We were promised flying cars and videophones
They’re still working on the first
But the second has arrived. And its free.
If you think that online video hasn’t trickled down to the rest of us, I had an exhilarating experience Sunday that opened my eyes. It turned a family gathering in Seal Beach, California (my niece’s violin recital) into a nationwide video reunion.
And all it took was my existing computer and a free piece of software you may already know about.
I’ve been playing around recently with the latest version of Skype, the free downloadable software (Mac & PC) that piggybacks on your high-speed internet connection to let you talk to any Skype user anywhere in the world for free.
But what’s really ringing my chimes is the ability to use Skype to place video calls to other Skype users over the same high-speed pipe. And, you guessed it, its free.
All you need is a webcam, the latest version of Skype, the Skype name of the person you’re calling (you get one when you register) and a high-speed web connection.
Since my webcam and microphone are built into my Mac, this was insanely easy. (If you’re on a PC, you may have to attach your webcam and mic externally). Just open the Skype preferences, click on the Enable Skype Video checkbox, and choose your video source from the drop down menu. Then place the Skype call.
What a thrill this must have been for my folks (both in their 80’s) as they gathered around the computer along with my brother, his wife and their two kids. Magically playing across the screen was my sister’s family, ensconced away happily in Colorado. We kinda had to restrain my nephew Eric (he’s 3), but other than that it was spectacular.
So Rob, lets talk money . . .
Of course, most of us can’t monetize family reunions. But how about a bonus of a live 45-minute video consulting session for folks who purchase your high-end audio products? Or how about offering a premium edition of your regular coaching as a Skype video coaching package?
With a little creativity, you can probably figure out several new ways this Skype capacity can add value to your existing audio products and services. And add nicely to your profit.
And honestly, can flying cars do that?
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4 comments:
Rob, as usual, another wonderful post announcing the latest cutting-edge tool to help explode our businesses.
Check out Camtasia Studio 4. All of Camtasia Recorder's video effects can be used with live output, includig the new Skype.
Thanks again for your continued support.
So Rob - sounds like you streamed your niece's violin recital. Was there a wireless network you had access to at the venue?
Suzanne
Actually, the violin recital happened earlier in the day. It was just what brought us together.
The Skype connection happened later that evening at my brothers house over a traditional high speed connection.
Sorry if that wasn't clear.
Rob
Rob, I've been using Skype for sometime now and love, love, love it. I'm on a Mac Powerbook, and I bought a Sony Ericsson bluetooth headset (mine is a model HBH-608) that works great with Skype and was so easy to set up, I couldn't believe it. I opted in for the add-on of $29.95 and now make all my business calls to real phones via Skype. It's crystal clear and none of my clients could tell I wasn't using a telephone. The phone companies have got to hate this!
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