There are electronic communication devices that give users the opportunity to see each other "face to face" whilst being anywhere in the world. All one needs is some service to get the connection rolling. It may be hard for us now in 2011 to imagine the world without video chatting. I remember the first time I interacted with someone through a video chatting device, internationally, for absolutely no charge. It was unbelievably amazing! If it costs less to communicate internationally and "face to face" at that, then why run up your phone bill? Video chatting has become easy and advantageous for everyone: family reconnecting with one another, friends chitchatting, and professionals conducting meetings with overseas partners. It is often said that Computer-mediated communication takes the emotion out of conversing. I do agree with this to an extent. However video chatting allows people to interact through technology meanwhile online shopping, emailing, instant messaging and using search engines all while being able to show your emotions through a screen. As using the Internet has become a daily activity for Americans, what can be more convenient than face to face (FtF) communication online!
The tools I chose to learn more about was Pamela for Skype and Skype itself as I am quite familiar with video chatting devices such as Oovoo, Apple’s iChat, and AIM. Skype is an application that allows users to make voice calls as well as video calls and conference calls through the click of a mouse or touchpad. Besides giving users the ability to look directly at the person they’re speaking with, Skype is a great device because it is free. As of this month it is said that Skype has approximately 929 million users. Right up there with Facebook which has more than 800 million active users. Skype is software that uses (VoIP) Voice over Internet Protocol. Therefore this telephonic communication can be done only via Internet as with all other video chatting software. Meanwhile Facebook is a social networking site Skype is more of a social communication tool. They both fall under social media. Wikipedia defines Social Media as the use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn communication into an interactive dialogue.
Skype’s memorable and playful light blue on white logo I believe is what attracts many users. For those who don’t know Skype is based in Luxembourg, a country between Belgium and Germany. According to them “Skype is for dong things together whenever you’re apart. Skype’s text, voice and video make it simple to share experiences with the people that matter to you wherever you are.” Also although Skype is free one can spending some bucks for some extra service.
Pamela for Skype on the other hand is software that is compatible with Skype although not affiliated with Skype. This software can be downloaded and it allows users to record Skype calls, videos, chats etc. Mainly it is an audio and video recording software. A basic download is available for free and with more services the cost increases.
Finally, Skype is a great way for people around the world to interact with one another. It is convenient, safe and free software that anyone who has basic computer knowledge should download and tell their friends to do the same. Skype uses VoIP, so it requires internet connection. Now that I know more about Skype I will consider downloading it to communicate with my family and friends here and overseas.
Sources:
Readings provided by Prof. Yonkers
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media
I recommend for recording skype calls Riviera for skype. Here is a link: Skype Call Recorder It is much powerful than than Pamela and CallGraph
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