Probably the most used internet telephony or Voice over IP (VoIP) service provider in the world, Skype is now adding advertisement to it’s PC users experience in order to develop new channels of revenue ahead of its intended public offering.

Skype, owned by Ebay, generates its revenue mainly from consumers paying for a subscription to its services or buying call credits. However this is clearly not enough revenue as the company will now display ads on its software installed on Windows PCs.

Skype’s fourth quarter results of 2010 revealed that the company has a monthly user base of over 145 million clients on average. During peak usage, there can be as many as 29 million people using its services at the same time. This is a very attractive market for companies wanting to advertise their products on Skype.

According to Skype, the ads will be shown on the home tags of users. The first few companies to have signed up to display their ads on the sky platform will be Groupon, Visa and Universal Pictures. The ads will be initially targeted to the USA, UK and Germany.

In an effort to make the ads not interfere with the user experience of the Skype platform, the company initially plans to only show one ad per brand per day in the countries where they will be selling the ads.

So far it has not been made clear if the ads will only be shown in Skype’s free services or if paid subscribers will also be seeing the ads. One thing the company does make clear though is that the ads will not interrupt your user experience. They will not be pop up ads or flashy ads.

Judging from reactions to the news that Skype will be running ads on its Windows platforms, it is clear that majority of their paid subscribers do not want to see the ads.

It is believed the move to serve ads is to increase Skype’s revenue channels aheard of its unscheduled IPO.

The new iPad 2 was launched on March 2 and will start shipping in the U.S. on March 11th. Other countries such as the UK will have to wait a couple of weeks later to get their hands on the iPad 2.

In a couple of weeks time, Blackberry will also be launching it’s own tablet called the Blackberry Playbook. We try to make a comparison between the Apple iPad 2 and the yet to be released RIM Blackberry Playbook.

The new iPad 2 seems to satisfy two markets the tablet niche simultaneously. It appeals to those looking for a lighter tablet and those looking for a larger screen tablet. It balances the two perfectly and will be very hard to beat by it’s competitors.

Initial opinions of the Playbook has been positive as it offers a powerful specifications in a small size. But it’s got it’s work cut out to beat the new iPad 2.

iPad 2 VS BlackBerry PlayBoook Comparison

Operating System (OS):
The iPad 2 is loaded with the most recent edition of the iOS, which is the iOS 4.3. It makes Safari browser faster, improves AirPlay and introduces iTunes Home Sharing to the iPad.  The Playbook will be loaded with QNX operating system. The playbook was initially scheduled to run the BlackBerry OS. But RIM, the makers of the PlayBook acquired QNX software systems in 2010 and will run it’s OS on the PlayBook. It enables apss to run at the same time instead of putting them on hold. But we will give the iOS the node here because it is a proven OS whiles QNX is yet to be tested.
Winner: iPad 2

Processor:
The iPad 2 spots an incredibly fast processor. It’s the dual core A5 processor which makes the iPad 2 twice faster than the iPad 1. But the BlackBerry PlayBook also has its own dual core 1GHz processor. The PlayBook’s processor, the TI OMAP was reviewed in the LG Optimus 3D and trumped the iPhone 4. So in this category, we’ll call it a tie.
Winner: Tie

Display screen, Size and Weight:
The new iPad 2 has a 9.7-inch High Definition Screen at a resolution of 1024×768. The BlackBerry PlayBook comes with a much smaller 7-inch HD display at a slightly less resolution of 1024×600. These are almost similar screens. But the main factor here is the size and weight.

