Forecast: 2013: Androids tablets leading worldwide market share, says IDC. Chart.

Forecast: 2013:  Androids tablets leading worldwide market share, says IDC. Chart.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

According to the latest forecast from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Tablet Tracker, worldwide tablet shipments are expected to reach 221.3 million units in 2013, down slightly from a previous forecast of 227.4 million but still 53.5% above 2012 levels. Shipment growth is forecast to slow to 22.2% year over year in 2014 to a total of 270.5 million units. By 2017, annual market growth will slow to single-digit percentages and shipments will peak at 386.3 million units, down from the previous forecast of 407 million units.

One key factor to watch going forward is the mix of small vs. large tablets. The market has trended toward small tablets in a big way over the last 24 months, but the rise of large phones could well push consumers back toward larger tablets as the difference between a 6-inch smartphone and a 7-inch tablet isn't great enough to warrant purchasing both. Apple's launch of the iPad Air, a much thinner and lighter version of its 9.7-inch product, could herald another market transition back toward larger screens, presuming consumers are willing to pay the higher costs associated with bigger screens.

"In some markets consumers are already making the choice to buy a large smartphone rather than buying a small tablet, and as a result we've lowered our long-term forecast," said Tom Mainelli, Research Director, Tablets. "Meanwhile, in mature markets like the U.S. where tablets have been shipping in large volumes since 2010 and are already well established, we're less concerned about big phones cannibalizing shipments and more worried about market saturation."

A transition toward larger tablets could be a positive development for Windows tablets, which generally benefit from a larger screen area. Even so, Windows-based tablets are not expected to steal share from tablets running iOS and Android until the latter part of the forecast.

"For months, Microsoft and Intel have been promising more affordable Windows tablets and 2-in-1 devices," said Jitesh Ubrani, Research Analyst, Worldwide Tablet Tracker. "This holiday season, we expect a huge push for these devices as both companies flex their marketing muscles; however we still don't expect them to gain much traction. We're already halfway through the holiday quarter, and though there have been some relatively high-profile launches from the likes of Dell, HP, and Lenovo, we've yet to see widespread availability of these devices, making it difficult for Windows to gain share during this crucial period."

iCharts

Regions Covered:

Worldwide

Topics Covered:

Android, Tablet PC, Windows Mobile, iOS

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition Android tablet:

Microsoft launches 3D Builder app for 3D printing.Free.

 
3D Builder

Microsoft is also selling MakerBot 3D printers through its online stores for a one-stop shopping solution to your 3D printing needs.

Microsoft's 3D Builder includes a library of 3D printable objects, including "decorations, toys, jewelry, and more items that people can customize and adapt in minutes before printing them in 3D," the company said.

Microsoft's 3D Builder and other Windows 8.1 printing apps work in conjunction with both the keyboard-and-mouse and touch interfaces supported by the software platform.

MakerBot said users can download the MakerBot 3D Printer Driver for Windows 8.1 and print directly to their MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer.

"We have been working closely with Microsoft to prepare the printer driver to provide the familiar plug-and-play capabilities of Windows with the MakerBot Replicator 2," Bre Pettis, CEO of MakerBot, said in a statement. "Having the 3D printer driver be a part of Windows 8.1 rounds out even more of the MakerBot 3D Ecosystem that is designed to make 3D design and printing super easy and accessible."

Aproximate size 23.4 MB. Get Windows 8.1 to run this app.

Description:

Meet 3D Builder - the best place to view, prepare, and print your 3D models on Windows 8.1-ready 3D printers!

3D Builder is a fun, easy to use, free app for Windows 8.1 that helps you turn digital objects into physical ones and explore the exciting world of 3D printing. It also includes a library of example 3D objects to get you started.

Whether you are an experienced enthusiast or new to the world of 3D printing, 3D Builder is fun for Makers of all ages.

Features

·         View and prepare objects for 3D printing on Windows 8.1-ready devices

·         Load STL, OBJ, or 3MF files from disk

·         Library of 3D objects to explore and print.

Details.

Notes

Release includes a number of minor bug fixes and a crashing bug fix on certain video cards.

