Video Calling

Skype's new update launched on Tuesday, and it brings a cool new feature to both the Windows and Mac environments. Now, Skype lets you message as well as make video calls with people logged into Facebook.

When you download the new version of Skype, you are presented with the option to connect to Facebook. Once connected, you can then see which of your friends are available to chat or see on video. Calling them is as simple as tapping a button next to their name.

To see a demonstration of how it works, take a look at the video below. For those who want to download the Beta versions now, you can get the Mac version here and the Windows version here.

Another feature has also been added to Skype with Windows. Now, users can get group screen sharing, and the rendering engine has been updated to make the video smoother.

Check out the full video of the new service...

Biscotti this week unveiled the Biscotti TV Phone, a device that lets you make free video calls on your HDTV to family and friends around the world on their TVs, computers, smartphones and tablets that support Google voice and video – all with no monthly fees. Biscotti can even be programmed to automatically answer calls from select contacts and turn on the TV when you receive a call.

The small, the biscotti-shaped device is easy to use too. All you need is a TV and Wi-Fi – just plug it in and start making free calls. The high-definition camera and microphone can capture the entire room, so if your family is together for the holidays but Aunt Jane is stuck in Wisconsin, everyone is visible when you call to say how much she's missed.

Biscotti TV Phone works with Wi-Fi uplink speeds as low as 256 Kbps and delivers true high-definition at speeds of 1 Mbps or greater. It is compatible with HDMI-enabled TVs and popular cable and satellite boxes. A six-button remote control is included. Read more

The main issue with video calls is getting the software and hardware to work uniformly. Well, the Logitech Vid might have gotten it right! It offers a free, fast and easy way to make true-to-life video calls with your Logitech webcam on a PC or Mac computer.

The Logitech Vid offers a streamlined setup and a simple, intuitive interface dedicated to video calling. It also optimizes the speed and resolution of your video call, so you're always getting the best-possible frame rate and resolution for your webcam.

Vid is set up automatically when you plug in your Logitech webcam, so you don't have to worry about anything. Unlike video calling with IM or VoIP programs, the Vid was designed exclusively for video calling and is powered by the Logitech SightSpeed Network. Also, Vid features a very simplistic and intuitive interface.

The Logitech Vid is available for download at www.logitech.com/Vid and is free for anyone who owns a Logitech webcam or anyone who is invited by a Logitech webcam owner.