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Thursday, July 7, 2011

Best gadget news

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Best gadget news


News@8pm: Facebook adds Skype and iPad 3 release date

Posted: 07 Jul 2011 12:00 PM PDT


Welcome to your nightly round-up of the day's news and goings on courtesy of T3.com.

Facebook supremo Mark Zuckerberg announced last niohgt that Skype is officially coming to the social networking site, allowing you to phone your friends through Facebook. In another long awaited event, Spotify has finally begun landing in the US, as anyone interested can sign up for the music streaming software to be at the head of the queue when it becomes available.

 

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UK network provider and retailer 3 Mobile has confirmed that it will be stocking the new Blackberry Bold Touch 9900 upon its September 15th launch. Meanwhile Orange has announced the arrival of two new budget Android-touting handsets, namely the Barcelona and the Stockholm.

 

Apple has confirmed that its App Store has recorded over 15 billion downloads, however the Cupertino tech firm was also informed that it has lost its legal battle to stop Amazon from using the term ‘app store’ for its own marketplace. One app of particular note today is Google’s Transit Navigation, a journey planner that uses public transport to help you get to your destination in the quickest time possible.

 

The heavily rumoured iPad 3 will likely still be arriving this September, but it appears that it will instead be called the iPad 2 Plus. Analysts also expect that the iPad 2 Plus, much like the rumoured iPhone 5, will feature marginal updates on the current generation machines. Perhaps in preparation for imminent arrival of the next generation iPad, Motorola has slashed the price of its Xoom tablet in the US from $599 down to $499.

 

Finally, LG has teamed with Gameloft to deliver 17 new 3D games to the new LG Optimus 3D smartphone. This move will push the Optimus 3D into being a direct competitor with handheld games consoles such as Nintendo’s 3DS. Sony meanwhile has made its PSN Pass official, which will result in consumers receiving exclusive content for buying games new.

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iPhone app news: Are you smarter than an ape?

Posted: 07 Jul 2011 11:15 AM PDT


Go ape with new memory test app for iPhone and iPad.

You've all heard of the beardy, Noel Edmonds-fronted gameshow "Are you smarter than an 10-year old" well 20th Century Fox are now asking "Are you smarter than an ape" in a new movie tie-in app for iPhone and iPad.

 

With the Rise of the Planet of the Apes movie on the horizon, the app tests your memory skills to see if you can match-up to the performance of real life primates.

 

The app will show the numbers 1-9 spread across the screen, in a random order. When the numbers disappear, it's your job to remember the squares in which they appeared. You can play in easy, medium or hard mode.

 

In a test at Kyoto University in 2007, 12 apes beat the human subjects so here's your chance to stamp your cognitive authority on our hairy, pre-homosapien counterparts.

 

The Rise of the Planet of the Apes prequel movie chronicles the... well the Rise of the Planet of the Apes. With scientists looking for a cure for Alzheimer's disease, they inadvertently create a new race of super intelligent, rather ticked-off apes.

 

The app will also keep you in touch with all the movie happenings, including ticket information, and the YouTube channel.


Link: iTunes (via LA Times)

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Nintendo Wii U release to see console host 3D gaming

Posted: 07 Jul 2011 09:15 AM PDT


Nintendo has said the Wii U will support 3D gaming although Nintendo will not push its 3D capabilities

The Nintendo Wii U will host the ability to support 3D gaming when it officially launches in 2012 although Nintendo will not put much emphasis on its extra-dimensional abilities, new reports suggest.

 

Speaking with Mercury News Nintendo President Satoru Iwata has revealed that the Wii U will sport 3D gaming capabilities but that unlike the company’s portable gamer the Nintendo 3DS, this is not an area in which the Japanese firm will be focusing its efforts.

 


"If you are going to connect Wii U with a home TV capable of displaying 3D images, technologically, yes, it is going to be possible, but that's not the area we are focusing on," Iwata announced.

