Vimeo launches 'reimagined' free iPhone app

The video-sharing company says that users will find that the application is easier to use than the previous version.

Video-sharing service Vimeo has launched a new iPhone application that has been built from the ground up.

The company's redesigned application, which hit the App Store today, allows users to both create and share videos all from within the app. In addition, users will now find easier access to their video queue and simpler navigation.

It appears that Vimeo's focus with its new app was ease-of-use. The company's previous application was criticized by some who said that it tried to deliver too many of its online features to a mobile user that wanted little more than the essentials.

Still, Vimeo has been able to bundle a host of its more popular features into the application, including liking and commenting. And while videos are uploading, the app allows users to watch clips shared by others. Sharing is also central to the new app, and includes Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, and iMessage integration to send videos to friends.

But not everyone is so pleased with Vimeo. The company's last iPhone app version came with a video editor. This latest version nixes that functionality. In the comments section of the Vimeo app announcement, reactions were mixed to the loss of a video editor, with one person lamenting losing "so much functionality without being warned." Another person, however, said that the loss of video editing isn't such a big deal, since with "serious editing you will use an appropriate app anyway."

Conspicuously missing from Vimeo's announcement is any mention of an update to its iPadapplication. In the App Store, however, the company reassured iPad users, telling them that their "update is in the works." Vimeo didn't say when that update might be made available.

Here's a video of the new Vimeo iPhone app:

http://vimeo.com/54298665

Skype updates iOS app to let you log in with a Microsoft account

Version 4.2 of the VoIP provider's iOS app lets you sign in with your Microsoft account and IM people on Messenger, Hotmail, or Outlook.com.

Skype has updated its iOS app to give it some of the same features as its full client software.

Released today, the latest version lets you log into Skype with your Microsoft account and chat with contacts on Messenger, Hotmail, or Outlook.com.

Users new to Skype can create an account directly from the app. You can now tap and hold down an instant message to edit it. You can also edit your saved phone numbers directly from the dial pad.

Those of you who like to spruce up your instant messages with emoticons can choose one when typing a message and add animated emoticons that will pop up on devices with a Retina Display.

The latest update is designed for both the iPhone and iPod Touch as well as the iPad. Skype updated its Android app last week with support for Microsoft account log-ins.

Skype parent Microsoft recently announced that it would pull the plug on its Messenger IM client early next year and replace it with Skype.