New 'Vibe Phone' Makes Live Video Calls From PCs Easy

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July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- GlobalStreams today announced a new video communications product that allows consumers to conduct live, real-time video calls from their PCs, combined with picture sharing and easily applied graphics effects. The new product, Vibe Phone, allows anyone with a PC webcam and broadband access via cable or DSL modem the ability to communicate face to face from their PC with a few clicks.

"Vibe Phone combines the click-and-call simplicity of a telephone with instant messaging-like features and picture sharing to connect families and friends in a more intimate and personal way," said Ted Briscoe, GlobalStreams CEO and President. "It goes far beyond today's instant messaging applications that simply add on video to text chat. Instead, Vibe Phone offers a video-based communication tool that delivers a quality video experience."

Features include:

An easy-to-use interface that displays large, clear images of both caller and callee on both users' PCs
Special compression technology that allows for video image clarity and the synchronization of audio and video for standard broadband connections (at least 128 kbps upload speed)
A drag-and-drop picture sharing feature that lets users share digital photos or Microsoft PowerPoint slides while talking face to face
Easy overlay of graphics onto the application's video windows to produce titles and effects
Picture-based contact lists that can be imported from email address books or entered manually
Support for 2 firewall calls that requires no manual configuration to cut through network routers, which means more calls get connected more often

Calls can be placed simply by clicking on the desired person's picture on the contact list, and answered with one click. The audio feed can be routed either through the webcam's microphone or a separate headset. The application can be used with most standard PC web cameras.

New features to be added in the near future include an enhancement that will allow customers to record and send video greetings and messages to friends and family.

"Vibe Phone is a great example of an application taking advantage of a robust and high-performing Intel Pentium 4 processor-based platform," said David L. Brown, General Manager, Software Enabling Division at Intel Corporation. "Vibe Phone has been optimized for the Intel Pentium 4 processor with Hyper Threading Technology* delivering a rich video, audio and image viewing experience that can significantly enhance users' experience."

Minimum system requirements include a Pentium III computer with a 500 MHz processor, broadband access with at least 128 kpbs upload speed, and a standard webcam. For an optimal Vibe Phone experience, headsets with a microphone, or a separate microphone, can be used.

Vibe Phone is currently available through download sites, such as ZDnet and Cnet, and through www.vibephone.com . At the Vibe Phone site, consumers can download a free trial version of the software good for 100 minutes, or they can choose from three monthly calling plans: $4.95 for 100 minutes; $9.95 for 250 minutes; or $19.95 for 650 minutes.

GlobalStreams is also establishing distribution partnerships with national webcam and broadband providers, who can use Vibe Phone as a platform that drives demand for their services.

For additional information, visit www.globalstreams.com or www.vibephone.com.

*Hyper-Threading Technology requires a computer system with an Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 processor supporting HT Technology and an HT Technology enabled chipset, BIOS and operating system. Performance will vary depending on the specific hardware and software you use. See www.intel.com/info/hyperthreading for more information including details on which processors support HT Technology.

Source: GlobalStreams