 

Speaking on why Nintendo is to put the Wii U’s 3D skills on the backburner Iwata pointed at convenience stating: "When it comes to 3D, we already have the 3DS, and each owner of the Nintendo 3DS is capable of viewing 3D images." Adding: "However, when it comes to the home console, it depends upon the availability of 3D TV sets at home, which, unfortunately, is not expanding enough,"

 

The Nintendo President concluded: "And rather than pouring a lot of energy into that kind of area, with the Wii U we'd like to focus more on each Wii U owner being able to have an equal opportunity to enjoy it."

 

Will you be looking to the Wii U for 3D gaming content or as more of an entertainment console with core aspects? Let us know via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

 

Via: TechRadar
 

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Formula 1 British GP 2011: Mark Webber talks car tech

Posted: 07 Jul 2011 08:38 AM PDT


Red Bull Racing Formula 1 driver Mark Webber talks exclusively to T3 ahead of the British Formula 1 Grand Prix 2011 stating technology is ruining driving

Ahead of this weekend’s British Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone Red Bull F1 driver Mark Webber has told T3 how he believes increased technology is ruining driving.

 

The Australian racing driver, who is currently sitting second in the Formula 1 driver’s standings behind team-mate Sebastian Vettel, has revealed to T3 that he believes new technologies are removing the need for driver interaction with their vehicles.

 


Speaking at the launch of a limited edition range of driver-replica super breathable Geox Red Bull racing Shoes at Harrods this week, Webber said: “Technology is so good now that the driver interaction with the car in itself is getting not dulled down but to the point where you’re not as part of the car as you were a few years ago.”

 

Outing his distaste of technologies carrying drivers Webber added: “There are lots of things that have taken away the driver interaction; we’re reminded to do lots of obvious things in the car now. Obviously, I’ve never driven a road car without a seatbelt on, it’s the first thing I put on, but now people have to be reminded to do that.“

 

Whilst Webber believes technology is removing the enjoyment of driving his sport of Formula 1 is constantly pioneering new technologies that will eventually filter down into mass production road vehicles.

 

“F1 has always been the leaders of car technology,” said the winner of last year’s Silverstone Grand Prix. “You look at ABS brakes; carbon fibre is starting to come into road cars now, crash structures even. That stuff has certainly come from packaging and weight-saving making cars much more efficient and stronger, tyre technology is often from F1 or from racing too.

 

“A lot of that stuff has filtered down, some of it takes a few years, some of it takes 10 years because it’s just very advanced at the time when we have it.”

 

Do you believe car technologies are dumbing down the driving process or simply aiding in consumer comfort and convenience? Let us know what you think via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.
 

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Apple App Store records 15 billionth app download

Posted: 07 Jul 2011 07:07 AM PDT


Apple has confirmed that its App Store has now recorded more than 15 billion app downloads

Apple has recorded its 15 billionth download from the Apple iTunes App Store, the Cupertino tech giant has today revealed.

 

An official release from Apple has confirmed that over 15 billion apps have been downloaded from the App Store to date with more than 200 million iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users now having access to more than 425,000 apps, 100,000 of which are iPad native, across 90 countries.

 


“In just three years, the revolutionary App Store has grown to become the most exciting and successful software marketplace the world has ever seen,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Thank you to all of our amazing developers who have filled it with over 425,000 of the coolest apps and to our over 200 million iOS users for surpassing 15 billion downloads.”

 

Apple announced back in January that it had passed the 10 billion app download milestone with the latest 5 billion downloads coming in the past six months and upon confirming for the first time that there are now more than 100,000 native iPad apps available in the App Store, Apple was keen to toot its own tablet brandishing horn.

 

“iPad provides us with an unparalleled mobile device for creating gorgeous, immersive games,” said Mark Rein, vice president and co-founder of Epic Games in the official Apple release whilst Nicholas Callaway, CEO of Callaway Digital Arts added “We knew the iPad was going to be a revolutionary storytelling device, but never could have anticipated it would become so popular, so quickly.”

