Google Mobile event to be held Thursday, Android video calling to debut?

_Jimlad_

_Jimlad_

_Jimlad_

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The Google Mobile team today sent out invites to a select number of media outlets inviting them to attend a special Google Mobile event at the company's San Francisco offices on Thursday.

The invite, which promises the “unveiling [of] a couple of cool new mobile features,” was sent out earlier this morning to select media outlets via email, and provides little information about what will be revealed on Thursday.

While it's unclear exactly what the Mobile team will announce at the meeting, All Things D writer Kara Swisher is speculating that Google mobile product management director Hugo Barra's demonstration to the media could include video calling support, which would rival Apple's entry into the world of video calling for the iPhone, FaceTime.

Native support for video calling is not yet present on Android devices -- although several applications can be downloaded from the Android Marketplace that support video conversations. So it's a plausible thought that Google is keen to add support for video calling as soon as possible to avoid losing ground to Apple, whose FaceTime voice calling application has seen rave reviews for it's simplicity and ease of use.

Swisher also throws out the possibility that Google could release it's own Android-based version of Apple's 'Find my iPhone' app which allows iPhone users to track their devices and wipe or display messages on the device if lost.

http://www.neowin.net/news/google-mobile-event-to-be-held-thursday-android-video-calling-to-debut
 
Maybe Americans like the whole seeing-your-face aspect more than we do. Still a massive gimmick in my book though - I don't know why they think it's the second coming, Skype didn't revolutionise the world after all.
 
Dont most people walk and talk, or at least do something while they are talking on the phone. Never wanted to see the face of the person I am talking to.
 
no im not fussed with it either, its a more an American thing i feel, they hardly text compared to us, they call each other, brits don't as much :D

anyway not fussed about that, i hope they have some more features for us android boys
 
For video calling to stand any chance of taking off, it needs to be backwards compatible with most other handsets, I can't see Google and Apple playing ball when it comes to it.
 
[TW]Fox;17133981 said:
Everyone had this in 2004. Why are people trying to convince us its the latest thing?
Click to expand...

about sums it up in a nut shell, been there done that, why try to reinvent it again.

There are other things they shoud be concerntrating on, example - sorting bugs out in the curent OS.

I feel better for getting that of my chest :D:D
 
Why try to reinvent it again?

Because Apple have very few idea's for the iphone, look at what is actually new in this new one. a better resolution and this video calling gimmick.

Everything else they have upgraded is what is currently out there in most smart phones.

pointless
 
anyone know a country where video calling has taken off? I guess it will only be useful for businesses where they do video conferencing.
 
I used to have video calling on my old SE - never used it - I could see how it might be a nice thing to have if someone you wanted to talk to on the other side of the world had the same technology but I think it's a long way from being something that anyone else would want to be doing. It's monopolising the majority of your senses - harder to multitask when you've got your video going... still could have it's 'fun' applications :D
 
iPhone is not even that good as you need to be connected over WiFi for it to work.... Video calling from 2-3 years ago worked over the mobile network FFS
 
_Jimlad_ said:
you say old stuff, but 3D was a big thing a long long time ago... and now look
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Yup, and the iPhone concept was attempted back nearly 20 years ago with the Apple Newton (or just about) and it took till 2007 for it to succeed. Maybe video calling's time is now....although to be honest I'm not that convinced.
 
Might it be the features in the next edition of Android? Isn't that due in September/October time?

Also... didn't Google say something about buying music through the marketplace was going to be available when Froyo is released... is this currently available?
 
I know literally nobody who has ever made a videocall. Even with their iphone. The UK does not give a toss.
 
Things that hold technology back are not having the means to build the technology, the technology not being stable enough to use and lack of demand.

Pretty sure that video calling can be filed under the last point there. Christ, half the time I dont want to talk to someone on my phone. Text messages are a mans best friend.
 
[TW]Fox;17133981 said:
Everyone had this in 2004. Why are people trying to convince us its the latest thing?
Click to expand...

Yes, with crap phones, crap data packages, crap data network etc... etc...

Apple have made it pretty appealing with the new iPhone, works over wifi and doesn't eat into your monthly minutes (a great plus in my opinion).

For those saying "omg it needs to work over 3g" obviously don't understand the requirements for smooth video/voice.

Is it going to change the world? No.

Is it a nice additional use for the additional camera? Yes. Couples / family etc can chat for free and with video. I don't see the problem.
 
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