UPDATED 16:40 EDT / AUGUST 21 2012

Skype, OoVoo Update Chat for More Photo, Video Sharing

There are a lot of ways to keep in contact with people near and far.  There’s always our phones to send messages or call, but many people use chat tools as a cheaper alternative, especially if you’re communicating with friends or family overseas.  Mobile’s revamped the chat industry, breathing new life into a tool long associated with busy teens on AOL, and the major players are battling over features, point-of-integration and niche services, all vying for your attention.

Here’s the latest:

Skype

A lot of iPhone and iPad users love using Skype to stay connected with friends and family, but there’s always been a missing feature in the mobile app: photosharing.  With the new Skype version, you can now instantly send photos to your Skype contacts and you don’t even have to worry about file limits or fees.  Additionally, the new iOS version now features a smoother video experience with anti-shake.

OoVoo

Chat service OoVoo is aiming to add premium video content by the end of this year, noting ways their user base uses OoVoo to share TV shows that aren’t easily accessed.  Since Dish dropped AMC, there’s been a scarcity of places to watch top AMC shows like Mad Men, Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead.   OoVoo users have been filming their TV screens with their laptop or smartphone so their OoVoo friends can watch their favorite shows.  They saw that their users are interested in watching videos while chatting so they’re going to amp up their offering.  Aside from that, they’re seeing their service as a new advertising venue, which could spell greater presence for brands and big bucks for them.

FaceTime

FaceTime, Apple’s chat tool, is enjoyed by iPhone and iPad users via WiFi, but when their new iOS rolls out, the service can be enjoyed via cellular networks.  This means more people can connect with their friends via FaceTime as they no longer have to rely on WiFi availability.  The thing is, AT&T stated that FaceTime for cellular network “would be a feature for customers of its shared data plans, not customers who have the older unlimited or tiered data plans.”  John Bergmayer, senior staff lawyer at Public Knowledge, said AT&T was violating the FCC’s Open Internet Rules which states that mobile providers shall not “block applications that compete with the provider’s voice or video telephony services.”

Cryptocat

And if you’re a paranoid person or you just feel like someone is looking into your online activities especially your chat session, then Cryptocat is the best chat tool for you.  Cryptocat is the product of 21-year old college student Nadim Kobeissi.  It allows people to securely chat online, without downloading anything.  It uses end-to-end encryption to secure chat sessions.  But his efforts made him a government target as he often has to go through searches and interrogations in airports when travelling.  Though it can be irritating and somewhat disheartening, Kobeissi isn’t letting the “SSSS” printed on his boarding pass deter him from his mission to keeping private conversations safe from prying eyes.


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