iChat AV at MacWorld San Francisco? [Archive]

iJon

Oct 26, 2003, 04:07 PM

Originally posted by Iceman06
I agree, they are giving too much to Windows users and it is going to make the Mac OS X less desirable because some of the better programs are already on Windows. iTunes and quicktime is fine but I think that's where they need to stop. And besides, if apple does do it and decides to charge for it then I doubt many people will be getting it.
welll maybe, ichat isnt going to make many switchers, or at least not enough to make a significance. i look at ichat and the isight as apple's next ipod. they came out with it for the mac and it was groundbreaking, came out with it for windows and it took the world by storm. i do think ichat av is pretty useless without the rest of the 98% of the world. I would love to see isight and aim work in the windows world, i just dont think apple needs to make ichat. they are already in good ties with aol. just have aol make an update for aol and aim that puts the phone and camera icon on the buddy list and sell isights. thats all apple needs to do.

iJon

NoVi

Oct 26, 2003, 04:11 PM

Yeah, I think it will be quite essential for iChat to 'survive'

MSN Messenger for MacOSX with same specs as the Win version would be fine too...

Thanatoast

Oct 26, 2003, 04:11 PM

why shouldn't apple give windows users ichat? 30 bucks for apple is better than nothing. plus its advertising value.

also, we know apple likes to keep everything in house. if they provide ichat to everybody, they don't have to deal with compatibility issues with other programs.

and everyone who has downloaded itunes will probably give ichat serious thought.

i think it's all part of the grand plan. even as we speak, steve jobs is growing a bad guy goatee and saying "excellent".

:)

KEL9000

Oct 26, 2003, 04:19 PM

Why would aol allow this? Plus windows has no zeroconf networking so iChat would really work, would it? Pretty lame rumor if you ask me.

iJon

Oct 26, 2003, 04:20 PM

Originally posted by KEL9000
Why would aol allow this? Plus windows has no zeroconf networking so iChat would really work, would it? Pretty lame rumor if you ask me.
itunes sharing works on windows, i dont see how ichat would be any different.

iJon

Freg3000

Oct 26, 2003, 04:35 PM

I am undecided if I like this or not. I'd like to keep as many super cool features on the Mac side of things. Although I do understand the limitations of iChat AV if it is only on Mac OS X, I worry about it on Windows. :(

We shall see.

pyrotoaster

Oct 26, 2003, 04:40 PM

I don't think Apple should port iChat (it's not that great of an app for just IMing). It would make more sense for them to work iChat's AV tech into AIM (I imagine AOL would like this idea, too. It would give them an edge over MSN Messenger).

dricci

Oct 26, 2003, 04:40 PM

Bad idea. Windows users will NOT pay for it. Especially since it has less features than the official AIM client for Windows. The Win AIM client has done voice chat to other Win (or Mac OS 9) AIM clients for years, and most Windows users I know just start up Yahoo if they want to video chat.

Conclusion: With free options available, and more Windows users (who are able to use free Windows voice/video chat products) than Mac users, very few will buy and use a more limited client that will only talk to maybe one or two of their buddies that happen to use a Mac and iChat.

elliscarson

Oct 26, 2003, 04:55 PM

I think you can bet on Apple slowly becoming more committed to their software as a valuable revenue stream. They make great software, but so much of it is limited to a small market. I believe iChat AV will be ported to Windows by the end of 2004. I also expect the price of iSights to drop slightly in that period, to put them in a more competitive position vis-a-vis Logitech, etc.

Mark my words.

yamabushi

Oct 26, 2003, 04:58 PM

It might make sense if they bundled versions for both Windows 2000/XP and Mac OSX with every iSight camera. This might help iSight sales a bit. If they just offered it as standalone software many windows users will try it with their existing cameras, which could cause performance and compatibility problems.

manu chao

Oct 26, 2003, 04:59 PM

They had to port iTunes to Windows in order to bring the iTMS to Windows and to keep the iPod competetive, but for iChatAV I don't really see the incentive (only that it would give Windows users more exposure to great Apple software).

The argument that the Mac would get more attractive for Windows users, if they could do video-conferencing with their still-on-Windows buddies, is not a real one, since they would not have to switch at all to do easy video-conferencing.

