Video calls are coming to Skype, thanks to vSkype, a plug-in developed by Santa Cruz Networks. The company has just released a public beta, which for now works only on windows machines. (Of course, most Mac users have lovely iChat/iSight combination to get their video calling groove on!)
Santa Cruz Networks was formally known as VidiTel, and I guess has had a Skype-makeover. This technology has been around for a while, and its only now that the company has found a way to become a parasite of a parasite.
One of the more interesting aspects of vSkype is that you can do one-to-one or one-to-many video conference calls. P2P and group video for up to 4 users service is likely to remain free. This cannot be good for NetMeeting or Web-Ex, which will have tough time competing with a much lower cost offerings. I think this product has a good chance of becoming a major enterprise play. Vonage and others who are dreaming of video IP calls, will either have to hurry up or best Skype’s video plans.
vSkype Beta allows users to securely conduct video calls in groups from 2 to 200 and share applications, spreadsheets, presentations, or photos with others on a call. In future releases users will be able to download and play Santa Cruz Network’s games with other Skype users and access our library of camera personalities, wallpaper, and drawing tools. Professional users will be provided with various call controls, white boarding, meeting moderation, bandwidth control, and recording and archiving tools through our network of partners.
One thing to note, this plug-in has near official status, since the two companies “share a prominent investor and board member.” That would be DFJ!
Anbody notice the name of the window… AMacintosh
oh that is too funny. mac is still the inspiration for everyone it seems
“One thing to note, this plug-in has near official status, since the two companies “share a prominent investor and board member.? That would be DFJ!”
That was obvious for at least 18 months. Viditel was struggling to get off the ground while Skype was flying. Any VC would marry two companies – at his terms, obviously. Why would Draper let anyone in video business with Skype apart from Viditel?
Google Talk support has been added to vSkype (now named Festoon). Festoon also offers new immersive video effects like a cell phone ringtones. Get the new update at http://www.festooninc.com
Festoon still supports Skype and future releases will include the capability to perform video calls between platforms.
Thanks,
Max Montgomery / Festoon
Skype and myspace signed a cooperation agreement. they want to bring VoIP Service to myspace users
There are many Videochat
applications these days. But my vote goes to oxjo