Sling Media today announced the retail launch of the new Slingbox SOLO.

The SOLO is a mid-line addition positioned between the Slingbox AV and Slingbox PRO that connects to a standard definition or high definition set top box. It includes standard (4:3) and widescreen (16:9) video support and increased streaming performance (full VGA resolution, up to 8Mbps around the home).

Linksys has announced two Media Center Extenders that are "Coming in November".

The DMS 2100 Media Center Extender and DMA 2200 Media Center Extender with DVD Player are designed to support streamed content from PCs running Windows Vista Premium or Ultimate using Ethernet and draft 802.11n wireless connections.

Satellite TV provider EchoStar Communications announced yesterday that it has agreed to acquire Sling Media, maker of the SlingBox line of remote access media devices.

EchoStar, through its DISH Network, is the third largest pay-TV provider in the United States. The transaction values Sling Media at approximately $380 million and is payable in cash and EchoStar options. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Digitimes today reported that Google will "definitely launch its own-brand handset". Details are still highly speculative, but "sources at Taiwan handset makers" point to High Tech Computer (HTC) as the possible ODM.

The article also says that Google may also try use a "self-developed OS" in the handset.

ooma today announced the launch of general consumer sales of its VoIP system.

ooma systems are being offered at introductory pricing of $399 for each ooma Hub device and $39.95 for each ooma Scout device. The ooma system features unlimited US calling and comes with additional features, including second line and answering machine with no additional monthly fees. In 2008, when the introductory pricing period expires, the ooma Hub device will carry a suggested retail price of $599.

VoSKY yesterday announced the upcoming release of VoSKY Exchange Pro, a turnkey PBX-to-Skype appliance that enables businesses to enhance communications and reduce telecom costs.

The new appliance comes pre-loaded with Skype and VoSKY's Exchange application that is used to deploy, run and manage Skype-enabled office phones.

According to a report in DigiTimes, Taiwan's Wistron NeWeb has entered design-in development for Wi-Fi phones with Google Talk compatibility.

Wistron has been shipping Skype-enabled Wi-Fi phones to branded network-equipment vendors since late last year, according to company sources.

Read the full article on DigiTimes.

According to a DigiTimes report, demand for Skype Wi-Fi phones has been strong and is still growing.

The rise in sales is attributed to Skype's launch of its 'unlimited calls' preferential rate program earlier this year, improved phone functions and lower prices.

The report also said that Linksys ran out of Skype Wi-Fi phones in the US and had to allocate inventory from other markets.

Read the full article here.

Sling Media today announced two new HomePlug 1.0 Turbo compliant powerline adapters.

The SlingLink TURBO 1 Port and SlingLink TURBO 4 Port offer a higher speed connection between the Slingbox and network router "creating a better Slingbox experience for customers". Both products use power cords to connect to power outlets or strips for maximum connection flexibility.

Skype today announced that Wal-Mart is now offering Skype Certified hardware as well as the first pre-paid cards for Skype available in the U.S. in 1,800 of its U.S. stores.

Wal-Mart is the first and currently only retailer in the U.S. to offer Skype’s pre-paid cards. Shoppers can purchase a $20 pre-paid card and redeem it for Skype credit to make inexpensive international calls at rates as low as 2.1 cents per minute. Another pre-paid card is available in stores for a three-month subscription to the Skype Unlimited Calling Plan for just $8.85.

Up to nine different Skype Certified hardware products are available in Wal-Mart stores’ electronics department including headsets, webcams and handsets from manufacturers such as Plantronics, Philips, Logitech.

For more information, go to www.skype.com/walmart.

Sling Media today announced the availability of SlingPlayer for Mac, a software client for Slingbox customers who want to view their home TV or Apple TV on their Apple Macintosh desktop or laptop.

SlingPlayer for Mac, Version 1.0, includes photo-realistic remote controls as well as the ability to program favorite channels with a full range of viewing modes all leveraging the Mac OS look and feel.

Available in the US and Canada, the SlingPlayer for Mac supports all Slingbox hardware and can be downloaded free of charge directly from Sling Media:

Skype and Intel today announced a joint promotion to promote Internet calling. Consumers in the U.S. and Canada will be able to place free SkypeOut calls to any landline or mobile number around the world on Mother's Day (May 13, 2007).

Intel said it is sponsoring the "Gift of Gab" promotion as a way to demonstrate how audio and video calling are optimized when using PCs powered by the Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The company said Skype conference calls are now clearer and users’ PCs more responsive during calls due to collaborative efforts between Intel and Skype engineers.

More information about the “Gift of Gab” is available at www.skype.com/go/giftofgab.

Avega Systems yesterday announced that Cisco Systems, JAFCO Asia and Technology Venture Partners (TVP), have completed a $7M Series B funding deal.

Avega Systems develops networked home entertainment technology platforms and for the past three years has been developing core technologies targeted at the "connected digital home". Avega’s Aios technology platform is targeted at whole-home, multi-zone networked entertainment. The technology incorporates standard wired and wireless technologies including draft 11n and HomePlug AV as well as UPnP AV and DLNA. Aios is being made available to partners on an OEM basis.

VoIP and SIP solution provider SimpleSignal today announced its “On Demand” overflow calling feature for inbound and outbound business VoIP communications.

The feature instantly adds additional VoIP capacity for making outbound calls and receiving incoming calls when the normal service capacity is reached. There are no service limitations on the capacity on the number incoming or outgoing calls.

SimpleSignal “On Demand” works with any SIP-compatible IP-PBX system or SIP device or with an additional add-on IAD device for older systems. The service is available in all cities in the U.S. and Canada with unlimited incoming and local calls including the free bonus features.