Festoon Lets Google Talk Users See Each Other

[shifter]

Santa Cruz Networks has launched a Festoon update that enables Google Talk users to see who they are talking to. Festoon is said to allow Google Talk users to talk to and see each other, share applications and engage in immersive video experiences.

"We are redefining the video experience for the digital lifestyle with unparalleled group communications and personalization," said Santa Cruz Networks CEO Itzik Cohen. "Festoon's overwhelming success has proven we're right on target, as the user base grows daily on a viral basis with no marketing. Like cell phone ring tones, Festoon's 'EyeCandy' enables users to uniquely express themselves with immersive video effects as they talk."

"We are committed to making it as easy as possible for you to communicate with your friends using the client that you want," said Google.

Festoon enables Google Talk users to securely conduct video voice calls in groups from 2 to 200 and share photos, spreadsheets, presentations, or applications with others on a call. Festoon offers high-quality group voice using the GIPS audio codec used also by Google Talk, Skype and AIM Triton.

Santa Cruz Networks said that in future releases users would be able to download additional video effects and immersive experiences, as well as access its library of camera personalities, wallpapers and more.

The company also said that it is working with all major presence networks to add group communications to Skype, AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Instant Messenger and MSN Messenger.

Download: Festoon for Google Talk

Source: IT News Online

[Spike]

Wow, I'm speechless. This is an amazing breakthrough in instant messaging. When I get home, I'm definately going to try and video chat with someone.

[Jeff]

Installed. I don't like how the setup directs you to spam everyone on your contact list with an "invitation" to use Festoon, even if it is optional.

I've used Festoon (formerly VSkype) with Skype. It's weird, because it doesn't actually use the voice capabilities of Skype (or now, Google Talk). It uses it's own voice capability. It really only uses Skype or Google Talk to find the contact and initiate the video chat.

The quality was o.k., but I found MSN Messenger's video conversation to be superior.

[MrEggsalad]

Looks like Google Talk is becoming more of a threat to Skype rather than AIM/ICQ, MSN, and Yahoo!. This is really an unexpected move (to me anyways...) Heh...this is awesome though! I like to see who I'm talking with.

[DrBroccoli]

I wonder how long before something like this is added, first-party? I downloaded it and I haven't gotten to try it out, no one to talk to :(, no one has been on lately.