Skype adds five-way video calls for Windows, Mac soon
updated 02:35 pm EDT, Thu May 13, 2010
Skype says three-plus video chat a premium feature
Continuing its string of VoIP updates today, Skype has launched a new beta with its promised group video calling feature. The Windows test version allows as many as five users at once and lets users add new users or share screens on the spot. Both a modern computer and a fast Internet connection are needed for every user.
Skype said the feature was free during the beta but would be a "premium" service in the future, although two-way chat and voice only service would remain free. A Mac version of the feature is in development and should be available sometime later in the year.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 1999
Let me get this straight...
What exactly is Skype offering me with multi-way video chat that I should be paying for? In the case of calls to phones I understand why I have to pay for the connection, but what is it about multi-way video that is different from one-to-one video -- is Skype hosting it for me? Someone prioritising the traffic? Doing anything at *all* other than setting up the connection?
I wonder if anyone has told Skype that businesses don't especially need them and that consumers don't especially need to pay for multi-way video? I wish iChat were more reliably passed through firewalls and could do video with non-Macs, then I'd be set.