Sequoia backed Tokbox (they are actually working from Sequoia’s offices, just a couple of doors down from where YouTube was incubated), a video chat service that does not require any software downloads, is now allowing up to six simultaneous participants. Skype video, by contrast, only allows two participants, and it requires that all users be using the Skype software.
For now TokBox is only launching this feature via their Meebo integration – this also means all participants can simultaneously text chat during the session as well. SnapYap, a sponsor of our recent Boston meetup, is a competitor to Tokbox (and by the way, see some video footage of the event here).
Looks promising, especially if they manage to deliver good audio and video quality.
The weird thing is that some services, like video conference, feel more suitable to software based applications.
And the hits keep coming.. brilliant new feature…
I work with a startup (www.i5invest.com) that has teams spread out between Austria and NY. This free service could be a very important tool for us to stay connected and coordinate activities. We currently use Skype but the ability to have a video chat with six members of the team at once will most likely encourage us to make the switch.
OK, I can’t resist (which, by the way, makes me fall into category 1 . . . no, 2 . . . no, 3 . . . oh, darn):
Human nature, at a very simple level, has a lot to do with “what’s in it for me”. That applies to everyone; at the end of the day there is simply no such thing as altruism. Politicians who run for higher office may really believe they have something to contribute, but the very act of running . . . AND the act of believing they have “something to contribute” points to egoism, even if they legitimately ‘belong’ in office. So-called ’selfless’ clergypeople are no different; evn if the mechanism seems different, their egos are stroked by caring for others.
It is what it is . . . and while I enjoy the exercie of the analysis, this one ultimately leads to no real insight. Which makes me sad.
Umm . . . and I participated, which makes me . . . human.
Jeff Yablon
President and CEO
PC-VIP Inc.
http://pc-vip.com
Do you have a a link for us?
I can’t seem to find it…
this is a great idea and great features specially for business owner.
Nat
http://www.workersinc.com
Reminds me of CuSeeMe. If I recall it allowed up to 8 people on at once back in the late 90s. Why is this technology so slow to come to light? Will it have the same potential for Webcam orgies as CSM did? Time will only tell.
Also, how did they get Harry Potter to make a cameo in that screen cap?
Now they’ve just got to rearrange the squares so you can chat it up Brady Bunch-style….
Seems they are targeting both skype and meebo users, nice idea.
Congratulations to Bart Solowiej and the rest of the tokbox team. You guys are creating a great product, one that I certainly use and appreciate having.
Now, if you can get this working on mobile handset browsers, you will be considered gods in my book!
Http://twitter.com/corbett3000
stickam anyone?
Did these guys fix their address book spammer by the way? I just got a bunch of TokBox signup requests last week from a mailing list.
worked well with 4 participants for me. I’ve used tb regularly and the quality/speed has risen. Naturally, live video with low latency is a huge challenge and not yet fully solved but these guys are improving rapidly…
worked well for 3 – 4 participants although it is a very useful service for when i use meebo when i dont have access to install or use msn messenger itself.
Anrkist ,
Your right , that the same concept of CuSeeMe, i think, i still have the software version on my file, even the skype, the same concept from VocalTec
Nat
http://www.workersinc.com
No, actually they got booted from Sequoia’s offices. Do your homework.
Meebo have two video conferencing plugins. The other one Mebeam, has 16 video windows inside Meebo ..
Wouldn’t this get hellishly confusing?
Hello… where is the links ??
or pluggins, where is ??
Thanks