VOIP and video chat solutions are becoming much more common and user-friendly. While I’m going to go over multiple programs (Skype, iChat, and FaceTime), my preferred app is Skype because it’s available for most platforms, allowing you to talk to people on almost any kind of hardware.

Managing Your Default Preferences

If you’re using the built-in microphone and iSight camera, you can skip over this part. Please, for the love of Steve Jobs, don’t use the built-in microphone. You will end up producing a sound not unlike yelling into a flushing toilet bowl, albeit one with great acoustics. Headsets with boom microphones are relatively inexpensive at around $30, so do your listeners a favor and buy one.

If you have an external headset, open up your System Preferences and choose Sound, then go to the Input tab. Make sure your microphone is plugged in to your Mac, and that OS X sees your microphone and you’ve set it as the default input device, and set the headset as the default output device.

Now, the dirty secret is, this isn’t really going to change much in many programs, except for iChat. Since it’s unlikely you’ll keep your headset plugged in all the time, when you unplug it, OS X will go back to the default setting of the built-in gear. Even so, it’s the perfect place to make sure OS X can detect and use your hardware.

Setting up iChat

Apple provides an A/V communications program on every Mac called iChat. It’s very easy to set up and use, but for video, the protocols it supports are limited. Google Video Chat accounts, for instance, are rumored to not work well with iChat video. MobileMe and AOL Instant Messenger accounts work well, however.

As with most Apple programs, setting up iChat is pretty easy. Open up the iChat Preferences, choose Audio/Video, and choose your camera from the drop down list. I’m using an Xbox 360 Camera as my test, so that’s why I have a “Camera #2″ showing. So long as you have a recent USB webcam (one that’s USB Video Class compliant and uses USB 2.0), it should be recognized under OS X 10.6.6 (the latest version).

Setting up FaceTime

FaceTime for the Mac lets you video chat with a supported iOS device or another Mac user. Currently, FaceTime only supports recent iPod touches, iPhone 4s, and Macs running 10.6.4 or higher, making the number of people you can reach fairly limited. Another limitation is that I couldn’t get FaceTime to detect my external video camera. This could be a major issue if you’re using a MacBook with the lid closed, or a Mac mini.

Setting it up is easy, though, if you’re content with your built-in iSight camera. You download the program from Apple’s site, and log in with your Apple ID. FaceTime will then prompt you for the email address you want to be identified by.

Below is a cropped screenshot of the settings panel, but all it has is an On/Off switch and a display of what email addresses you’re using. FaceTime uses your default audio input and output devices.

Setting up Skype

As I mentioned earlier, Skype is my favorite of the video conferencing apps. It’s easy to set up, and since everyone is using the same network (Skype doesn’t support multiple protocols like iChat), a lot of hassles are eliminated.

If you haven’t already set up a Skype account, the first time you open the app you’ll be prompted to create one. Then go to Preferences, Audio/Video and select your preferred Microphone, Speakers and Camera from the drop-down source lists. Skype lets you specify different devices for in-call audio and the ringer for incoming calls, which can be useful if you have your headset plugged in but you aren’t wearing it.

What I love is since Skype lets you call toll-free numbers free of charge, you can easily take notes or browse the web while on a conference call without having to awkwardly shoulder your phone.

Final Thoughts

If you’re video chatting for work, still make sure you’re in business attire when working from home. Also, if it’s a business call make sure your on-camera surroundings are neat, and your camera isn’t aimed at the pin-up calendar on your back wall. And make sure you’re wearing pants, just in case you need to stand up suddenly.

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The web has been rife today with news that Stéphane Richard, an executive from France Télécom, the French communications company, had let slip could-be details about Apple’s supposedly upcoming tablet in a recent radio interview.

During the Europe 1 interview, which aired Monday morning, Richard revealed to radio host Jean Pierre Elkabbach that the highly debated tablet could feature a built-in webcam, possibly similar to that found in Apple’s current computer lineup, and disclosed that the device will have integrated 3G capabilities. According to Richard, cell phone carrier Orange will be providing the 3G network infrastructure for the tablet in France. However, he failed to specify any price points or possible contact plans.

Apple is expected to unveil its long-rumored tablet at a San Francisco press event toward the end of this month, where hopefully all will finally be made known, putting an end to more than a year’s worth of often deliberate speculation.

The translated interview between Richard and Elkabbach follows:

Elkabbach: According to the weekly magazine Le Point, in a few days your partner Apple will launch a tablet?
Richard: Yes.
Elkabbach: Equipped with a webcam?
Richard: Yes.
Elkabbach: Will Orange customers be able to enjoy it?
Richard: Of course!

The entire recorded interview can be seen (in French) over on NowhereElse.fr, with the pertinent details discussed around six minutes in.

Following the interview, to little surprise, no official comment has been made from Apple, however Orange has since attempted to clarify on the “leak,” releasing the following statement a few hours after the interview aired:

“These responses in no way reflect Orange’s confirmation of the existence of the rumored device. The spokesperson was merely confirming that he is aware of the speculation surrounding a launch and that Orange would be delighted to have such a product were it ever to be available.”

France Télécom currently enjoys a healthy relationship with Apple, with the telecom company selling the iPhone in over 28 countries through its global mobile brand, Orange. So, I’d like to think that this slip-of-the-tongue from Richard could be deemed as credible, despite Orange’s somewhat fluffy statement.

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Ecamm Network have announced the world’s first webcam with Bluetooth wireless technology. The new BT-1 webcam combines top-notch video and sound with complete freedom from wires. This is the first Bluetooth webcam supported by OS X, and will be priced at $149.99 when launched in a few months time.

Technical Details

The BT-1 streams H.264 video and AAC audio, taking advantage of Mac OS X’s rich media capabilities to provide a truly seamless experience. The detailed specifications are:

• 640×480 H.264 video and 48 kHz AAC stereo audio
• Compact 2″ x 2½” x 5/8″ design
• Compatible with iChat, Skype and more
• Standard tripod mounting screw
• 4 hour talk time
• Includes a flexible mini-tripod and USB charging cable
• Works on all latest Macs with Leopard and Bluetooth v2.0+EDR or better.

Designed for video chat, the BT-1 frees Mac users from the constraints of a built-in camera, allowing for maximum versatility in camera position, pan and tilt. The included flexible mini-tripod makes for easy desktop mounting.

“Introducing this new class of wireless products is very exciting,” says Ecamm’s Glen Aspeslagh. “Users will be impressed with the quality and ease of use that we’ve built into the BT-1.” It will be interesting to see actual footage taken with the camera to judge just how capable Bluetooth is at streaming the required video quality from different distances.

The BT-1 Wireless Webcam is expected to be available worldwide beginning in March. The suggested retail price in the U.S. is $149.99, and Ecamm Network will be showing the webcam at the Macworld Conference. If you’re already sold, pre-orders are currently being taken and you can also sign up for more information through an email newsletter.

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