Microsoft has added webcam functionality to MSN
Messenger 5.0, allowing users to stream and view live video via
instant messages.
Swiss firm Logitech is providing the add-in application and
maintaining the connection service.
With the MSN software and a webcam, users will be able to stream
video to contacts through many firewalls.
The deal will escalate the battle being waged among
leading Microsoft, Yahoo! and America Online, which are scrambling
to take control of the growing IM market. Yahoo! added a webcam
service to its IM client last year, but AOL has yet to do so.
Bruce Friedricks, director of product marketing for Logitech's
Video Business Unit, said that after Yahoo! had reported a quick
uptake of its service, his company recognised that consumers would
be enthusiastic about the integration of IM with webcams.
"Now we are excited about bringing this service to MSN
Messenger's base of more than 75 million users," he added.
The video streams at "several frames per second", depending on
whether users have dial-up or broadband internet connections,
according to Friedricks.
Interestingly, Logitech camera users can also stream video to
contacts on AOL Instant Messenger, provided they download the
company's IM Video Companion application. However, Friedricks said
users preferred an integrated environment, like the one his company
is providing for MSN.
Logitech and Microsoft have worked together in the past, as
Windows XP launched with Logitech camera drivers pre-installed.
"We are looking to continue to strengthen our relationship with
Microsoft," Friedricks said. In that vein, the companies are
planning further integration between MSN Messenger and the webcam
functions.
Microsoft's is also rolling out a corporate instant messaging
and collaboration suite, called Greenwich.
The new webcam add-in can be downloaded at
http://messenger.msn.com/support/webcam.asp