TokBox, the impressive video chat startup that doesn’t require any kind of extra software, has launched a new AIR app that will bring the web service’s easy setup to the desktop. Thanks to Adobe’s AIR platform, the software will be cross-compatible and available for Windows, Mac, and Linux users.
The client offers a very simple interface that should be familiar to anyone who has ever used Skype. Users can access all of TokBox’s standard features, which include Video Calls, Instant Messages, and Video Mail. Beyond the easy interface, the client also improves on the TokBox experience by giving users instant notification whenever a contact initiates a chat with them, and also allows them to set their availability status so that others know when they can be contacted. The app also generates a standard TokBox link, so that users can invite their friends to the chat even if they don’t have the client.
The new client should appeal to frequent users of the site, but it seems a little counterintuitive – TokBox is special because you don’t need to use a client, as you do with competitors like Skype or chat networks like AIM and MSN. The release of a desktop client pits TokBox even more directly against these massive networks, and makes it clear that the company isn’t satisfied with just solving a problem (easy browser-based video chat) – they’re looking to take on the big guns.
The new client’s no-hassle setup and universal compatibility make it a strong addition to TokBox’s quickly expanding offerings, which include a recently launched Firefox extension that integrates with Facebook Chat, and integration with Meebo.
This would be great if I could redirect all my instant messenger services to it.
I couldn’t test the service because the Flash plugin kept crashing my browser when I tried to approve it’s use of my camera and mic.
nice app
Hi Craig, Sorry you’re having trouble with Flash. You might want to try to uninstall and reinstall Flash… I had this happen to my home machine last year and after reinstalling flash the problem went away. Feel free to contact us directly if you have continued difficulty. regards, -Nick Triantos, TokBox CEO
I like this app a lot, it really looks like skype, but they should offer different services to compete
Nath
http://www.them...rfulcompany.com
this is the next skype. WOW. skype is crap since it is slow and bloated and not on the web.
I have used tokbox for a while and they just keep getting better. While this client seems counter-intuitive on the surface, it actually solves a very real problem for tokbox users: notification of when you are being “called”. Until now, tokbox was only useful for previously planned conversations. Now it’s useful anytime.
great… its amazing…
So will it allow me to video chat on my mac mini with a USB cam? or does it still need a firewire one?
@techmine, this is Brian from TokBox. TokBox works with nearly every webcam, including USB cams on macs. I use a Logitech USB cam with my Mac.
-Brian
http://www.tokbox.com/brian
Seems like a good use for AIR and it’s a nicely designed application. I assume the entire UI is Flex, is that right Brian, or is this an Ajax-based application with Flash/Flex for the video recording parts?
=Ryan
rstewart@adobe.com
I really love this app.
Were you hiding in cave or what? – “The app also generates a standard TokBox link, so that users can invite their friends to the chat even if they don’t have the client”
Lauren needs some RER — red eye reduction
Ryan – The UI is implemented in Flex / AS3 – adobe has done a great job!
I think this is the best video application ever to be created. I use it all the time to speak with my son, who is in California working very hard and I am in New York missing him. Good luck to all!!!!
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Tokbox is one of my best finds this year! It has been a huge help for my parents who have always hated typing out large emails, and they regularly send video mail to me and my relatives overseas. Video mail is one of those ingenious features and really helps people connect with one another, particularly across timezones.
Hi Ming,
Great to hear! While I love all of the Tokbox products, my favorite is the email product because of the reasons you specified.
I completely agree with Ming. When friends and family are on the other side of the globe, the experience of watching them on video seams so much more real and satisfying. I’m glad to see TokBox and other companies are making steady improvements to our online video chat options.
WoW! Tokbox is an amazing tool for keeping up to date with loved ones, the v-mails provide a very special personal touch to our communications, allowing friends and family to see how kids are growing, how the house looks or simply how we are, you can leave a nice message on a get-together to a friend that is now living far away, or you can send a loving message to your boyfriend any morning … The best thing is that it is easy to use. My grandma loves it!
Tokbox crashes if i load my 150 contacts from MSN..
There is a huge difference between this service and Skype.
The Skype audio/video feed goes directly from user to user. The TokBox video feed goes from the user to a server and from there to the other user. That means that if you (your chat partner) are far from the TokBox video server you will not have a great video chatting experience.
On top of that Skype uses much more better audio and video codecs to encode the aduio and video, which again means better quality!!!
ER
Does Tokbox has the ability to conduct multiple party video webcam live chat?
Yes but Skype crashes my Dell Inspiron 1720 every time I open it. It has for a year and drivers or nothing else fix it. I can’t even start a test call before it locks up completely and the only thing I can do is hit the power button so it shuts down.