Nokia and eBay-owned VoIP service Skype announced a deal today. Skype will be integrated into Nokia devices, starting with the N97 series.

Skype has launched version 4.0 for Windows that now includes full-screen video calling and improved call quality.

"Video calling has emerged as a very popular way for people to communicate online," said Mike Bartlett, director of product strategy for Skype.

Rumors have been circulating that eBay may be interested in finding a suitable bidder for VoIP service Skype. eBay hasn’t exactly come out and said this, but people love to chitter chatter. Times Online reports:

There is an interesting article at Seeking Alpha called "Why ‘GooBay’ Makes Sense." Obviously this is a "what if Google bought eBay?" piece, and feedback to the article thus far isn’t real keen on the idea, but there are some valid points throughout the article nevertheless.

Hackers are in the early stages of targeting voice-over IP telephony accounts according to one VoIP equipment maker.

Private information, including usernames and passwords from VoIP phone accounts are being sold online for more than stolen credit cards Newport Networks says. The information lets hackers use the telephone service for free.

Skype’s not doing too badly these days.  As it stands, though, Skype has little to do with eBay’s core business, and so it may get sold in the relatively near future.

I guess it’s not enough to have a rumor that Google might want to take Skype off of eBay’s hands. Now comes a rumor that Google might have an interest in buying travel company Expedia.

Why in the world would Google want to buy Expedia?

The same type of open access rule that was added to the recent 700MHz spectrum auctions won’t be imposed on current spectrum, as Skype hoped it would.

Skype isn’t exactly a model company; onlookers have often equated it with an anchor weighing eBay down.  But, be that as it may, Josh Silverman seems content enough to have been appointed CEO of the Internet telephone company.

I noticed that eComm 2008 is coming up, 3/12-14.

Take a look at what Martin Gedd, on the advisory board, said on his blog:

I ‘m now back from CES. Here’s a quick roundup of highlights that you probably won’t find elsewhere:

Best Schwag

There is no greater feeling of dread for an admin than seeing a system go offline, and nothing works to get it going again.

Or not. Give Jemima Kiss at the Guardian credit for knowing how to toss some linkbait out there. Rumor has it Google is negotiation to buy eBay’s mistake.