Free group video calls now available on Skype desktop and Xbox One

Skype is ramping up its group video capabilities for users on desktop as well as on the Xbox One. Initially a feature for premium subscribers, the Group Video Calls feature (for 3, 5 and 7 users) is now readily available to anyone with a desktop provided you have the hardware requirements to enable it. Google has been attacking the enterprise with its Hangouts feature on Chromebox devices, so it makes sense that Microsoft will respond in kind by offering expanded functionality for Skype.

Source: Microsoft

Google integrates restaurant and hotel search to Search on Android

Google is looking to help you look for restaurants or book hotels in the US through your Android smartphone. You just need ask Google to “show restaurants in…” and it will pull up search results for you. You can even customize it to the type of cuisine you want or the price range you want it to be in. The search looks like it prioritizes well-rated restaurants. Google said this is meant to make it easier for you to make last-minute reservations.

When it comes to hotel searches, Google also just needs you to type or speak inquiries such as “show me hotels in…” It collects data from various sites and even lets you customize your query to fit your needs.  While it is just currently available in the US, we’re hoping Google brings this to Canada soon.

Source: Google’s Google+ page

Internet Explorer security flaw puts users at risk

Security firm FireEye has discovered a security flaw in Internet Explorer, particularly version 9 to 11, that lets hackers gain full access to your computer.  FireEye said the active exploit also targets Adobe Flash and it lets hackers install programs on your PC, view and delete information, etc. by just visiting a site. A quick remedy is to stop using IE and opt for Chrome or Firefox. But if you are sticking with IE, Microsoft has published advanced methods you can use.  There is no patch at the moment but Microsoft is reportedly working on it.

Source: The Verge

WhatsApp updates Android app to let you mute groups for up to a century

Found yourself part of a group on WhatsApp you don’t want to hear from? Well, a new update for the messaging client on Android lets you mute a particular group for up to 100 years. It now even lets you hide notifications from the group past a week (a feature that wasn’t previously available). Perhaps leaving the group would’ve been an easier option. But if you don’t feel like offending anyone, then just mute away. The update isn’t up on Google Play yet so you’d have to download the app from WhatsApp’s site.

Source: GSMArena