As a devout Mac user this rumor about mobile iChat coming from Apple is significant.
It’s significant because Apple has consistently proven that it can break new ground with the Powerbooks and iPods. If Apple can make iChat mobile, it will bring video and video messaging to a new level.
This mirrors a lot of thinking that those in the mobile messaging market have been expressing to me for some time. Recently I spoke to three classes at Temple University about changes in communications. The biggest and maybe the most important comment I had was that talking and seeing other people face to face has to return to their communication habits, and that IM and Email will need to go more visual. The story about Apple’s possible entry into mobile video messaging supports that position.
Hi Andy,
2 comments:
1. Does iChat going mobile necessarily mean video messaging capabilities?
2. Many mobile operator trusted video calls to gain back the billion $$ invested in 3G networks but failed to do so. Partly because of the poor user experience in video calls. It is very awkward to see yourself and your video call partner SO bad. Also you need to hold the phone in an exact angle to see and be seen (relatively) well even though you’re in a speaker mode (so it can’t be a private conversation…). NOT very comfortable… so how this is going to work through mobile iChat? How could we see, be seen and text on a small screen at same time?