And no Windows user would say: "Macs are really not expansive, since I don't have to pay for iChatAV etc."

My proposal would be to give them iChatAV, but make it only work with Macs, not among PCs. :D

chickengrease16

Oct 26, 2003, 05:20 PM

i completely agree with those that disagree :-)

ichat av isn't the best IM program out there... actually i think that AIM for windows is better for IM'ing, because of formatting and blah blah blah. and i do think that the iSight should work with windows, but yeah, AOL should add in videoconferencing support to AIM in that case, and they can charge $30 for it if they want, like apple is for ichat av. i mean, i've got panther so i got ichat av for (relatively) free, but still :-)

centauratlas

Oct 26, 2003, 05:26 PM

I think this is a good thing, here is why:
1. Not everyone is going to switch (unfortunately).

2. It will be marketed like iTunes - as a vehicle to sell the iSight and encourage switchers. It is also a vehicle to get Quicktime (and other Apple software, such as iTunes, on a Windows machine). iTunes and iSight will cross pollinate.

3. Without inter-operability with Windows the usefulness is lower. Yes I can chat with some friends, but not all of them and that is bad. Apple needs iChat to work with other platforms. The odds of someone else doing it are low, but it is just like the *much* improved inter-operability with Windows in Panther. It is a selling point for Macs.

4. It is another opportunity to show the Windows world how much good design matters.

5. The Wall Street Journal had an article about this in the last 2 weeks and the Windows software and cameras are not there quality-wise. This is another opportunity for Apple to raise the bar and show the Windows crowd what they are missing. Being one of the first there with quality is important.

6. Like the iPod and iTunes, it is a trojan horse. 1 million Windows downloads of iTunes in 3.5 days. Think about that. That is great. If even 10% were to switch, is a big number. That pace won't keep up, but I can easily imagine several million per month and if even 10% switch, most will look and be impressed.

7. Things like iTMS for Windows (and Mac) may make a little money, but they aren't going to be a big profit center for Apple given how much they charge and the record co's keep. Some software (like Panther upgrades, iLife) may make some money, but the big money maker for Apple is hardware with great software: Macs, iPods, iSights, iPhone etc.

I think what will happen is this: it will come bundled with AOL. Plus Quicktime (this is a big thing because of xserve and quicktime streaming etc) will too. It will come free with iSight for Windows. I think that those alone justify its cost and existence, the extra exposure is icing on the cake. If they charge for it, not many will buy it, but if it is free, and is clear that it "works best with iSight" then that is a good thing to sell the hardware.

I don't think this is giving away the store, it is the free sample you get when you go in which gets you to buy more.

---
editted: MW SF, is Jan 5-9, 2004, right?

johnnowak

Oct 26, 2003, 06:21 PM

They should make iChat not suck first. I know several of my more.. snobbish PC friends.. would make fun of Apple for CHARGING 30 BUCKS for a client that doesn't even have support for basic stuff like animated buddy icons, tabs, etc. And I wouldn't blame them. Adium is a much better client if you don't need videochat.. and its free.

iChat is better than AOLs client, but its worse than so many others.

Dippo

Oct 26, 2003, 07:11 PM

This just doesn't seem like something that Apple would do.

I think that Apple would actually have more success tying the Video Conferencing feature into AIM and AOL than creating another windows App.

They might want to make iSight avaliable for Windows with drivers and what not, because I am sure they are getting a good margin off that $150.

supercres

Oct 26, 2003, 07:13 PM

Apple should not release iChat for Windows, at least not without making it the best damn IM software known to man!

If they can't do that, then, well, I don't know. AIM has to pick up the Apple features, which seems more likely with this new partership. I love iSight, but hate the fact that I can only videoconference with my family and only audio chat with one friend. (I know, convert them, but that's not really an option-- we're all po' college students...)

I hope they can make iChat into a really great piece of software, but I still don't think anyone would buy it. I'd have to start giving copies to people as gifts if i wanted to talk to 'em...

Still, I have faith in Steve. He knew this would be an issue, so he must be working on something feasible to make it a non-issue.