The 9.7-inch iPad 2 weighs 1.3 pound and is only 0.34 inch thick. The PlayBook with it’s smaller 7-inch screen weighs 0.9 pounds and is 0.4 inch thick. The clear winner in this category is the iPad 2 because it offers a much larger screen and yet similar weight to the PlayBook and also thinner. The larger screen size of the iPad 2 will make for better appps.
Winner: iPad 2

Memory:
The iPad 2 is configured to have either a 16 GB, 32 GB and 64GB built in memory. The PlayBook comes in 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB models. Whiles Apple is yet to reveal the RAM for the iPad 2, the PlayBook has a generous 1GB RAM. Rumors by Forbes claim the iPad 2 offers only 512MB or RAM. However, experts claim the iPad 2 is faster so it seems the rumored RAM size has very little effect. We will call this category a tie.
Winner: Tie

Camera:
The 1st generation iPad had no camera, but the iPad 2 spots dual cameras. Apple has not revealed the specifications for the Camera but the rear and front cameras can both record in HD. The camera on the PlayBook is a 5-mega-pixel rear and a 3-mega-pixel front camera. The PlayBook offers a higher resolution 1080p video recording and this clearly makes it a winner in this category.
Winner: BlackBerry PlayBook

Battery:
The battery on the iPad 2 can last up to 10 hours despite the reduced weight of the tablet. The BlackBerry PlayBook’s battery can last up to 6 hours. And considering the display size and power hungry features, this is clearly not good enough. Rumors are the the poor battery performance of the PlayBook is due to the fact that it runs Adobe Flash. The winner here is clearly Apple.
Winner: iPad 2

Pricing and Apps:
The last categories we are comparing are price and apps. The entry price for the iPad 2 is $499 and the highest priced model is at $829. Reports indicate the entry price for the PlayBook will be around the $500 mark so that keeps it in par with the Apple device.

When it comes to apps, there are over 200,000 apps available to the iPad 2 and not many to the PlayBook. There are reports it will be possible to convert current Adobe AIR and Flash applications into PlayBook apps.

There are also reports that RIM will be releasing a software that will enable the PlayBook to run Android apps. The winner in the apps category is the iPad with it’s established pool of app developers.
Winner: iPad 2.

BlackBerry is trying to cater for the business community, its primary market, by marketing the PlayBook as an enterprise capable tablet. It will be able to sync with an existing BlackBerry smartphone.

Direct Comparison between Apple iPad 2 and BlackBerry PlayBook

The iPad 2 was launched yesterday and will start shipping to the customers in the United States on March 11th and the other countries like, Germany, France, Canada, U.K. etc on March 26th.

During the launch of the iPad 2, one accessory that Steve Jobs predicted will be a best seller will be the “Smart Cover” for the iPad.

Now you might be saying there will be plenty of cases manufactured for the iPad but I can assure you there will be none quite like this one.

The Smart Cover is not really a case but more like a screen cover with many functions.

The body of the iPad has built in magnets and the smart cover hooks also have built in magnets which allow you to just effortlessly attach the smart cover to the iPad. And after attaching it, your friends might think it is permanently attached to it. Taking it off is also very easy.

The smart cover is beautifully engineered to march the slim and light nature of the iPad 2. It does not add much weight to the iPad’s 1.3 bounds weight. It is designed to only cover the screen and leave the beautiful aluminum casing of the iPad to view.

It is able to wake up or make your iPad go to sleep. When you lift the Smart Cover, the iPad automatically wakes up. Also when you close the Smart cover, the iPad 2 will automatically go to sleep.

What’s more practical about it is that , you can fold it into any position to enable you easily type, watch movies or surf the web.

The Smart Cover has a magnetized hing that enables it to align and fit perfectly with the iPad 2. It fits so perfectly you might think it’s part of the iPad.

The Smart Cover comes in ten very vibrant colors. The leather version comes in five colors. The inside has micro fibers that clean any dust, smudges or finger prints leaving your ipad 2 look like new anytime you open it.

I had the chance to see it first hand at the launch of the iPad 2 and I agree with Steve that this is probably going to be one of the best selling iPad 2 accessories. It will be available to buy from the Apple store at $39.99 and $69.00 for the leather version.

See below for pictures of the Smart Covers for iPad 2

The magnetic hing of the Smart Cover connects perfectly with Ipad 2

Smart Covers for iPad 2 are available in 10 different colors

You can fold it to hold the iPad for when watching a movie

Smart Cover folded into typing position

The all new iPad 2

After all the rumors about iPad 2 release, date, it was launched yesterday by Apple founder Steve Jobs in California.