Accessibility

The app developer believes this app meets accessibility requirements, making it easier for everyone to use.

Languages

English

Supported processors

x86, x64

Learn more

3D Builder support

Source: Microsoftstore via PCMag

Skype 6.9.0.106 update for Windows desktops now available for download.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs. 

Skype 6.9.0.106 update for Windows desktops now available for download.




There are no release notes available at this point, but it’s safe to assume that Skype version number 6.9.0.106 is supposed to fix bugs found in previous releases, while also improving performance in certain conditions.

This new version of Skype should work just fine, regardless of whether you are using the ancient Windows XP or the new Windows 8, but keep in mind that it’s only compatible with the desktop environment.

So in case you’re running Microsoft’s Windows 8 platform, Skype 6.9 can only be used on the desktop, as the Modern version of the app is yet to be updated.

Download link from Softpedia: Skype

Download links from Skype: English Skype  Spanish: Skype es

HP unveils the Elite Pad 900 for Business.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

HP Elite Pad.

HP unveils the Elite Pad 900 for Business.

HP is unveiling today the new tablet for business,the HP ElitePad 900 offers a 10.1-inch diagonal display, weighs just 1.5 pounds and measures 9.2 millimeters (mm) thin. The 16-by-10 aspect ratio maximizes the display area for ideal viewing of traditional business applications, as well as video content. Precision crafted, with an eye toward fit and finish, the HP ElitePad uses stylish, premium materials such as CNC-machined aluminum and Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2.

Powered by next-generation Intel® mobile processors (Atom-based Intel Clover Trail processor), buffered by up to 2GB of RAM and with Windows 8 in. On the back are two slots: one for microSD cards, and another for 3G / 4G SIMs.

The HP ElitePad tablet's 1080p front-facing video camera and 8 megapixel (MP) rear camera with an LED flash and included CyberLink YouCam software help users easily communicate face to face, create high-definition (HD) web videos or record training videos without high production costs.

In stores in January 2013.

Press Release:

HP Unveils a True Tablet for Business

Smart Jacket ecosystem delivers complete computing solutions Designed for business and government, it features HP ElitePad Smart Jackets, which add connectivity options and an additional ultra-slim battery for longer runtime, along with specific add-ons that customize the tablet for specialized uses.

The HP ElitePad is an ultrathin, lightweight tablet designed for Windows 8 that delivers features to keep IT managers happy and touts a design that employees will crave. It offers the full serviceability, enhanced security and manageability found in HP Elite PCs, and military-grade durability for drops, vibration, dust, temperature extremes and high altitude.

"Businesses used to face a tough purchase decision: How to find a product that will delight employees and help them be more productive, while also making sure IT can secure and manage it," said Todd Bradley, executive vice president, Printing and Personal Systems, HP. "The HP ElitePad meets all those tests. It combines the great style and user experience consumers demand with the features IT requires."

A tablet that is made for business

Ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the hand, the HP ElitePad offers a 10.1-inch diagonal display, weighs just 1.5 pounds and measures 9.2 millimeters (mm) thin. The 16-by-10 aspect ratio maximizes the display area for ideal viewing of traditional business applications, as well as video content. Precision crafted, with an eye toward fit and finish, the HP ElitePad uses stylish, premium materials such as CNC-machined aluminum and Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2.

Powered by next-generation Intel® mobile processors, the HP ElitePad delivers PC productivity for those on the go and Intel x86 compatibility for existing business application support. It is designed for Windows 8 and supports touch-, pen- or voice- based input. The HP ElitePad also provides power efficiency and smartphone-style convenience with compatibility for familiar Windows applications, as well as easy integration into existing IT environments.

The unique, productivity-enhancing ecosystem of HP Smart Jackets and additional accessories designed specifically for the HP ElitePad expand the tablet's potential, turning it into a total enterprise solution:

- HP ElitePad Productivity Jacket - includes an integrated keyboard, connectivity ports, SD card reader and adjustable viewing angles for a complete computing experience.

- HP ElitePad Expansion Jacket-adds USB, HDMI and other connectivity to get more done on the go. Adds even longer battery life when bundled with the optional HP ElitePad Jacket battery.

