Bangalore: The world's most popular free Internet telephone service has acquired a video edge. Luxembourg-based Skype, whose free Internet Protocol (IP)-based virtual telephone dialler has seen 200 million downloads and nearly 70 million regular users, announced a new version 2.0 on Friday, which includes a video capability, for free download. Users can see the called person as they speak — and be seen — as long as both have a web camera latched to their desktop or portable personal computer.

While virtually free video calls via the Internet is nothing new, most solutions are complicated and demand a common software and compatible webcams and microphones at both ends.

Skype announced a tie-up with the world's two leading Webcam makers, Logitech and Creative, whereby most of their existing product line will work seamlessly with the new software. This is a free 8 megabyte download from http://www.skype.com/products/skype/windows/ and once installed at both ends, with webcam and microphone activated, it opens a 9 cm by 9 cm video window on the computer screen.

For Indian PC owners whose systems already run Windows XP, and include multimedia features (loudspeakers and mike), the only additional expense will be a suitable webcam, which costs Rs. 1,000-1,500 in most cities. The video quality depends on the Internet connection: with broadband it is reliable, but dial-up users might find the pictures breaking up if connection speeds fall.

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