Video Calling 101
Video calling is accomplished as any other
telecommunications network. “A sender transmits a message to a receiver over a
channel consisting of some type of medium.” Video calling requires hardware
devices such as a microphone and camera (both input devices), and a speaker and
monitor (both output devices). Software applications and networks are also
necessary to process and transmit the message. [1]
FaceTime is one such software application.
Entering the Mainstream
Video calling is certainly “the next big trend in
communications” as new smart phones, computers, and even televisions with
front-facing cameras, faster networks, and innovative software applications are
entering the market. The major obstacle to universal video calling today is “a
lack of interoperability between different video-chat platforms.” [2]
There are a number of different video calling applications, many of which cannot be connected with each other. Because “the usefulness of a network equals the square of the number of users” [1], Metcalfe’s Law dictates that video calling will not become universal until interoperability exists. [2]
There are a number of different video calling applications, many of which cannot be connected with each other. Because “the usefulness of a network equals the square of the number of users” [1], Metcalfe’s Law dictates that video calling will not become universal until interoperability exists. [2]
Major Video Calling Applications
The following are some of the major video calling applications that exist today:
All of these applications work similarly; they connect users via a network. [2] Key differences include the video standards to which each operate. For example, FaceTime, which Apple, Inc. hopes will become the standard of the industry, uses H.264 video compression, while Google uses WebM. [3] Another difference is the ease of operation; FaceTime and Tango are among the easiest to use, while other applications such as Qik are much more technical. [4] Yet another difference is the number of users each application currently supports; with over 500 million accounts, Skype is the largest in the market. [2]
- FaceTime
- Skype
- Google Chat
- Tango
- Qik
- Fring
All of these applications work similarly; they connect users via a network. [2] Key differences include the video standards to which each operate. For example, FaceTime, which Apple, Inc. hopes will become the standard of the industry, uses H.264 video compression, while Google uses WebM. [3] Another difference is the ease of operation; FaceTime and Tango are among the easiest to use, while other applications such as Qik are much more technical. [4] Yet another difference is the number of users each application currently supports; with over 500 million accounts, Skype is the largest in the market. [2]
Products similar to FaceTime include Fring, Skype, and Tango. Photos Courtesy Google Images.
Sources:
[1] O’brien, James A. & Marakas, George M. (2010). Telecommunications and Networks. In B. Gordon (Ed.), Introduction to Information Systems (pp. 207-257). New York, NY: McGraw-
Hill/Irwin.
[2] Simonite, Tom. (2011). “Everyone is Video Calling.” MIT Technology Review. Retrieved from http://www.technologyreview.com/communications/27051/?a=f
[3] Aamoth, Doug. (2010). “Why Would Apple Open Up Its ‘FaceTime’ Video Standard?” Time Magazine. Retrieved from http://techland.time.com/2010/06/07/why-would-apple-open-up-its-facetime-video-standard/
[4] Locke, Lauren. (2010). “Tango, the Little Video Calling App that Could.”Technologizer. Retrieved from
http://technologizer.com/2010/10/13/tango-the-little-video-calling-app-that-could/#more-33898
[1] O’brien, James A. & Marakas, George M. (2010). Telecommunications and Networks. In B. Gordon (Ed.), Introduction to Information Systems (pp. 207-257). New York, NY: McGraw-
Hill/Irwin.
[2] Simonite, Tom. (2011). “Everyone is Video Calling.” MIT Technology Review. Retrieved from http://www.technologyreview.com/communications/27051/?a=f
[3] Aamoth, Doug. (2010). “Why Would Apple Open Up Its ‘FaceTime’ Video Standard?” Time Magazine. Retrieved from http://techland.time.com/2010/06/07/why-would-apple-open-up-its-facetime-video-standard/
[4] Locke, Lauren. (2010). “Tango, the Little Video Calling App that Could.”Technologizer. Retrieved from
http://technologizer.com/2010/10/13/tango-the-little-video-calling-app-that-could/#more-33898
