Google releasing Android Google Talk video calls for not very many
Summary: Google announced today the impending rollout of Google Talk for Android that supports video calls over 3G, 4G and WiFi. The feature requires Android 2.3+, meaning not many will get to use it.
Google announced today the impending release of Google Talk for Android that supports video calls over 3G, 4G and WiFi. The updated version of GTalk will hit Nexus S devices in the next few weeks and other Android 2.3+ devices after that. Video calls will be possible on the Nexus S after the update, but there aren't many other devices running Android 2.3+ other than Honeycomb tablets, which will get the update "in the future."
Video calls can be made between users of supported Android devices and desktop Google Talk users. Simultaneous video and text chats are possible, with video pausing automatically should the user switch to another window. The audio stream will continue playing when the video is paused, a nice touch.
It's nice to see Google getting Talk updated to support the front-facing cameras that are now common on most Android phones. It is too bad that not many phones are running a version of Android current enough to support the feature. It is a reason for prospective Android tablet buyers to pick one up, and another reason for Android phone owners to lament the lack of OS updates.
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Talkback
RE: Google releasing Android Google Talk video calls for not very many
2.3 phones that will get it is exciting... that means companies will push to get their 2.3 updates out to get more purchases.
RE: Google releasing Android Google Talk video calls for not very many
Skype wasn't allowed to release even a client unless was working only on Wifi connection.
I guess the carriers woke up to the fact that can't nickel and dime subscribers anymore charging an arm and a leg for data services over 3G/4G? That sounds too good to ne true. Nowadays it's all "data" it's not like we are still using any analog wireless voice system. The only main difference is that voice uses very little bandwidth compared to data channels, although with 3G/4G there are no longer the old limitations that wireless data connections had in the past when established via GPRS. Tech capabilities aside, if carriers can get more giving less, they probably thought, why not keep riding the gravy train? It would be stupid not to do so. After all if you had a possibility to make 10x the income and work/invest 100x less that what it would be required with no catch at all... who wouldn't do it? That's what carriers have been and will continue to do.
Google must have had an ace up their sleeve that we don't know about to convince carriers to have the service work on data connections. Call me evil, but maybe this will allow to finally trigger those data overages that web surfing and sporadic web video watching could not? So everyone will be looking for unlimited data plans!;P
RE: Google releasing Android Google Talk video calls for not very many
RE: Google releasing Android Google Talk video calls for not very many
RE: Google releasing Android Google Talk video calls for not very many
RE: Google releasing Android Google Talk video calls for not very many
RE: Google releasing Android Google Talk video calls for not very many
RE: Google releasing Android Google Talk video calls for not very many
RE: Google releasing Android Google Talk video calls for not very many
By the time Sprint/HTC decides who's to blame for the last OTA update debacle and 2.3 is available for the EVO. Apples 6th iPhone will surpass again.
I have been an avid Sprint user since the beginning but, with all the delays and OTA bugs for the EVO (Instinct flop etc.), oh and not to mention, not being able to talk and surf, I am considering a carrier change.
RE: Google releasing Android Google Talk video calls for not very many
I think that its a great message from Google letting us know that they keep their eye on the ball and not let Skype/Qik, Fring, Tango or anyone else take the market from them. Connecting desktop and mobile is essential. They need to make GV international too.