 

What is your favourite app in the App Store be it for iPhone or iPad? Let us know via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.
 

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BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 UK release date confirmed

Posted: 07 Jul 2011 06:31 AM PDT


Mobile phone network operator 3 Mobile has confirmed it will stock the new BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 handset on its 15 September 2011 UK release date

 

Mobile network provider Three has confirmed that it will officially launch the recently announced BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 handset in the UK.

 

Unveiled by RIM (Research in Motion) in May, the BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 will officially launch in the UK on September 15th, with Three to follow-up from the standard black handset with an October launch of a lighter-toned white handset.

 


Whilst O2 and Vodafone also intend on selling the upcoming BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 handset, UK pricing and tariff details have yet to be formally announced.

 

Boasting a touchscreen display atop BlackBerry’s standard and still brilliant physical QWERTY keyboard, the RIM's new device will land sporting a 1.2GHz Qualcomm processor, a 5-megapixel rear mounted camera and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology as standard.

 

Will you be looking to snap up the BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 when it hits the UK and Three on September 15th or are you of the opinion BlackBerry’s are now dated and stoic? Share your thoughts on the matter via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

 

Via: TechRadar

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LG Optimus 3D targets gaming market with 17 new 3D games

Posted: 07 Jul 2011 04:40 AM PDT


LG has joined forces with Gameloft to release 17 mobile 3D games as the world's first 3D phone the LG Optimus 3D targets Nintendo 3DS

LG has announced that the world’s first 3D phone, the recently launched LG Optimus 3D, is to target the handheld gaming market with the release of 17 Stereoscopic 3D (S-3D) games from Gameloft.

 

Whilst three S-3D games are to come pre-installed on the LG Optimus 3D handset, a further 14 are to be made available for purchase as additional content as LG’s glasses-free 3D smartphone looks to take on the likes of the Nintendo 3DS in the on-the-move gaming stakes.

 


 

“The era of dedicated handheld gaming platform is over,” declared President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company, Dr. Jong-seok Park. He added: “Today’s smartphones have the horsepower to compete with the best portable gaming devices and LG Optimus 3D is our proof. We think 3D is the natural next step in portable entertainment and LG is eager to throw its hat in the ring with the Optimus 3D and Gameloft’s ‘must-be-seen-to-be-believed’ titles.”

 

Asphalt 6: Adrenalione, N.O.V.A. (Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance) and Let’s Golf! 2 are all set to come pre-installed on the LG Optimus 3D with owners of the world’s first 3D phone able to snap up the other 14 S-3D titles that include Shrek Kart, Modern Combat 2 and Real Football 2011 for discounted prices.

 

“The most recent data shows iOS and Android devices capturing a growing part of the portable gaming market by revenue,” said Michel Guillemot, President of Gameloft. “With the next generation of smartphones offering 3D capabilities, the bar has been raised to a new height. On the Optimus 3D, we’re able to offer our most popular titles to an entirely new audience at very competitive price points.”

 

Is 3D the future of mobile devices or a passing fad that will soon disappear? Share your thoughts via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.
 

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Apple iPad 3 UK release date set for September

Posted: 07 Jul 2011 03:49 AM PDT


Apple is expected to launch its third-generation iPad tablet this September, in the form of the revamped iPad 2 Plus

 

Apple is to launch an updated version of the iPad 2 later this year ahead of the Christmas rush, with the revamped tablet to sport the moniker Apple iPad 2 Plus, new reports have suggested.

 

Whilst those holding out for the iPad 3 will face a continued wait, Apple is reportedly planning to unveil an improved iPad 2 Plus device later this year, alongside the eagerly awaited Apple iPhone 5 and the recently unveiled iOS 5 operating system.

 

"There are some indications from the supply chain that Apple may look to introduce an iPad 2 Plus device as they put out a request for quotes from various component suppliers for this marginally different device," FBR Capital Markets analyst Craig Berger announced.

