Sony's New Video/VOIP Service

Sony is trying out its fortunes in launching out into a relatively untapped business: video calls over the internet. The new service, described on Sony™s website as IVE (Instant Video Everywhere) allows subscribers to send and receive video and audio calls, conduct multi-party video and voice calls, and form virtual meeting and conference rooms locally or globally over their IP services. The network service will be hosted by the company, GlowPoint, which specializes in video conferencing and other related services. The use of IVE is free for the basic service of calling other IVE enabled customers. The enhanced features, such as multi-party calling, conferencing, live operator help and other services are available for monthly fees ranging from $9.99 to $19.99. While VoiP, (Voice over internet protocol) is nothing new to online gamers, the added feature of having video and voice, over an internet connection may add another new dimension to online gaming. Imagine technology that would allow a gamer™s face or facial expressions to be superimposed on a game character. The possibilities are endless. But there is also a downside to all of this. The next time we take an internet visual phone call, we just might have to take a quick look in the mirror to make sure we are presentable.