AOL Video Chat beta

[Gandalf]

AOL subscribers can sign-up to test the beta version of AOL software, code name "Blue Hawaii." This version includes something called video messaging, that lets you send video clips to your IM buddies. They aren't live. You record and send, then wait for reply.

Here are the system requirements

quote:
Video Messaging is now available for testing! As a beta tester we need your help testing this initial release "sneak peak" of the Video Messaging feature. Video Messenger allows you to exchange short video clips (20 seconds maximum) and pictures with or without sound with your online friends. Please note: This is non-streaming video. You can send clips and pictures you capture using a USB webcam video camera or you can send existing video and pictures from your hard drive (QuickTime MOV video files and JPEG picture files are supported). Just like your buddy can save any text that you send them in an IM, they can also save any video clip you send to them. This is a preliminary look at this feature, and significant changes to the User Interface and functionality may later be incorporated.

Please note: When you initiate a Video IM session the clips and messages exchanged in it are not bound by AOL's Terms of Service and you will not be able to Notify AOL if you find any material objectionable.

For complete information on using Video Messenger, please consult and print the Help file. Be sure to read the Known Issues list for current information on the feature. If you encounter an Issue not on this list, please file a Bug Report. After testing this new feature please be sure to take the time to file a Survey so we can better suit your needs moving forward.

Feature Requirements:
To fully utilize this feature you should have:
-Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, Windows ME,
Windows 2000, or Windows XP
-A USB video camera, installed and configured for
your computer (consult your camera
manufacturer's documentation)
-A microphone (if you want sound), installed and
configured for your computer (consult your
microphone manufacturer's documentation)
-For optimal performance, your computer should
have a processor of at least 700 MHz speed
(slower computers can use the feature, though
video performance will be impacted)
Please note: Attached video camera and microphone are only required for capturing your own video/sound - you can receive Video Messages and send files without this equipment.

I guess AOL is able to skirt the FCC restrictions that prevent AOL from introducing advanced broadband capabilities by limiting this to a record-and-forward video instead of real-time.

[Jeff]

Someone sent me a screen shot from the AOL "Blue Hawaii" beta:

[img]/im/aim/images/video_messenger.jpg[/img]

[rockerjock]

Not bad looking. I would really like to see it personally. I cant wait till they incorporate it into AIM (which will either be a long time from now or a short time. who knows)

[canion]

Logitech makes a similar program that gives you live video. I am not sure, but I think that you may have to have a Logitech camera. I have used it and it works pretty well, and you don't have to direct connect through instant messenger.

[MimesScareMe]

Im an AIM/AOL user myself, and I think it would slow down the IMs alot by using it so poersonally, its not for me