Sony has partnered with the BBC to add an iPlayer widget to its new Vaio laptops, making access to the iPlayer easier than ever.

Sony's new Vaio range will let you access your favourite BBC radio and TV content quickly and easily via its pre-installed iPlayer Desktop widget

On laptops and all-in-ones

"This will allow Sony Vaio customers to benefit from access to live and on-demand TV and Radio programmes directly through a desktop shortcut on laptops and all-in-one computers," reads Sony's announcement.

"The iPlayer Desktop service will be available as a pre–install from September and will allow users to watch downloaded content even when they are offline.

"The partnership between the two companies will make it easier than ever for entertainment fans to instantly watch TV and listen to radio."

Stock up on must-watch telly

The iPlayer widget will let you pre-book a whole series of upcoming shows to be automatically downloaded when available, which is great for commuters and travellers – just stock up your nice shiny new Vaio with all that must-watch telly that you previously never got round to viewing.

Edd Uzzell, Proposition Development Manager for Sony said of the new iPlayer widget: "We are delighted to be able to offer Sony VAIO customers this added entertainment functionality giving users the ability to watch and manage their favourite programmes at the click of a button.

"We are really excited to be partnering with the BBC to bring their fantastic iPlayer service to Sony's VAIO range".

Skype is a godsend for those families with members dotted all across the UK, or across the globe, in many cases, with the latest news that Skype is set to support video-calling for up to ten people at the same time sure to please many users.

The latest beta of Skype 5.0 for Windows introduces the new group vid-chat feature, with no word on when Mac users will get the same as yet.

"The second beta of Skype 5.0 brings a number of changes both outside and in – most importantly, you can now make group video calls with up to 10 people," the company announced on its website.

"It also welcomes in a fresh new look, as well as increased stability and better quality when making group video calls."

Sleeker, neater, crisper

The latest version of Skype is, we are informed, "sleeker, neater and crisper than before," and adds another new feature called Skype Home.

Skype Home lets you follow your contacts' mood messages, set your profile picture and mood message and receive account notifications and learn more about using Skype.

Fancy testing Skype 5.0 out? You can download it now.

Via: blogs.skype.com