 

These marginal differences are expected to extend to the device’s display with the Apple iPad 2’s 132 ppi screen believed to be heading for a 250 – 300 ppi upgrade. Another possible addition to an iPad 2 Plus release is increased storage sizes.

 

Numerous iPad 3 rumours have already suggested that Apple will launch the iPad 3 this September alongside the iPhone 5 but have been widely dismissed due to the recent arrival of the second-generation tablet. Adding doubt to his own claims, Berger added: "While we find this new commentary interesting, we await more confirming data points from other supply chain contacts before fully believing a new iPad device is coming in 2011."

 

Will Apple launch a revamped version of the iPad 2 dubbed the iPad 2 plus this September? Let us know what you think and what features you would like to see the mooted iPad 2 Plus tablet sport via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

 

Via: TechRadar
 

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iPad 3 release coming this September as the iPad 2 Plus

Posted: 07 Jul 2011 03:49 AM PDT


Apple is expected to launch its third-generation iPad tablet this September, in the form of the revamped iPad 2 Plus

 

Apple is to launch an updated version of the iPad 2 later this year ahead of the Christmas rush, with the revamped tablet to sport the moniker Apple iPad 2 Plus, new reports have suggested.

 

Whilst those holding out for the iPad 3 will face a continued wait, Apple is reportedly planning to unveil an improved iPad 2 Plus device later this year, alongside the eagerly awaited Apple iPhone 5 and the recently unveiled iOS 5 operating system.

 

"There are some indications from the supply chain that Apple may look to introduce an iPad 2 Plus device as they put out a request for quotes from various component suppliers for this marginally different device," FBR Capital Markets analyst Craig Berger announced.

 

These marginal differences are expected to extend to the device’s display with the Apple iPad 2’s 132 ppi screen believed to be heading for a 250 – 300 ppi upgrade. Another possible addition to an iPad 2 Plus release is increased storage sizes.

 

Numerous iPad 3 rumours have already suggested that Apple will launch the iPad 3 this September alongside the iPhone 5 but have been widely dismissed due to the recent arrival of the second-generation tablet. Adding doubt to his own claims, Berger added: "While we find this new commentary interesting, we await more confirming data points from other supply chain contacts before fully believing a new iPad device is coming in 2011."

 

Will Apple launch a revamped version of the iPad 2 dubbed the iPad 2 plus this September? Let us know what you think and what features you would like to see the mooted iPad 2 Plus tablet sport via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

 

Via: TechRadar
 

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Apple App Store lawsuit sees Amazon trump Apple

Posted: 07 Jul 2011 03:04 AM PDT


Apple has lost its 'App Store' trademark injunction legal battle against Amazon after a US judge ruled the name was widely generic

Apple has lost a longstanding legal battle with Amazon over the online retailer’s use of the term ‘Appstore’ in reference to its digital download store.

 

Having filed a request to immediately stop Amazon from using the term ‘Appstore’ back in March, Apple was yesterday told by a federal judge in the US that it had failed to show Amazon’s use of the widely generic term would leave customers feeling confused. 

 


“Apple has not established that its "App Store" mark is famous, in the sense of being "prominent" and "renowned,"” Judge Phyllis Hamilton of the U.S. District Court for Northern California wrote in an 18-page verdict.

 

Amazon’s triumph marks the first successful attempt to disband Apple’s legal rights over the term App Store. Earlier this year Microsoft, HTC, Nokia and Sony Ericsson looked to invalidate Apple’ s European App Store Trademarks whilst Microsoft, which has been forced to call its application outlet the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace, continues to challenge the Cupertino firm in the US.

 

Should Apple be allowed to own the term App Store or is it too generic for one company to control? Let us know what you think via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

 

Via: CNET
 

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Apple App Store legal battle sees Amazon trump Apple

Posted: 07 Jul 2011 03:04 AM PDT


Apple has lost its 'App Store' trademark injunction legal battle against Amazon after a US judge ruled the name was widely generic

Apple has lost a longstanding legal battle with Amazon over the online retailer’s use of the term ‘Appstore’ in reference to its digital download store.