Wearing his traditional black crew neck sweater, Steve Jobs went over the features of the new iPad and how it’s miles aheard of it’s competitors like the Motorola Xoom and the Blackberry Playbook.

The first feature he highlighted was the iPad 2′s new faster chip known as the A5.

This processor makes the new iPad 2 much faster than the first one. It is 2x faster than the first edition iPad and the new graphics is also 9x faster in the iPad 2 than the first iPad.

The dual cor processor does not use any additional power than the previous one. Accoring to Jobs, the iPad 2 will be the first dual core tablet to mass ship.

Next Steve talked about the cameras. The iPad 2 spots dual cameras. One on the back and another in the front.

The ipad 2 also comes fitted with a gyroscope. It is also 33% thinner than the original ipad.  It is actually thinner than the iPhone 4.  It is also lighter than the old iPad.

Slimmer and lighter iPad 2 with Facetime

The new iPad also comes in 2 colors, which and black and Steve jobs revealed they will start shipping white colored iPads from day 1. It will also be availlable on AT&T and Verizon.

With all the new extra feutures and reduced size, you might think the battery life will also decrease. But Steve assures everyone the battery life will be 10 hours just like the old one.

Also the iPad 2 will maintain the same price as the iPad 1.  It’ll start selling at $499.

The iPad 3 will start shipping on March 11 in the U.S.A.

Other countries like the UK will start receiving their shippments from March 26.

The new iPad now has HDMI video output when you use the HDMI mirrored video ouptu accessory. You can view videos up to 1080p.

Accroding to Steve Jobs, the accessory that will be most popular will be the Smart Cover. It automatically wakes up the ipad when you lift it up and puts the iPad to sleep when you close it. It is hold in place magnetically. It’s very thin that it adds very litle weight to the ipad. It also cleans the screen. It comes in Polyethleen or leather.

Having seen the video, I’m positive it’ll be many people’s favorite accessory to add to the iPad. I just thoght to myself, this is real cool. It also comes in 5 different covers. The polyethleen covers will cost $39 and the leather smar covers will cost $69.

Apple also took the opportunity to introduce it’s new IOs 4.3. This will the the operating system on the iPad 2.

It enables you to use iTunes as a home theather by enabeling you to share your iPad with all your devices.

During the launch, apple also played with the Facetime application of the iPad 2.

Apple introduced two new apps. They are the iMovie for iPad. It comes with Precision editor, multitrack audio recording, New themes,  a universal app etc.

The iMovie app is a really cool full feature movie editing app for the iPad 2 and will cost $4.99 in the Appstore

The second app is Garageband. It has touch instruments, guitar amps and effects, 8 track recording and mixing,250+ loops and compatible with Mac version of the App.

It is quite an incredible litte app that can do so much. It’s mindblowing. And it will retail in the Appstore for $4.99 from March 11th.

Steve Jobbs declared 2011 as the year of the iPad 2.

However, we did not see the Thunderbolt connection that was rumored about.

Having seen the launch of the new iPad 2, I’m going to say this will be a tablet that is going to be hard to beat by competitors.

Apple will be revealing it’s new line up of laptops tomorrow Friday, February 25. There are already rumors of what upgrades are coming and what changes are to be expected. Among all the rumors, no one seems to be talking about the MacBook. This makes me wonder, is the MacBook finally being laid to rest?

The truth is: It should have been dead by now.

Why the MacBook is no longer desirable.

Having seen the major upgrades the MacBook Air over the last year, it is obvious the MacBook is no longer a good seller. It’s no longer the smallest, the most powerful or the cheapest of Apple’s range of laptops.

And having read the rumors about the upcoming 13-inch MacBook Pro, it will be difficult to think that someone will even be interested in buying a regular MacBook.

Truth be told, Apple has been slowly phasing the MacBook out for a while now. And reports indicate this will be the case and a new one will not be introduced.

The MacBook became Apples number one product when it launched back in 2006. Students and Apple wannabees bought them like hot cake off the shelves. Yes it was brilliant at that time and it even got an aluminum unibody to replace the shiny white plastic in 2008. It was very appealing and made it look more like a MacBook Pro.

