Webcams, instant messaging just a natural match
By Jefferson Graham
USA Today
Webcams — those tiny, often eyeball-shaped contraptions that sit atop many a computer — have been around for years, used for everything from coffeepot cams to porn. But as the technology has spread and prices have plummeted, webcams are increasingly being used for two-way online communication.
And now, as air travel becomes more complicated and many people rethink unnecessary trips, the appeal of adding a visual component to ubiquitous online chatting is poised to skyrocket.
"We do it all the time," said John Baron of Weston, Conn. "My mom lives in San Francisco, and this is a nice way to show her the kids. The picture isn't movie quality, but it serves the purpose."
And on Sept. 11, his webcam served another purpose.
Baron, co-founder of a New York software firm, was on his way into the city, with a view of the World Trade Center from the road. He saw the first tower collapse, and immediately turned around. When he got home, he learned his wife had left for Manhattan an hour earlier. His frantic attempts to reach her by cell phone failed, so he went online.
Via Yahoo's Messenger program, he discovered her safe at her sister's apartment — and with a click on his Webcam, he could show her, while chatting, that he was OK. "The video was an added reassurance," said Baron, 41. "It made us both feel good."
Millions of cams online
Others also have been discovering the added dimension of video chat.
Ten million webcams are now in use. Research firm InfoTrends predicts that 7 million more will be sold this year alone. And 29.5 million will be in homes by late 2005, estimates market tracking firm IDC.
"A lot of consumers have powerful PCs, and there's a trend to do more with them," rather than buying new machines, said IDC analyst Chris Chute. "You have more services now with which you can use your webcam, like Yahoo! Messenger, and that's fueling sales."
Another incentive is low prices, averaging $25 to $100. Some discounters have gone as low as $5.
One of the most popular uses for PC-connected webcams is video-enhanced instant messaging (IM), which has recently become available on two of the top three free IM systems. While images are jerky and sound inferior to telephone, "you have the presence of the other person while you're chatting," said Bruce Friedricks of webcam maker Logitech. "You see their smile and feel more connected."
No. 3-ranked Yahoo! Messenger, with 14.1 million users, added video chat in June. "To see and hear someone is so much more powerful than just a text message," said Yahoo!'s Lisa Pollock.
Microsoft's MSN Messenger service (No. 2 with 21.3 million users) makes video messaging possible now with its NetMeeting software, but the new Windows XP operating system, due Oct. 25, will make easy video messaging a key component. In the past, said Windows product manager Greg Sullivan, "it's been difficult to get to work, and the quality hasn't been as good." The new video MSN service will be available only to XP users.
But both Yahoo! and MSN are behind AOL Instant Messenger's 28.4 million users — and AOL has no plans to add video. "Real-time text messages is what our audience likes most," said AOL's Catherine Corre.
Popular with business, too
In the wake of the terrorist attacks, industry observers expect that video conferencing will replace much corporate travel. But businesses will likely use high-end digital cameras and sound equipment that can cost thousands of dollars, and take advantage of high-speed corporate Internet connections.
But, of course, video can't replace all face-to-face visits. People are "still going to want to be together in person for the holidays," said InfoTrends analyst Michelle Slaughter. "What webcams can do is make a call more satisfying."
Logitech's Friedricks said sales spiked at the end of summer with the college crowd. "There's obviously a fear of travel, but at the same time a tremendous need to reach out to people. The webcam allows you to do both."
