and an Apple keyboard dock will be available later in April; as well as other charging cables and a VGA adapter cable as well.

As far as other features, looks like the 3G features are a 'no-contract' offering.  Which means you can subscribe monthly to the 3G service without being tied to a contract with AT&T even though the service is provided via AT&T.  There looks to be two 3G plans available: 250MB/month ($14.99) or Unlimited ($29.99); as well as, access to the majority of the App Store apps, introduction of iBooks (surprised?), and the overall benefits of the larger size of the device when compared to the iPhone or iPod touch.

So hurry!  And go preorder one: http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad?mco=OTY2ODA0NQ.  And let me know how it works when you get it ;)!

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This Week In The News: Fake Processors, Energizer Bunny is Evil, and much more!

This week in the news we have several newsworthy topics to cover.
-Newegg Ships Fake Intel Processors
-Energizer DUO usb Charger = Security Risk for PC Users
-Apple giving the App Store a 'Weight-Watchers' Treatment?
-Mac Gamers <3 Steam?  Coming Soon!


First up is the 'Newegg Controversy'.  For those who don't know, Newegg.com is one of the leading online computer/computer parts and accessory retailers.  Over the weekend it was reported that a small number of 'fake' processors where shipped to and sold by Newegg.  According to reports, there were 300 counterfeit Intel Core i7-920 processors shipped to customers.  I hate this for Newegg, because even if this is just a mishap it could negatively reflect on the company. Personally, I have used Newegg several times and have been thoroughly satisfied each time.  According to reports the packaging looks pretty genuine, but the instruction manual is a stack of blank pages stapled together, there were no pinouts on the processor, and the packging included a bogus fan.  See this site for more details: http://hardocp.com/article/2010/03/05/newegg_selling_fake_intel_cpus



Next in the news, is the Energizer Bunny Evil?  Turns out, no is the answer.  But it's software utlility might be.  The product in question is the Energizer DUO USB charger for NiMH batteries.  The product is safe for use; but for  Windows computer users who downloaded the software utility for monitoring the recharging batteries via your computer, not so much.  According to reports, the software tool creates a 'back access' for someone to remotely see/send/recieve or even execute a file.  Don't worry, the trojan can be easily deleted without much trouble.  This issue did not affect Mac users.  Energizer has discontinued this product before this issue was ever brought to light, but the product is still out the for purchase.  Please keep in mind that the battery charging hardware itself has no known issues; only the extra software (which isn't required to operate the product).  For more info on how to remove this trojan, check here: http://www.pcworld.com/article/190990/the_energizer_duo_trojan_what_you_need_to_know.html



Thirdly this week, Apple is doing some Spring Cleaning in their App Store.  Over the last couple of weeks, the hot topic has been the removal of some 'promiscuous' apps in the Apple App Store.  This involved removing a lot of 'softcore' type apps which depicted sexually/sensual pictures of women and or parts of the female anatomy.  As a user of the App Store, I was personally glad to see some of this go.  If kept unchecked, eventually apps like this would overrun the app store if not careful.  However, now Apple is going after apps that allow Iphone/Ipod Touch users to locate or find Wi-Fi hotspots.

Apple's reasoning is that these apps use 'undocumented or private APIs'.  If an app violates this part of the developer agreement, Apple axes it.  Why should it matter?  Have you ever needed to get quick web access and wasn't sure were the nearest public library or Starbucks was located?  I have used these tools before on PDA's and even laptops to locate the nearest coffee shop with free wi-fi for email access (who hasn't?).  One of the reason's I suppose Apple is aiming at these apps is due to the slow decline of Iphone user's who are seeking wi-fi access over using their 3G data connection on their Iphone.  Phone providers put a data cap on how much data can be used via that connection during the course of a month.  Using Wi-Fi does not.  Common sense in my book.

Apple has a lot going on in the coming weeks, with their iron handed rule over the app store, the upcoming release of the iPad (which may or may not revolutionize table computing, who knows).  Apple has their hands filled.  Apple owns the App Store and technically they can do whatever they like, regardless how user's feel about it.  But also, when Iphone/Ipod Touch user's get ticked off at Apple's decisions regarding their platform; said user's have been known to take drastic measures in forms of jailbreaking their devices which brings a whole new set of challenges for Apple.  And with Apple's recent banning of several prominent members of the jailbreaking community from the App Store; all we can do is sit back and watch with great anticipation of months to come in the Apple world.


And finally, Mac user's rejoice!  Steam is on it's way to the Mac.  Look for it this coming May.  And with it's release, Portal 2 is expected to be one of the premier games available for the Mac.  This is a huge step in the right direction as far as gaming on a Mac is concerned.  Why?  Mac's have never been known for their gaming abilities.  Games have always been on the back burner, but never really delved into on a Mac.  Hopefully, this will bring a welcome addition to the gaming community.  Steam is one of the largest digital distribution platforms in the world and is widely adopted on Windows based computers.  All I can say is, 'It's About Time'.

Have a great week everybody!

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Crysis 2 Screenshots! w00t!

As a fan of 'Crysis' and 'Crysis: Warhead', I have been eagerly awaiting news for 'Crysis 2'. And Actiontrip.com has delivered. They have listed up several new screens for the much anticipated sequel.  New features to the sequel include a new setting for the game (a half-destroyed version of New York), more aliens, a new version of the Nano Suit, and a promise of more big gun action.  The game engine has also been revamped.  The sequel looks like it has quite a bit to offer.  Plus it's supposed to be a multiplatform release (PC, Xbox 360, and PS3).  Which means, if you own a console, you'll not need a beast of a computer to play the game this time around.



Scoot over to ActionTrip.com to see more.

*Note: Crysis and Crysis 2 are properties of EA Games, photos 'borrowed' from Actiontrip.com.

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Update: Nvidia Drive Bugs in Geforce Series Cards

While reading an article this morning on Actiontrip.com; I stumbled across this article: Nvidia 196.75 Drivers Bugged, 'May Cause Serious Damage to GPU'. So as a Nvidia customer, I immediately checked it out.

It appears that there were some issues with the fan speed controls that are integrated into the driver for Geforce model cards. This driver release was: 196.75 WHQL drivers which were previously available from Nvidia's website. Running this driver set could cause permanent damage to your Geforce GPU. For the time being, Nvidia is recommending user's who have updated to '196.75 WHQL' driver set to roll back to '196.21 WHQL' driver set until the issue is corrected. This driver set could potentially cause your GPU to overheat therefore causing a drop in frame rates when gaming, or possible permanent damage to the card itself from overheating.

They have removed the faulty driver set from their website, so if you're like me and haven't updated your GPU drivers in a while, don't worry. A new update will undoubtedly roll out soon. Nvidia is usually on top of that kind of thing anyways.

If you use a Nvidia card and are unsure of the driver version you're running visit: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index5.aspx?lang=en-us and select 'Option 2: Automatically Find Drivers for My Nvidia Products.' and click the 'Graphic Drivers' button. Accept the security certificate and let the Nvidia site detect your current version. It takes about 5 seconds, and doesn't automatically download the new driverset. It simply detects what version you have, and listed the most current version available should you decide to update.

Enjoy!

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