Maybe Apple realized it too because in the middle of 2009, they decided to promote the 13-inch aluminum unibody MacBook to a MacBook Pro. The meant the only MacBook left in the market was the 13-inch shiny white plastic version.

Despite Apple’s best efforts to upgrade the specifications, it is very clear that they were only holding onto it to make sure they can cater for people who want to buy an Apple laptop under $1000.

However the New 11-inch MacBook Air now caters for this level of the market by being priced at an entry level $999 price tag. Now apple can offer the bottom of the market a laptop that is probably the best of their laptops at a “cheap” price. This altogether closes the door on the need for a MacBook Model as the Macbook Airs are just as powerful and more portable.

And with reports that the upcoming 13-inch MacBook Pro is likely to be priced at $1,199, this will give anyone still interested in having a laptop with integrated optical drive to buy one at a relatively cheap price. And being more powerful than the 13-inch MacBook means people will chose that over the MacBook.

To me, the only way apple can hold on to the MacBook model is if they want to enter the really cheap (according to their standards) market. Then they’ll have to price the MacBook around the $700 price point. But knowing Apple very well, this is not an option.

This is why I believe strongly we have seen the last of the MacBook laptops from Apple.

An anonymous buyer acquired sex.com for a record $13 million back in November 2010. The website was bought by Clover holdings from Escom LLC but the name behind the new ownership is unknown or I should rather say, withheld.

Now that the new owner has splashed out $13 million for a domain that has had some history of exchanging hands for some serious money, what will they do with it next?

Techcrunch spoke with the new owner to discover exactly what they plan on doing with it.

The new owner has made it a business of acquiring and developing valuable generic domain names so it’ll be an injustice to say he doesn’t know what he is going to do with sex.com.

According to the report, the new owner has received lots of offers for business partnerships for the development of the domain name. The new owner also has also thought out some ideas about what to do with the domain. He has however not decided yet on the way forward for the domain.

It is reported that the previous owners, Escom LLC, could not develop the domain into a profitable business.

The domain remains forwarded to a parked page but the new owner said, despite it being parked, it still generates a good deal revenue. According to the owner, the parked page gets more than 125,000 unique visitors per day, mostly from the USA and Germany.

The domain has been parked so the new owner try to think of what to do with the it. However the claimed income from the parked page alone has far exceeded the owner’s expectations.

With the owner’s estimate revenue of the parked page, which they don’t want to reveal, the domain is well on course to recover the $13 million price tag by 2024.

The new owner certainly does not want to just park the domain and forget about it. I’m tired of using the phrase new owner so let’s assume they are male. He has received a lot of interest in developing the domain from porn, mainstream media, technology and pharmaceutical companies. He has not made up his mind on how he wants to develop the domain yet but said that there is a deadline that has been set for deciding that.

He says he does not want to jump straight into the porn industry with the domain because this will shut the door on other possibilities, limit his options should he want to sell the domain in the future and also hinder his ability to list the company publicly.

So he just wants to build a mainstream business that is making profit with the domain. He said he wants to choose the right idea for the domain and develop a business around it for the next 10 years.

But it’s safe to assume that he wouldn’t just push $13 million to buy a domain if he had no idea what to do with it.

I eagerly wait to see what he does with sex.com in the future.

It seems like the Apple products rumors will never end. Well it’s time to throw in another rumor in the Apple rumor mill bag. It’s been more than one year since the last version of Apple’s Fina Cut Pro was released.

Since that time rumors have been reported of emails leak from Apple founder Steve Jobs discussing a product that most people thought Apple had forgotten about. But no one knew what products those emails were talking about.

Now it is being rumored that the much talked about product is a renewed version of Final Cut Pro 8.

According to Techcrunch, a small team of video editors went to the Apple offices to test drive the new Final Cut Pro. According to the report, this will be the biggest revamp of the software since it was first released some 10 years ago. It said Apple were now in the final stages of developing the software and wanted pro video editors to test it and give feedback.

