Video chat coming to BlackBerry PlayBook
Research In Motion (RIM) announced that the BlackBerry PlayBook would be receiving a video chat application with the version 1.0.3 update for the device due out on Tuesday, 3 May 2011.
The application, simply called BlackBerry PlayBook Video Chat, is set to work similarly to FaceTime in that calls can only be placed over an internet connected Wi-Fi network and only between PlayBook tablets.
RIM highlighted the following key features of Video Chat:
- One-click video and voice over Wi-Fi calls from the Video Chat contact list, log of recent calls or by entering a BBID email address.
- Incoming call notifications prompt users with a notification pop-up when a new video call comes in, allowing them to accept the call as either a video or voice call, or decline the call. A “Do Not Disturb” option is also available that automatically ignores all incoming calls.
- A picture-in-picture function lets users preview their own video image prior to placing the call in order to see what will be displayed on the other end. They can also switch cameras from front to rear and mute/unmute audio or make or take calls using voice only.
- The friends list lets you maintain your favourite contacts. A picture can be added to a contact to personalize the entry and a call log keeps track of received and missed calls.
Alan Panezic, vice-president of software at RIM said that the application is to be released with the version 1.0.3 update for the BlackBerry PlayBook which is expected to be available by Tuesday, 3 May 2011.
Playbook video chat << Comments and views
Jan Vermeulen is a guest of RIM South Africa at BlackBerry World. Follow Jan (@exxor) and MyBroadband (@mybroadband) for live updates from the event.
Loading ...