DeusOmnis

Oct 26, 2003, 07:42 PM

What are they going to do, charge 30 dollars for like they do w/ jag? or are they all of a sudden going to make it free and screw all the mac people who paid. More likely they'll get the windows version of AIM to be fully compatible w/ iSight.

jettredmont

Oct 26, 2003, 08:18 PM

Originally posted by chickengrease16
but yeah, AOL should add in videoconferencing support to AIM in that case, and they can charge $30 for it if they want, like apple is for ichat av.

Except that AOL is legally prohibitted from adding audio or video chat features to AIM unless it opens its AIM network up to all interested parties.

IMHO, Apple's iChat is AOL's back door to build the AIM user base without opening its network to everyone and their dog.

As such, it is certainly in AOL's interest for iChat to go to Windows. It would benefit Apple through the iSight angle (although other cameras work with iChat on the Mac so I would suspect others would work with iChat on the PC too ...) Likelihood of happening: about 75%. Likelihood of happening in January? Indeterminate.

Also, I seem to remember (I can't use iChat at work as the AOL ports are all blocked, so this is going from WWDC recollections ...) some music connection with iChat ... can't you stream your music across it too? Which is likely to be AAC/MP3 only, not WMA, which in turn makes iChat/Windows another brick in the wall of WMA denial.

Superdrive

Oct 26, 2003, 08:29 PM

Originally posted by johnnowak
They should make iChat not suck first. I know several of my more.. snobbish PC friends.. would make fun of Apple for CHARGING 30 BUCKS for a client that doesn't even have support for basic stuff like animated buddy icons, tabs, etc....

They charge $30 for AV compatibility if you run an older OS.

Basic stuff like animated buddy icons- I can see my buddy list now with 15 friends all having animated icons. This would detract from Apple's clean looking interface, let alone be very annoying. Tabs will come, however they did give us Exposé to hold us over. I think that makes my friends more jealous. :) If they are going to add features, why not auto-response away messages? Have a buddy profile (at least a link to .mac homepage). Change the view options, scale the buddy list down so the text will be smaller w/o losing icons.

It has been noted here before:
1) Go to the iChat menu
2) Choose the fourth option "Provide iChat Feedback"
This is the best way to get them to realize what you or we want.

If Apple is going to port iChat to Windows, they need to make it to suck...as much.

bennetsaysargh

Oct 26, 2003, 09:03 PM

i think they should work with AOL to incorporate the iChat A and V into it to work with OS X.
they can't port it because no one will buy it. it's ridiculous.

Inkmonkey

Oct 26, 2003, 09:39 PM

Well I certainly won't be buying an iSight until I can A/V chat with Windows users. All of my friends and family have Windows machines so this is just a sad reality.

iSight and iChat AV have no use for me unfortunately. Sure wish they did though because I love the look of them.

Bunzi2k4

Oct 26, 2003, 09:56 PM

i think there are many pro's and con's with this... the good things is that more people with macs can talk to more people, but i don't like the idea of making osx apps for xp. i think aim should be updated and should be able to do audio/ video confrencing like ichat, nothing more, nothing less.

BigHairyBuds

Oct 26, 2003, 11:01 PM

there are no cons for apple moving the iChat software to windows. Nobody is going to switch to a Mac because they can use the video conferencing...you can do this on Windows already. On the other hand, everyone I know owns a Windows based PC...so unless they support Windows with iChat...i'll probably never use it. i know it's nice to say your special because you own a mac so ONLY YOU can use iChat, but it's not practical it'd be like having a phone that you can only use for local toll. Sure you can call within 15 miles of you, but the rest of the world is unavailable to you. Phone companies that only offer local service would flop.

GeeYouEye

Oct 27, 2003, 12:03 AM

Either somebody's just switching their buddy icon every few seconds in a loop, or iChat does support animated buddy icons. *shrugs*

nice idea, but I don't see it happening, unfortunately. Would absolutely love it if they did though.

timothyjoelwrig

Oct 27, 2003, 12:19 AM

I can see a few confusing ideas that should be cleared up.

1.) iChat's AV capabilities have nothing to do with AOL's network. AOL wouldn't have to be involved in anyway for iChat users to use it's AV features.