- The HP ElitePad Rugged Case- provides military-grade reliability and enhances the stylish profile of the ElitePad for added protection.

- HP ElitePad Docking Station- delivers an enterprise-class desktop experience with an added keyboard and monitor and also charges the tablet. Or, use it to set the tablet up as a secondary screen for phenomenal multitasking.

- HP Executive Tablet Pen-lets customers write messages and notes in their natural handwriting directly on screen and then save or convert to typed text for use in other applications.

Loaded with tools for mobile work or play

The HP ElitePad tablet's 1080p front-facing video camera and 8 megapixel (MP) rear camera with an LED flash and included CyberLink YouCam software help users easily communicate face to face, create high-definition (HD) web videos or record training videos without high production costs.

Powered by technology from HP Labs, the company's central research arm, new HP PageLift is an application that automatically trims, correctly lights and orients a captured image of a whiteboard, paper contract or other document so it is ready to use or share without requiring manual editing.

Users can easily print directly from their HP ElitePad to any ePrint-capable HP printer or to a networked HP printer without the need for downloading drivers. HP ePrint software allows users to print remotely at more than 24,000 public locations such as hotels and business service retailers. The HP ElitePad also helps small workgroups connect with HP Wireless Hotspot, a desktop application that allows users to share a wireless internet connection and network bandwidth.

Additional user-experience software includes the CyberLink Media suite, which enables users to manage and create audio and video content with the same easy-to-use interface as other HP business PCs. Plus, users can record and listen to audio with a stereo microphone and headset jack that feature the richness of SRS Audio.

Information management is made easy with Evernote, which captures, saves and synchronizes information across devices with impressively quick search capability, and Skitch software that eases collaboration with colleagues by quickly marking up images with captions or sketches.

Manageability, deployment and security for IT environments

The HP ElitePad offers a long life cycle, stable image and HP Global Series Support, all of which IT managers expect in an enterprise tablet. It also features a one-year standard warranty, with the option for a three-year warranty via HP Care Pack Services. The HP ElitePad is fully serviceable with an optional, industry-unique service tool for HP Self- Maintainers that allows customers to access the panel, battery, motherboard and unibody chassis, helping reduce downtime and keep sensitive data and devices in-house.

In addition, organizations will appreciate the enterprise-caliber data, device and identity protection from HP Client Security, including HP BIOS Protection, Security Manager and HP Drive Encryption. Additional security features include Device Access Manager, Computrace and Sparekey.

Device deployment and ongoing support and maintenance are made easy with x86 compatibility and support for HP Client Management solutions. The LANDesk Management Suite also increases security and eases management by providing exclusive tools to locate and protect data on lost devices, remotely capture SIM card info for mass WWAN activation and enforce geographic policies to remotely lock, full wipe or selectively wipe data

Availability

The HP ElitePad 900 is expected to be available in the United States in January 2013. Pricing information will be announced closer to availability.

This announcement follows HP's unveiling of touch-enabled notebooks on Aug. 30, all-in- one desktops on Sept. 10 and a new lineup of consumer and business PCs on Sept. 20.

Get the true tablet for business.

Our premium thin and light tablet is easy to deploy, effortless to manage, and simple to secure, with an elegant design and touch experience that puts productivity at your fingertips. Customize the HP ElitePad for your business using a complete suite of thoughtfully designed accessories. 

In stores January 2013.

HP

IFA2012: Samsung to announce Windows tablet.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

IFA2012: Samsung to announce Windows tablet.

Samsung is ready to announce a windows tablet at  IFA 2012 in Berlin. Not clear if it is a Windows RT or Windows 8 device. The event starts in August 31 to September 5, 2012

There are more tablets to be unveiled at IFA 2012 like this SONY Xperia quad-core.

Source: facebook

Is the Modbook Pro OS X tablet coming this fall ? What?

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

Is the Modbook Pro  OS X tablet coming this fall ? What?

Yeah you heard right. The news:

“Built from a unique enclosure conversion kit, the Modbook Pro incorporates and completely encases the original hardware of a new Apple MacBook Pro 13.3-inch base system,” says Modbook Inc.

