Where’s the web-based version of Skype or don’t we need one?
I’ve hit a real stumbling block in my cloud-challenge, i.e.: the effort I started on June 6th to see if I could work solely within a browser. By and large, it’s been very successful, but the one client application I can’t seem to get away from is Skype. I use it every day and it’s the application that James and I use for our Geek Session video chats.
Last week, I took a look at TokBox with James. It’s a Firefox extension that essentially attaches itself to the Facebook chat application. ToxBox uses Flash technology and offered us a nice side-by-side video chat (shown above) that would be great for our Geek Sessions, but performance wasn’t even close to that of Skype. We experienced lags and sync issues between audio & video; just not good enough for our needs. Granted, we’re trying to produce decent quality video broadcasts, so folks that just want a basic video web-client for their Facebook contacts might find this of use.
Got any web-based video-conference tools that we’re missing and should be looking at? Seems to me there’s room in the clouds for a good one and while I love the Skype client, it would be nice to see a web-based version. Then again, there might not be a need since you can run Skype on Windows, Mac, Linux, Nokia Internet Tablets and more… maybe I’m trying to hard on this one? Actually, since we’re both smiling in the above video shot, maybe we’re just having too much fun. 
You should try Acrobat ConnectNow service. You got app. sharing + video + audio and it’s very effective :
https://www.acrobat.com/ and click on the “connectnow” button
I like the “no setup” experience for the sharing feature.
to bad that google dont seem to be working on a video system for gtalk. if they did, it could end up in jabber/xmpp…
Meebo?
Try http://www.MeBeam.com
Also works for multiple conference windows with Pigdin…
I would call it cloudbook compatible not 100% web…super tiny footprint though.
Cheers,
Zubin.
You guys might want to check out http://www.stickam.com — not Skype, but an interesting browser-based alternative.
I actually think you are right on the spot with this request for a web-based version of Skype – there is a diffuse need for it.
Re web-based video-conferencing systems you should give a look to Mebeam, ConnectNow from Adobe, and VSee which may surprise you.
Today I am also going to publish on http://www.MasterNewMedia.org a short guide to the best live video streaming services out there. Most if not all of these are web-based and they could well replace your Skype need for video interviews and chat while offering live public access to them from your audience.