2.) AOL's client for the mac has been utter crap. Apple did AOL a favor by creating their own chat client so AOL doesn't have to deal with such a small percentage of users. <opinion> To counter this argument, as to the number of features of the windows AIM software compared to iChat, it's been my experience that neither myself, nor any of my friends really used most of those features. Even something as simple as buddy groups often goes ignored by a good share of users. I believe it was Apple's intent to keep iChat simple and stable, leaving it to do what it was designed to do: Chat. </opinion>

3.) The mention of auto-configuration networking (Rendezvous) in reference to iChat and iTunes is an open standard based on IP protocols. Any OS capable of IP networking should be able to easily implement Rendezvous, although this really has nothing to do with the AOL chatting and AV capabilities of iChat.

4.) Firewire cameras do not require drivers for video transfer. This was originally the main purpose for Firewire, and the method for transferring video over Firewire is part of the Firewire standard. This allows for true plug and play. Makes you wonder if maybe Apple came up with it ;)

5.) I personally don't think Apple would charge for iChat for Windows. The way the programming frameworks are for Mac OS X, it requires Apple to do a little extra work to get iChat AV to work on Jaguar as well as Panther, so I could see them charged for it to incent people to upgrade to Panther and to compensate for the few extra programming hours.

6.) Apple has made it very clear in the press, interviews, and even their corporate quarterly and annual reports that they are using iTunes, the music store, and even the iPod as layered "Trojan horse" marketing. Up until iTunes for Windows, Windows users couldn't get a taste of the Mac lifestyle unless they buy a Mac. Apple is providing a few small niceties to show Windows users how easy and powerful Apple software and hardware can be. Granted, typical estimates for these kinds of marketing tactics are only 1.5 - 2% of people switching, but with the success of the iTMS, Apple has proven they can take it further.

FYI: According to Apple's EDGAR reporting, they make the majority of their revenue from (in order of revenue) hardware, OS (server and client) licenses and professional applications like shake and final cut, accessory hardware like the iPod & iSight, and last and certainly least: .mac and the iTMS

<2 cents> It's my opinion that Apple should port iChat and market iSight for Windows. It wouldn't hurt Mac users in any way, it would add to the user base, and it may even get a few people to switch. </2 cents>

My kudos to centauratlas and jettredmont !!

Adamki2000

Oct 27, 2003, 12:37 AM

I personally have been waiting for Apple to expand their iChat AV capabilities to work with Windows users because me and my girlfriend, who lives 4 hours away, use iVisit right now for videoconferencing between my iMac and her PC and their video codecs suck! The video is so grainy and they JUST recently got their softare ported to OS X after about 3 years. I was excited when i heard about iChat AV because of its high video and audio quality but it's true that it's basically worthless unless you know someone else who has iChat AV on another mac. So, I think iChat AV would be much more useful if it had a Windows version to compliment the Mac version and me and my girlfriend could chat with crystal clear audio and video! And as for Apple porting their software to Windows, I think it's a smart move just as long as they don't port over their more vital software such as OS X itself or their pro video editing applications. I think porting iTunes to Windows just to attract more iTunes music store customers was brilliant and hopefully Apple will storm the market with that eventually and make a good deal of money from it. If the same can happen with iChat AV, I say go for it!

solvs

Oct 27, 2003, 02:13 AM

Originally posted by iJon
just have aol make an update for aol and aim that puts the phone and camera icon on the buddy list and sell isights. thats all apple needs to do.

Exactly. Would be even better if they added Yahoo IM support as well, with full audio and video capabilities. Make things easier for them as well, as Yahoo would no longer need a Mac version (which sucks BTW).

Screw MSN.

Wuddel

Oct 27, 2003, 04:35 AM

At this time iChat AV is at absolutely no value for me, since all pepole I want to audio/video-chat with are Win-Users.

I will move to US next year, while my PC-using girlfriend still stays in Germany for awhile. A crossplatform-iChat AV would be perfect for us. Remember iChat has real good quality. A big german computer magazine (c't) just tested several video chat programs: Mainly Win-apps, some crossplatform and iChat. iChat won!

Apple simply should bundle iChat AV with the next iSight camera. And I think this will happen in the nex revision.