“Its Wacom digitizer delivers 512 levels of pen pressure sensitivity — more than any other tablet computer on the market. And its ForceGlass screen provides an etched, paper-emulating drawing surface,” the company adds.

Naturally, there will be some additional software in there to allow you to make good use of the touch-enabled OS X.

After all, Apple didn’t design OS X with touch in mind. Oh, and the warranty is shifted over to Modbook Inc., which provides its own service. In other words, this is no longer an Apple product, any way you look at it.

“The result is a sleek tablet computer run by a powerful Mac base system, with a highly sensitive pen interface and a natural drawing surface, all fused into one device you can take with you and use anywhere,” says the maker.

The tablet will be geared towards creative users who like to keep their interests mobile, and it will offer cross-platform capabilities with OS X and Windows support.

Includes a 2.5GHz dual core Intel® Core™ i5 processor or 2.9GHz dual core Intel Core i7 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, a 2.5–inch SATA drive (up to 1TB HDD or up to 960GB SSD), an 8X SuperDrive® DVD burner, an Intel HD Graphics 4000 chipset, 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless connectivity capability, a built-in 63.5-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery and a 60W MagSafe® power adapter.¹

Alongside the MagSafe power port, the Modbook Pro’s base system has one Gigabit Ethernet port, one FireWire® 800 port, one USB 3.0 port, one Thunderbolt™ port, one SDXC card slot and one audio line in/out.

Whether or not Apple will try and keep this product off the market (as it did with Psystar’s OpenMacs), the Modbook Pro is a sight to behold. At least in pictures.

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The Modbook Pro offers power, performance and portability — an innovative Mac®-based pen tablet computer, it’s the ideal take-it-anywhere workstation for creative users.

Built from a unique enclosure conversion kit, the Modbook Pro incorporates and completely encases the original hardware of a new Apple® MacBook® Pro 13.3-inch base system. Its Wacom® digitizer delivers 512 levels of pen pressure sensitivity — more than any other tablet computer on the market. And its ForceGlass™ screen provides an etched, paper-emulating drawing surface.

The result is a sleek tablet computer run by a powerful Mac base system, with a highly sensitive pen interface and a natural drawing surface, all fused into one device you can take with you and use anywhere.

Perfect for mobile creative users

Unlike plug-in pen tablet displays, the Modbook Pro is a completeall-in-one computer. It doesn’t have to be plugged into anything to operate and requires no wires, cables, display adapters, or video control and breakout boxes. Mobility is maximized.

With its compact form factor and relatively thin profile, the Modbook Pro can easily be slipped in and out of a backpack and used anywhere, freeing users from their desks. Its distinctive sloped-edge shape and 3D-GripFeet™ mean it can be propped up to 50 degrees on all sides without slipping.

The crisp 13.3-inch (diagonal) display has a native 1280 by 800 pixel resolution. And the display, digitizer and ForceGlass screen assembly are flush-mounted, resulting in a completely level drawing area that optimizes on-screen workspace.

Unrivaled pressure sensitivity on a tablet

No tablet computer or tablet device on the market today offers the Modbook Pro’s 512 levels of pen pressure sensitivity.

Featuring a state-of-the-art pen tablet digitizer from the industry leader in pen tablet technology, Wacom, the Modbook Pro enables users to produce pro-quality creative deliverables. In addition to the 512 pen pressure levels, the Modbook Pro’s pen tablet has a recognition rate of 133 points per second and a recognition resolution of approximately one one-hundredth of a millimeter, resulting in a snappy pen experience and extremely precise control of renderings.

The pen tablet digitizer is custom-tuned to the electronics of the Modbook Pro and its base system, with a calibrated and fully tested radio frequency (RF) and electromagnetic shielding solution for a smooth and undisrupted pen experience.

Included with the Modbook Pro is a best-in-class digitizer pen. Easy to grip and battery-less, the pen has two programmable side buttons and a digital eraser. The pen securely tucks away in the conveniently built-in pen garage with a magnetic catch.

Inventive Mac-based tablet computer

How is it possible there’s a MacBook Pro inside the Modbook Pro?

