Skype quietly rolled out the 3.1 beta version of their popular VOIP software with a new feature called SkypeFind, which lets users recommend local business that can be searched for and called.

This puts a whole new angle on not only social search but also local search. Strangely, Skype does not include a Skype user name in the results so that you can Skype the business. Adding a business to SkypeFind only provides a real phone number.
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OK, MSN Soapbox is now out of beta.

What, you didn’t know it was in beta? Actually, you didn’t even know it existed? Uh, what the heck is MSN Soapbox - a place for Bill to rant about Apple or what?

Well, join the club. I hadn’t heard of it, either, but it is apparently Microsoft’s latest gotta-catch-up-with-Google project, this time for videos. You know the drill - upload and share videos, run and hide when the copyright holders come after you (just kidding).

The actual name is apparently Soapbox on MSN Video.

Anyway, just what the world needs - another place to upload and watch corny videos. Nice interface, though.

In my seemingly never-ending quest to find just the right gizmos to make life with VOIP all that it can be, I now find myself with a SanDisk Cruzer Titanium USB Flash Drive with Skype pre-installed on it to try out.

This tough little keyring-sized USB drive comes in either 1.0GB or 2.0GB (I’ve got the 2.0GB - $59.99 at Amazon.com) and comes preloaded with not only Skype, but Avast antivirus software, CruzerSync to sychronize files and Outlook for access on any PC and also Signup Shield to make password retention easy. It’s compatible with Windows XP or 2000, Linux and Mac OS 9.1.x+ and OS X v10.1.2+.

It comes with a little clip that I assume can be used to clip it on your pocket or “nerd pack” (remember those?). SanDisk also provides a cord you can clip it to and hand it around your neck.

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As a follow-up to my post about GottaGo Call, the new offering from PrivatePhone, I thought I’d try using their Embed & Blog service. Basically, you can use the free phone number and voice mail that PrivatePhone offers to post voice comments or even podcasts to your blog.

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You’ve gotta love it! I signed up for PrivatePhone through Netzero a few months ago. It’s a private voicemail service that provides a local number that you can give out to friends, associates, business partners, enemies - you know - people you don’t want to give your REAL phone number to.

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