BTW I don't want ******** AOL-software on my computer.

cbrantly

Oct 27, 2003, 09:52 AM

I think Apple could port iChat to Windows VERY easily. QuickTime is already there, and that is most of the code for iChat. And now that iTunes is done, they have already gotten the OS X widgets and interface working on Windows. They have even ported Rendevouz as part of iTunes. It seems that all of the essential pieces are there. They should port it and sell tons of iSights.

gopher

Oct 27, 2003, 10:41 AM

It would be great to have crossplatform videochat that is easy to configure. That's something we've been waiting for a long time. Submit your feedback to Apple's iChat site:

http://www.apple.com/feedback/ichat.html

What's more, it needs the ability to videochat multiple people at once.

the_mole1314

Oct 27, 2003, 10:47 AM

If they do come out with iChat AV for Windows, I do hope that they'll give out regular iChat for free and iChat AV for a price (or for free when buying iSight.)

mclosers

Oct 27, 2003, 02:11 PM

I think this is a good idea but it should be the last piece of software for a while that is ported. It also should be free. They also need to improve iCHat before it's release or millions of people will laugh at apple's crappy software. iChat Blows compared to AIM or others. The little bubbles and icons are cute but come on no moving buddy icons no multiple voice chat (3 way/more way chats) are a big downfall. Also the buddylist size of names and organization could be improved. the overall look needs help too. and the auto respond away message is also a problem

Bunzi2k4

Oct 27, 2003, 03:35 PM

...why would they make it free if you have to pay for ichat on the mac?... mayb apple will make something that lets you use your origional aim app, but you install like a plugin thing that lets you use audio and video chat......

Phil Of Mac

Oct 27, 2003, 06:03 PM

Originally posted by timothyjoelwrig
4.) Firewire cameras do not require drivers for video transfer. This was originally the main purpose for Firewire, and the method for transferring video over Firewire is part of the Firewire standard. This allows for true plug and play. Makes you wonder if maybe Apple came up with it ;)

Apple invented FireWire.

Guys, it's not hard. It's called include a CD with iChat AV for Windows in every iSight box, label it "For Mac and Windows", and sell it.

pudrik

Oct 27, 2003, 06:36 PM

iTMS was a vehicle for selling iPods, which have a much higher margin than the songs being sold.

iChatAV for windows would generate revenue, not necessarily by selling iSights to PC users, but by getting more iChatAV users out there. It's like the walky-talky cell phones, it's not really useful unless most of your friends have one. If a mac user can get all their PC friends to use iChatAV so that they can talk to them, then they will be more likely to want to use the video capabilities, and so demand for iSights will increase.

Add to that another good example of Apple design in the hands of PC users, and if only a few of them switch...

I don't know what the balance is between the development costs and the potential revenue, and I doubt anyone in this forum knows enough to debate that point, but I can see the strategy in this.

Apple has realized that in these economic down times, they cannot depend on computer sales to increase their exposure, so they are taking a cheaper route to introduce people to Apple and generate revenue.

Besides, some of us PC users happen to really like Apple stuff, we just can't afford to get a mac at the moment.:D

PS. Don't be surprised that if Apple turns their full attention to iChatAV that a lot more features are included. Apple has always been good about keeping their key programs growing.

timothyjoelwrig

Oct 27, 2003, 07:17 PM

That's what my sarcasm was meant to imply, sorry if it was confusing. :)

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
Apple invented FireWire.

jaw04005

Oct 27, 2003, 10:12 PM

I don't think they will do that, however I believe AOL with incorporate Video Conferencing into their Windows AIM client. This would allow Mac iChat A/V users to communicate with AOL users. I also think that AOL will kill AIM for Mac and begin to support Apple's iChat. iChat 2 will come with all the features of AOL's AIM for Windows. Its also not far fetched, that AOL for Windows will support the iSight camera. Apple would sell more ;)

youngr40

Oct 28, 2003, 10:13 AM

Hello All

I do not mind which way they do, I would like to Apple and AOL get there chats working with Video and Audio Chat.

As a big marketing push Apple could sell iSight bundled with a AOL Chat Program, thus serving two worlds.

1. Getting more iSights on desks
2. Giving AOL more exposure

Codemonkey

Oct 29, 2003, 10:34 AM

... it doesn't make sense that Apple would port ichat, and here's why:

The revenue stream from the recent port of iTunes does not come from the app itself - that's free. Instead, it comes from the PeeCee users that have iTunes that can shop at the iTMS/Apple store for their iPod.