To accomplish this radical computer product modification, the Modbook Pro uses the unique ExoConnect™ system. ExoConnect is the primary high-speed connection linking the Modbook Pro components to one of the MacBook Pro’s two standard USB 3.0 ports. This allows for the most seamless integration possible while the smart enclosure design permanently seals the connection and the port itself within the Modbook Pro, leaving all the other ports unobstructed.

In essence a fully standards-compliant USB device, the Modbook Pro closely follows the Apple Design Guidelines for USB high-performance peripherals. It just gives the word “peripheral” a whole new meaning.

The Modbook Pro’s configurable base system includes a 2.5GHz dual core Intel® Core™ i5 processor or 2.9GHz dual core Intel Core i7 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, a 2.5–inch SATA drive (up to 1TB HDD or up to 960GB SSD), an 8X SuperDrive® DVD burner, an Intel HD Graphics 4000 chipset, 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless connectivity capability, a built-in 63.5-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery and a 60W MagSafe® power adapter.¹

Alongside the MagSafe power port, the Modbook Pro’s base system has one Gigabit Ethernet port, one FireWire® 800 port, one USB 3.0 port, one Thunderbolt™ port, one SDXC card slot and one audio line in/out.

Cross-platform capability with OS X® and Windows 7

Modbook Pro users can enjoy the full range of OS X Mountain Lion-compatible applications running on the base system, including favorites such as iTunes® and iLife®.

In addition, users can run OS X’s Boot Camp® application to install 32- or 64-bit Microsoft® Windows® 7 (sold separately) to turn their Modbook Pro into a powerful tablet PC.

The Modbook Pro is the only tablet computer with the ability to boot into both OS X and Windows 7, unlocking the whole world of available applications on either platform: Adobe® Photoshop®, Encore® and Premiere® Pro; Autodesk® Sketchbook® Pro and AutoCAD®; Apple Aperture® and Logic® Pro; Corel® Painter™; and many others.

No matter what project or requirement, the Modbook Pro’s unique cross-platform capability together with its powerful pen tablet features enable the soup-to-nuts creation of high-resolution, pro-quality creative deliverables.

One-year top-to-bottom warranty

The Modbook Pro comes with a one-year warranty covering the complete hardware solution, including all of the components of the MacBook Pro base system.²

Users will be able to have their Modbook Pro serviced at authorized service centers, the first of which will be announced prior to the Modbook Pro’s ship date.

Availability and Pricing

The Modbook Pro ships in early fall 2012. Pricing and sales partners will be announced in the coming weeks.

Sign up to get updates on the Modbook Pro.

¹Construction of the Modbook Pro requires permanent removal of the base system’s enclosure, including the display (with the FaceTime® camera) and the keyboard/trackpad assembly. Hard drive, RAM and other configuration options vary and may only be available from specific sales partners.

²The Modbook Pro is an enclosure conversion kit designed to exclusively contain an original MacBook Pro base system manufactured by Apple Inc. Apple Inc.’s one-year limited warranty on the base system is voided by the conversion and replaced with Modbook Inc.’s warranty.

Modbook, ForceGlass, 3D-GripFeet and ExoConnect are trademarks or registered trademarks of Modbook Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Apple, Mac, MacBook, OS X, SuperDrive, MagSafe, FireWire, FaceTime, Boot Camp and Logic are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Wacom is a trademark or registered trademark of Wacom Co., Ltd. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Intel, Core and Thunderbolt are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Adobe, Photoshop, Encore and Premiere are trademarks or registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the U.S. and/or other countries. Autodesk, SketchBook and AutoCAD are trademarks or registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Corel and Painter are trademarks or registered trademarks of Corel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Modbookpro

Q1 2012: Sales of Windows to businesses up.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

Q1 2012: Sales of Windows to businesses up.

Microsoft saw an upturn in sales of Windows to businesses in the first calendar quarter of 2012, beating analyst expectations.

The company reported an 8% year-on-year rise in systems sales to companies, while sales to consumers remained flat, driving the Windows and Windows Live Division of the company to a 4% rise in revenue for the quarter ended 31st March, to $4.62 billion. Analysts had widely predicted a slump in PC sales, but shipments actually increased by 2%, according to IDC and Gartner.

