Comcast + Skype = Genius
Video conferencing is by no means a new or unorthodox concept. If you look ten or even fifteen years back, large companies were taking advantage of video communications system to hold virtual and entirely visually interactive discussions and meetings with colleagues around the world. But a decade ago, even in its most basic state, the technology wasn’t cost efficient enough to become a mainstream product. Sure, we’re only talking about a screen, camera, basic video equipment, and a broadband connection; but the technology still wasn’t at the point where it could become a fixture in run of the mill households.
But we’re not in the mid to late 90’s, now are we? Broadband Internet connectivity has become a standard in homes and offices of all sizes throughout the country and world. One of the aspects that this innovation has helped greatly has been with communicating, not only by sharing text messages in electronic mail, or even photo snapshots of ones day at the beach, but also in real-time video communication that allows us to communicate with friends and family across the globe right from our desks just as if we were sitting directly in front of them. The widespread availability and use of this technology is really a beautiful thing, allowing us to share smiles, facial expressions, and voice tones for richer and more life-like communications.
Skype, for example, is one service that users of all backgrounds have taken advantage of to communicate both by audio and face-to-face video conferencing. The service, which launched in 2003, was a huge leap from what we had seen with traditional instant messaging because of the fact that it involved actual streaming media. And as things took off, the implementation of video calls in Skype made it a go-to for users around the world. With the release of iOS 4 last year, Apple’s “FaceTime” has gone great lengths as well, brining visual and audio communications to not only Macintosh computers, but to iOS devices as well. Even Microsoft has jumped on board the video communications train with the acquisition of Skype just a few weeks back.
Now we’re seeing Microsoft’s first big move with Skype, a move that illustrates the fact that Microsoft seems very well intent on further developing the service in the years to come. What is this move, you ask? A partnership with cable communications giant Comcast.
According to reports, Comcast is in the works to release a new bundle service this fall that will include an adapter box and high-definition camera that families and individuals will be able to hook up tho their HD TV’s in order to communicate via the Skype network with the facilitation of a QWERTY-based keyboard on the remote control. What this technology will do will allow for entire families to sit in their living rooms and chat with other friends and family members across town or across the world in real-time. It’s exactly like those fancy communications systems I talked about a bit earlier, except it will all be streamlined and dead-simple for end-users.
While the price of the service is yet to be known, I think that Comcast and Microsoft will do really well with this service. You see, one of the setbacks of Skype has always been the fact that it has been limited to webcams, which are most commonly used on desktop and notebook computers. This has meant that group conversations – that is, multiple people sitting together on one side of the camera – have required everyone to cramp around a desk or notebook computer. Not very ideal at all. On the other hand, this development will let users sit hold conversations in much more comfortable environments.
Really, I think this could be a huge milestone for both companies. While I personally don’t use Skype all that much as it is, I can see where this would be an excellent tool for communicating with long-distance family, and if the price is right I think I’m pretty much sold on the idea.
Would you use it? Do you see any potential flaws? Let us know in the comments!