Conversely, if they release iChat for Windows, they've lost out on that recurring revenue stream twofold: Firstly, that very few people, especially the demographic they'll be hitting on the PeeCee side will pay for this application. Secondly, once the small percentage of people have bought it, they're done. Beyond the initial surge of the novelty buyers, revenue will slow to a trickly very quickly. Oh! And thirdly, Apple may have single handedly NOT sold a Mac because "All the apps I like and use regularly are on my PeeCee now".

As well, breaking into the Mac chat market was easy: None of the chat clients (at the time) were up-to-date with their quite impressive PeeCee counterparts. However, the soul reason MSN has such a strangle hold on the Wintel world is that it's BUNDLED with every version of XP, and people can (whether they had this in mind or not) receive messages as soon as they're connected to the internet - thus introducing them to the Wonderful World of Chat.

So is this a likely rumor? IMNSHO - I sure hope not.

[edited for grammar]

Centris 650

Oct 29, 2003, 01:42 PM

Originally posted by BigHairyBuds
there are no cons for apple moving the iChat software to windows. Nobody is going to switch to a Mac because they can use the video conferencing...you can do this on Windows already. On the other hand, everyone I know owns a Windows based PC...so unless they support Windows with iChat...i'll probably never use it. i know it's nice to say your special because you own a mac so ONLY YOU can use iChat, but it's not practical it'd be like having a phone that you can only use for local toll. Sure you can call within 15 miles of you, but the rest of the world is unavailable to you. Phone companies that only offer local service would flop.

I agree. I don't use iChat AV for the simple reason I've got no one to chat with. Most of my friends and relatives own PCs. Those that own macs own OLDER macs that can't use iChat AV. If iChat AV is welcomed and well recieved by the Windoze community then I might buy an iSight.

On the other hand Apple needs to take care what they port over to Windoze.

Codemonkey

Oct 29, 2003, 01:46 PM

Originally posted by Centris 650
I agree. I don't use iChat AV for the simple reason I've got no one to chat with. Most of my friends and relatives own PCs.

Are you talking about how you have no one to VIDEO chat with? Because if that's the case, then your post has relevance. Because if you meant just regular chat, then obviously your PeeCee friends and family has misled you - AOL IM (indeed available for the PeeCee) is able to communicate with iChat just fine...

tabarnak

Oct 29, 2003, 03:07 PM

iSight cost way too much compares with cheap webcam with msn 6 that they all have. all people i know with webcam have paid something like $30 and they are all very happy with it.

so if they don't want a mac because they cost twice the price of a pc, why would they pay $149 for something they can have for $30 and is compatible with their msn6?

i only wich we can also have msn6, i want to videochat too!

Codemonkey

Oct 29, 2003, 03:41 PM

Originally posted by tabarnak
i only wich we can also have msn6, i want to videochat too!

Why do you wish to have MSN6? So Microsoft can charge you for 7, 8 and 9?

Why do you speak highly of a $30 webcam that takes grainy, small, crapulent pictures? Why lower your expectations (I assume you use a Mac) just so you can "be included"?

That's not very Quebequoise of you. :D

tabarnak

Oct 29, 2003, 04:30 PM

Originally posted by Codemonkey
Why do you wish to have MSN6? So Microsoft can charge you for 7, 8 and 9?

Why do you speak highly of a $30 webcam that takes grainy, small, crapulent pictures? Why lower your expectations (I assume you use a Mac) just so you can "be included"?

That's not very Quebequoise of you. :D

i have iChat, but i only have one friend on it. on msn, i have around 25 friends and family. about half of them have webcams. so i want to join the fun too, not ''be included'', and i just can't do it with iChat. And for $30, a difference of 200$ CDN with iSight, i really don't care if OTHERS are seing my face small and grainly.