Strong Windows 7 adoption continued with enterprise desktops on Windows 7 now up to 40% worldwide.

For the quarter overall, Microsoft posted a 6% growth in revenue, to $17.41 billion, and a 12% rise in operating income, up to $6.37 billion.

"We're driving toward exciting launches across the entire company, while delivering strong financial results," said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer at Microsoft. "With the upcoming release of new Windows 8 PCs and tablets, the next version of Office, and a wide array of products and services for the enterprise and consumers, we will be delivering exceptional value to all our customers in the year ahead."

Microsoft's Server & Tools division saw revenue rise 14% to $4.57 billion, driven by double-digit revenue growth in SQL Server and more than 20% growth in System Center revenue.

The Microsoft Business Division reported a 9% year-on-year rise in revenue, to $5.81 billion, with strong sales of Office 2010 and an 11% increase in from the Dynamics business.

The Online Services Division reported revenue of $707 million, a 6% increase from the prior year period, and operating loss improvement of approximately $300 million.

The Entertainment & Devices Division posted revenue of $1.62 billion, a decrease of 16% from the prior period due to a soft gaming console market.

Android, Windows Phone smartphones makers to expand market share on disappointing iPhone 4S

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

The newly released iPhone 4S lags behind some mainstream smartphones as far as specifications are concerned, giving rival companies in either the Android or Windows Phone camps, including HTC, Samsung Electronics and Nokia more chance to expand their market shares with innovative models, according to industry sources.

The iPhone 4S comes without a larger display and with a download speed of only 14.4Mbps for HSPA, and does not support LTE and NFC technologies although it is powered by a more powerful processor and comes with more advanced camera and video functionalities, the sources pointed out.

However, Samsung, HTC and Nokia have rolled out mainstream models supporting LTE, NFC and 3D standards and with larger displays, which will enable those models to differentiate themselves from iPhones, the sources added.

Although Apple also launched an entry-level 8GB iPhone 4 and cut the price of its iPhone 3GS, the effectiveness of such tactics will be limited as iPhone fans will still prefer to buy new models and the low-priced iPhones will not be able to compete with Android phones in the entry-level segment, commented the sources.


Related post: 

What’s missing in the Apple´s iPhone 4S, and What´s new ?

Skype to roll out advertising

WorldWideTech & Science. Roberto Gómez.

Internet telephony service Skype S.a r.l. plans to start rolling out ads to consumer users this week in a bid to develop a new revenue stream ahead of the company's anticipated $1 billion initial public offering.

Skype's IPO could be one of the biggest in the technology sector since Google Inc. raised $1.67 billion in 2004, but while hundreds of millions of people around the world use Skype, some investors remain concerned about its ability to profit from its huge user base.

The Luxembourg-based company had an average of 145 million monthly connected users at the end of 2010, but only 8.8 million monthly paying users, according to Skype's recently filed amended S-1. Last year, it generated $860 million of net revenues and had a net loss of about $7 million.

The new display ads, which will initially feature advertisers such as Groupon, Universal Pictures and Visa Inc., will appear at the top of the service's main page in its Windows client, the company said in a blog post.

Skype said the ads, which will initially appear in the U.S., U.K. and Germany, may include audio or video. Advertisers can add a 'click to call" button in the ad and users will be able to share ads to their Facebook or Twitter accounts.

Skype said the ads would not interrupt users with annoying pop-up ads or flashy banner ads in the middle their conversations. Users will be able to close ads with the simple click of a button. Skype said it may experiment with other formats as well.

Skype has said its strategy is to continue developing free products while adding new paid products and promoting its subscription service to consumer users and large enterprise customers. The company said in its S-1 that advertising, gaming and the sale of virtual goods represent a "meaningful opportunity" to increase revenue.

Like other Internet services, Skype is luring advertisers with its ability to target users based on non-personally identifiable demographic data, such as a person's location, gender and age. The company warned that it may use this data for ad targeting, but noted that users may opt out of targeting.

Skype filed pre-IPO documents in August and was expected to go public in the first half of this year. But people familiar with the situation have said Skype's hiring of a new chief executive in October and uncertainties in the IPO market and economy have slowed the offering process.