Logitech has launched a new video service, Logitech IM Video Companion, which enables users of MSN Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) to add live video to instant messages.
Logitech IM Video Companion is said to complement the current features built into MSN Messenger and AIM. This service, which works with most Web cameras, can be downloaded from http://companion.logitech.com. It will also ship directly with all new Logitech Web cameras.
"Since June 2001 when video instant messaging was introduced by Yahoo Messenger, millions of webcam users have taken advantage of this new feature," says Junien Labrousse, senior vice president of the Logitech Video Business Unit.
"Instant messaging continues to emerge as the fastest growing communication platform. As the leading provider of Web cameras, Logitech wanted to offer its customers an enriching and personal IM experience by enabling live video that works with MSN Messenger and AIM," says Labrousse.
"We have created the Logitech IM Video Companion to work in tandem with current IM clients, so users can continue to enjoy the advanced features built directly into those applications, while including video in their interaction."
How it works
Users log onto and use their MSN Messenger and AIM clients as usual. Then, to add live video, they simply launch Logitech IM Video Companion and invite a friend to "View my Webcam".
Most viewers do not need any special software installed in order to watch the live video. To ensure privacy, only those friends that the sender invites will be able to view the live video.
With the Logitech IM Video Companion, live videos can be simultaneously sent, or broadcast, to multiple friends. What`s more, at any point during the IM session, broadcasters have the option to stop sending video to one or all friends.
Logitech IM Video Companion enables both broadband and modem users to broadcast or view high quality live video. The application utilises advanced compression technologies that automatically adapt to the user`s Internet connection, which optimises the video performance for both the broadcaster and the viewers based on the individual Internet speed.
IM Video Companion addresses firewall issues, ensuring the video will work even if one of the participants is behind a firewall or NAT.
It also allows any PC user with Windows 98 or higher to broadcast live video. Viewers can watch the video within most current Web browsers, including browsers on Macintosh computers.
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Founded in 1981, Logitech designs, manufactures and markets personal interface products that enable people to effectively work, play, and communicate in the digital world. The company`s product family includes Internet video cameras, mice and trackballs, keyboards, headsets and speakers, interactive gaming devices and 3D controllers.
With operational headquarters through its US subsidiary in Fremont, California, and regional headquarters through local subsidiaries in Switzerland, Taiwan and Hong Kong, Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded in Switzerland on the Swiss Stock Exchange under the symbols LOGN and LOGZ, and in the US on the Nasdaq National Market System (LOGI). The company has manufacturing facilities in Asia and offices in major cities in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.