 

Having filed a request to immediately stop Amazon from using the term ‘Appstore’ back in March, Apple was yesterday told by a federal judge in the US that it had failed to show Amazon’s use of the widely generic term would leave customers feeling confused. 

 


“Apple has not established that its "App Store" mark is famous, in the sense of being "prominent" and "renowned,"” Judge Phyllis Hamilton of the U.S. District Court for Northern California wrote in an 18-page verdict.

 

Amazon’s triumph marks the first successful attempt to disband Apple’s legal rights over the term App Store. Earlier this year Microsoft, HTC, Nokia and Sony Ericsson looked to invalidate Apple’ s European App Store Trademarks whilst Microsoft, which has been forced to call its application outlet the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace, continues to challenge the Cupertino firm in the US.

 

Should Apple be allowed to own the term App Store or is it too generic for one company to control? Let us know what you think via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

 

Via: CNET
 

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Motorola Xoom price slashed

Posted: 07 Jul 2011 03:01 AM PDT


Will UK gadget fans also be getting price cut?

Motorola has cut the price of its Xoom Wi-Fi tablet in the US, knocking $100 off of the price of the entry-level Wi-Fi model. It now costs $499, matching the most basic iPad 2.

 

In an official tweet, Motorola said, “Looking to save some money? Motorola XOOM with Wi-Fi now only $499. Order now.” However, there’s no news on whether the 3G version will also be coming down in price.

 

The drop will be seen as a bitter pill for Moto to swallow, but a necessary one seeing as the iPad 2 is taking all before it and a slew of new Android slates have hit shelves since its debut. Chatter about the release of a Xoom 2 before the end of 2011 is already rife.

 

Sadly, Moto has not confirmed whether this price drop will be coming across the pond to us here in Blighty. Here’s hoping.

 

Via Business Insider

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Google Transit Navigation hits Android

Posted: 07 Jul 2011 02:16 AM PDT


New offering works in hundreds of cities across the world.

Google has just rolled out a new version of its Maps app for Android. While that in itself might not set too many hearts racing, it does bring a cool new feature to the mix: Transit Navigation.

 

This new offering is made for public transport users and couldn’t be easier to get to grips with. Just dive into the maps app, tap in your start point and destination, hit the transit icon and you’re good to go.

 

The app than tracks your route and even tells you where your bus or train is and what stop to get off at. It works in the background while you tinker with your phone and will even vibrate when you’re getting close to your final stop.

 

Obviously, Transit Navigation will only work above ground, and while it’s good for 400 cities around the world, keep in mind that it’ll chew through stacks of data. One to use at home rather than abroad then. You can see more in the official video below.

Via Electronista

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Orange Barcelona and Stockholm handsets launch

Posted: 07 Jul 2011 02:10 AM PDT


Orange has officially announced the arrival of two new budget Android handsets; the Orange Stockholm and Barcelona.

Mobile network provider Orange has officially unveiled two new budget Android handsets continuing its theme of naming devices after major cities with the Orange Stockholm and Barcelona.

 

The two smartphones, which will be looking to emulate the hugely successful Orange San Francisco, a phone that was one of the best budget options for consumers last year, will come on PAYG deals with the Barcelona set to land with a full QWERTY keyboard, capacitive screen with Orange's gesture interface as well as a 3.2-megapixel camera on the back.

 


Also included in the package are HD Voice, push email and Orange Signal boost with the Barcelona to cost just £100 on PAYG or £10 per month on contract.

 

Orange's Scandinavian offering shares the Barcelona's 3.2-megapixel camera, but sports a 2.8-inch QVGA screen along with an MP3 player and FM radio. As a result, the Stockholm will only cost you £90 on PAYG (albeit including an obligatory £10 top up when you buy the phone), however there doesn't seem to be a contract option.

