Qik launches video apps for iPhone
Qik, a mobile video streaming platform has introduced an iPhone app, named Qik Video Connect.
The service intends to allow a person to stay connected with friends and family through video calling, video messaging and video sharing.
With the Qik Video Connect, users can instantly share the latest happening with their contacts through a live video call. If they are not able to connect live, users can send a video mail. Customers can also post live video links to Facebook and Twitter.
The social video feed allows users to follow what friends are doing by receiving alerts when new videos are shared and watching those videos directly on their mobile phone. The application is available in two options, Qik Video Connect and Qik Video Connect Plus.
The Plus option is available for US$2.99 and offers additional features such as real-time effects, video editing, and HD quality. Both the Qik Video Connect and Connect Plus apps enable live video chat over 3G or Wi-Fi between iPhones, iPod Touches with built-in cameras. Both apps are available for download at the Apple App store for iPhone and 4 generation iPod Touch models with iOS 4 or later.
Reliance Communications to launch 3G services in Rajasthan (India)
Reliance Communications has announced that it will be launching 3G services in 12 cities of Rajasthan, including Jaipur within a month.
According to Vinay Chandok, Hub Head– Gujarat and Rajasthan, Reliance, Communications, demonstration of 3G capabilities at Jaipur is an integral part of their vision 2015 of creating a Wirefree India, built upon the affordable 3G for all platforms.
He added that the 3G services will be launched within a month in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Bikaner, Ajmer, Udaipur, Sri Ganganagar, Bhiwadi, Alwar, Pilani, Pali and Bhilwara. The range of services to be offered includes video calling, mobile TV, video streaming.
All the applications will be accessed at superfast speeds ubiquitously on a variety of mobile and personal computing devices, for which the company will make available different customized plans for different users.
RCOM launches 3G service in Punjab (India)
Indian mobile network operator Reliance Communications (RCOM) has inaugurated commercial 3G services in the Punjab circle.
According to the company, it will initially offer 3G services in the cities of Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala and Bhatinda cities. According to Sabyasachi Chakraborty, who heads up the company’s wireless operations in the region, the launch of Reliance 3G is an integral part of their vision 2015 of creating a wire-free Punjab built upon the affordable 3G for all platform … Personalisation of services, simplification of tariffs and a content rich portfolio will enable Reliance customers to get better 3G experience in Punjab. They will offer the widest bouquet of cutting edge services including video calling, mobile TV and video streaming.
Skype to add Wi-Fi, 3G video calling to iPhone app
Skype has announced that the new version of its iPhone application adds video call support, allowing users to make video calls over 3G and Wi-Fi networks. The announcement suggests that users of the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch are now able to make and/or receive free video calls with one another, as well as with anyone else running Skype software that supports video calling.
According to Neil Stevens, General Manager of Skype’s consumer business, with video calling representing approximately 40% of all Skype-to-Skype minutes for the first six months of 2010, our users have been eager to get Skype video calling on their mobile phones. By bringing video to mainstream users at their home or work via their desktops, on the go with their mobiles, or into their living room via their TV, Skype has made it possible for millions of people to share video moments wherever they are.
The new Skype for iPhone app will be able to make and receive video calls with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and 4th generation iPod touch with i0S 4.0 or above. The iPad and 3rd generation iPod touch are now able to receive, not send, video calls. Calls can be made between any device using the new Skype for iPhone app and desktop computers including Skype for Windows 4.2 and above, Skype for Mac 2.8 and above, Skype for Linux, and the ASUS Videophone.
Video calls use QVGA video and are reported to average 15 frames per second on received video and 12 frames per second on sent video. But these numbers are very much dependent on the quality of the 3G or Wi-Fi environment being used to make and receive the video calls.
According to a representative from Skype, mobile is a huge priority for them and you will see a lot more updates on the mobile front including Android in the New Year.
Video calling interoperability completed by Canadian telcos
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Two-way mobile video calling trials has been successfully completed by Canada’s big-three mobile networks – Bell, Rogers and TELUS. With the launch of inter-carrier mobile video calling, video calling will be possible across multiple carrier networks and will create North America’s largest two-way mobile video calling community.
According to Stephen Howe, chief technology officer for Bell Mobility, by breaking down the barriers between video calling clients in Canada, the company anticipates strong demand for the service as it saw with past inter-carrier initiatives such as text and picture messaging.
Video calling handsets that support the internationally accepted open 3G-324M Video Telephony standard are offered by Bell, Rogers and TELUS, ensuring compatibility with other systems and carriers supporting the standard.