So, yes i want msn6 with videochat for mac. even if they charge for next version, first, it's still cheaper than iChat with iSight, and second: apple already did this with my iTools email les calisses! ;)

stingerman

Oct 31, 2003, 07:57 AM

iChat AV for Windows makes sense. It's a communications tool and you need to be able to communicate, right? otherwise Microsoft will simply release one for Windows and drown the Mac out. iChat AV for AOL makes even more sense, especially since AOL is not allowed to release their own AV software due to regulatory restrictions.

bennetsaysargh

Oct 31, 2003, 03:03 PM

Originally posted by stingerman
iChat AV for Windows makes sense. It's a communications tool and you need to be able to communicate, right? otherwise Microsoft will simply release one for Windows and drown the Mac out. iChat AV for AOL makes even more sense, especially since AOL is not allowed to release their own AV software due to regulatory restrictions.

what restrictions are those?

fluidinclusion

Nov 1, 2003, 10:16 PM

Originally posted by Inkmonkey
Well I certainly won't be buying an iSight until I can A/V chat with Windows users. All of my friends and family have Windows machines so this is just a sad reality.

iSight and iChat AV have no use for me unfortunately. Sure wish they did though because I love the look of them.

Agreed. I'm in the same boat. Since I just installed Panther (awesome!!!) I've got iChat AV now, but no one to use it with. No one else I know has a Mac AND Broadband - at least no one I want to iChat with.

Sayhey

Nov 2, 2003, 09:59 PM

Pardon me if someone has already pointed this out, but it sounds like a very good way to sell iSight cameras to a lot more people. Apple won't make much if any money on the software, but like the iPod the profit is in the hardware.

Bunzi2k4

Nov 6, 2003, 10:59 PM

hey a on edonkey, i've herd ther's a file called ichat.exe if any1 has a pc... well i wonder if it works? the size is supposed to be 1.2 megs...

bennetsaysargh

Nov 7, 2003, 06:33 AM

i dont think anything like that could happen. it's probably an old version of AIM 2.3746586 or something like that. but if anyone wants to try it, go ahead.

MacWhispers

Nov 8, 2003, 12:07 AM

My understanding is that serious consideration is being given at Apple to doing just as one poster here has suggested: bundling a Windows and Mac version of iChatAV in the box with the iSight web cam. However, the idea seems to be stalled until the change can coincide with (A) having a bulletproof Windows version ready, and (B) having a bulletproof OS X version ready... both events appearing to be several months into the future.

Peace. MW

anidel

Dec 10, 2003, 01:13 AM

I think it's a good move. I just got my iSight and I really wish iChat AV was already on Windows.
Almost every iSight user has his family or friend running on Windows machines and many of them just hoped they could chat with them too.
I'll push my family to buy iChat AV for Windows as soon as it'll come out. Many will do the same.
What does this bring to Apple? Some money, may be some switcher.

Right now iTunes (Mac/Win) + iPod is a tremendous combination.
iChat AV + iSight could make it, but iChat as to be compatible at least with AOL Messenger or MSN Messenger on Windows (I'm speaking about Audio/Video).
If this rumor is true (and I hope so) I would probably execpt a new iChat version for Mac too. With MSN o AOL compatibility. And bundled with the iSight. That'd be terrific.
(a Windows user will never buy iChat AV just to chat with an Apple friend)

Anidel

Codemonkey

Dec 10, 2003, 01:24 AM

Holey thread resurrection Batman!

anidel

Dec 10, 2003, 01:29 AM

Oh my :)
I haven't read how OLD this thread was!! holy ****! :)

Anidel.

anidel

Dec 10, 2003, 01:30 AM

oh well, not so old...:p

sbrown01

Dec 10, 2003, 01:58 PM

Most people are amazed by video conferencing.
I find it a pretty radical technology, something most people have only dreamed of for years.
And for Apple to continue to hold its crown as leading innovator, iChat AV needs a larger market.
iChat should be bundled with an iSight or sold for $30 to work with other FW cams.

yamabushi

Dec 12, 2003, 10:15 AM

I think a Mac designed for use with your TV is a good idea. iChat AV is one application that would work very well in this setup. The unit would have to be compact and fairly powerful. An iSight would be included. Standard TV resolution would provide an experience similar to WebTV while HDTV would be more like a large computer monitor. A ring tone and flashing light on the unit could make it function similar to a video phone if coordinated with iChat AV. You would need to switch video input on your TV to your Mac and then push a key or button to receive the call.