It is also rumored that the new version of the Final Cut Pro software will encompass all from low level architectural tweaks to total remake of the user interface. Techcrunch reports the new version will also be available in 64-bit as users have demanded.

New Apple’s Final Cut Pro Release Date

According to sources, the new version of Apple’s Final Cut Pro will be have a release date in spring 2011. This will probably be at the same time as the conference of the National Association of Broadcasters.

According to those fortunate enough to have tried the demo, the new version will have “dramatic and ambitious” changes. This will surely put the bed concerns of pro video editors that Apple has shifted attention to the consumer user when it comes to it’s video editing software. Many thought apple had abandoned the FCP .

After months of waiting to get your hands on the stunningly beautiful motorola xoom tablet, Best Buy has finally made it available for pre-ordering and will start selling it fully on Thursday, February 24, 2011.

Reports indicate the xoom will run on the Android 3.0 operating system. This will be the first tablet to run this OS.

Best Buy yesterday made the Motorola Xoom available for pre-order. The price to pre-order will be $800.

After months of stunt prices and speculation among the tech blogging community, endgadget.com finally reveal the tablet will be availlable to buy from the Best Buy shop from the 24th of February.

The Motorola Xoom will be 3G ready. Best buy also lists an array of accessories that you can order with the Xoom. These includes cases, charging docks, Speaker docks and bluetooth keyboards.

There has been speculation among tech blogs that the wifi edition of the Xoom, which is also cheaper than the 3G model will be released a bit later and that seems to be the case as there was no mention of the availability date the Motorola Xoom wifi model. It is speculated the wifi model will be priced at around the $600 mark.

Elie Tahari

One of this week’s New York fashion week great successes is the fashion label, Elie Tahari. The label was founded by Elie Tahari who recently talked about his rags to riches success.

Tahari is a famous fashion label but few know the face behind the name. Even fewer people know that Elie Tahari is a male.

Tahari said, ” I was once riding the lift with girl who I realize was wearing Elie Tahari clothes. I drew her attention to the fact that she had purchased some Elie Tahari clothes. The young lady then replied that she loved her clothes. She did not know I was the designer or that the designer is a male”

Elie Tahari clothes are available in more than 600 retail outlets in the U.S. His designs are a choice of clothing for many famous people like Beyonce, Jolie and Elizabeth Hurley.

He makes all his designs from his very beautiful Manhattan studio in New York.

His studio is so bright he jokes it’s impossible to hide anything in there. He said the need for a bright studio is because the designers need to see every detail of what they are creating.

The designs then come together just a couple of feet away from the design desk where they are sewn together. Two thing matter very much to the Elie Tahari name, style and fit.

Of course the first samples will be fitted by skinny models but what actually ends up on your local store shelve will have been fitted on Tahari’s studio staff. These are ordinary people with curves just like you and I.

Elie Tahari growing up

Elie Tahari is running a very successful business with annual sales reported to be around the $100 million mark.

This is for a guy who was an orphan. Tahari was born in Israel in 1952. When he was a child, his parents divorced and he ended up in an orphan home. He also served in the Israeli Military.

When he left the military, he decided to go to New York with very little possession. He used to sleep on the benches of Central Park when he couldn’t afford a place to stay. Now his home overlooks the same Central Park.

He took up a job replacing light bulbs during the day and selling ladies’ clothes during the night.

Elie Tahari road to success

He used his time working at boutiques to study what women of that time liked to wear. This gave him inspiration for one of his earlier successes was the tube top.

He worked his way to owning his own store. He started designing ladies’ business attire.

Elie Tahari said the thought of being homeless again drove him on to succeed at what he did.

the last few decades has seen the Tahari name become very famous. It has not been without downs though. His marriage to marriage of 10 years to Rory Green ended in 2010.

His clothing business however keeps on rising. His company is now valued at over $470 million.

Though he himself might never be seen as the most famous designer in the world, he believes his clothes are doing all the talking for him.

He doesn’t feel very successful yet and wants to achieve a lot more in life.

Elie Tahari advices anyone to do everything they do with love and they’ll succeed at it.