 

Unfortunately neither of these phones will come with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, instead you will be chugging along on the perfectly acceptable but not quite as excitingAndroid 2.2 Froyo. Either way, both these phones seem eminently affordable and are available from Orange now.

 

Via: TechRadar

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Apple iPhone 5 video: update

Posted: 07 Jul 2011 02:00 AM PDT


All the latest Apple iPhone 5 rumours, including iPhone 5 release date, design, features and iPhone 5 price

WWDC has been and gone without any sign of the Apple iPhone 5. Steve Jobs revealed the new iOS 5 the smartphone is expecting to run but no sign of an Apple iPhone 5 release date or any details on iPhone 5 specs.


That hasn't stopped the rumour mill going into overdrive with news on the iPhone 5 features, what we expect from the iPhone 5 price and whether we'll see one or two models.


We've already rounded-up the rumours from the first half of the year in our video at the bottom of the page, but here's our Apple iPhone 5 video updated with all the latest news on the most anticipated smartphone of 2011.


Apple iPhone 5 video: Rumour update video

 


Apple iPhone 5 video: Rumours so far

 

Source: T3 Tech Videos

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PSN Pass official

Posted: 07 Jul 2011 01:08 AM PDT


Exclusive content only available to those who buy games brand new.

Sony has at last made its PSN Pass official, aiming to offer exclusive online content to those who buy PS3 games brand new, rather than snagging pre-owned copies for a fraction of the price.

 

The new package will launch in September alongside Resistance 3. Gamers who stump up for the title will find a single-use code bundled in the box, which will allow them access to extra goodies online.

 

In a statement to Eurogamer, the Big S said, "This is an important initiative as it allows us to accelerate our commitment to enhancing premium online services across our first party game portfolio."

 

Is PSN Pass fair? Should gamers be forced to buy new titles rather than second-hand ones? Tell us what you think on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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Spotify starts signing up US users

Posted: 06 Jul 2011 11:44 PM PDT


American music fans who sign up now will get first dibs on US version of Spotify.

Spotify’s much rumoured US launch looks another step closer, after the Swedish streaming service began signing up US users via its website. Music fans can’t use the service yet, but those who hand over email details will be the first to try it when Spotify does eventually press play.

 

Stateside users who head to Spotify.com are now greeted with a specially designed sign-up page, which reads, “The award-winning music service that’s taken Europe by storm will soon be landing on US shores. Millions of tracks ready to play instantly, on your computer and your phone.”

 

There’s no word on how much Spotify will cost across the pond, but with a Premium subscription costing a penny shy of a tenner here in the UK, expect it to be around $15 for 30 days ad-free use.

 

We’ll be bringing you all the news about Spotify’s US expansion, so stay tuned here and to our Facebook and Twitter pages for more as we get it.

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Facebook video chat revealed

Posted: 06 Jul 2011 11:31 PM PDT


Much-rumoured deal sees video chat finally land on Facebook.

Facebook and Skype have finally got official with their new video chat feature for the social network. Announced by Mark Zuckerberg, the new service means you can now natter with your Skype and Facebook buddies via the social network.

 

 

The VoIP giant, recently acquired by Microsoft, reckons it couldn’t be easier to get going. You can make video calls directly from Facebook Chat, as long as that feature is set to ‘online’. Alternatively, hit up a pal’s profile and use the ‘call’ icon in the top right hand corner.

 

What’s more, if your mates aren’t available for some video banter, you can record and leave a message which will appear in their notifications the next time they log into Facebook.

 

Facebook also laid out details of a new Group Chat feature to tackle Google’s new Hang Outs feature in Google+, while also telling the world that it now has a mind-blowing 750 million active users around the world.

 

Facebook and Skype say the new video chat feature will be rolling out over the next few weeks. Already used it? Then let us know what you make of it now over on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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