The latest iPhone 4 SDK beta appears to include new code related to video conferencing functionality. Although basic video conferencing provisions have been included in the past firmware releases, the latest offering expands a number of status and error strings.
HP has introduced its latest product for businesses, the SkyRoom videoconferencing system. At the basic level, users can view webcam streams from other attendees present at virtual meetings or chat sessions. If the workers are collaborating on a 3D model or other document, the relevant application and project can be made visible to all viewers.
DimDim has announced DimDim 4.0, an update that adds Mac compatibility to its browser-based web-conferencing platform. DimDim 4.0 features text chat, video conferencing and desktop sharing over the web. Video conferencing is offered via webcams, and desktop sharing works across both Mac and Windows desktops. DimDim 4.0 also records and plays back meetings, including video.
Vyew is offering free cross-platform Adobe Flash-based desktop sharing. VyewMyPC provides "instant desktop sharing, whiteboarding and web conferencing for any desktop or laptop platform running any browser," the company said. The tool supports VoIP and provides a quick way to hold company meetings, presentations and brainstorming sessions. The ad-supported service is completely web-based so there is no software to install.
Adobe has launched a new online service, Acrobat Connect Pro. The platform is intended as a tool for professional web conferencing and teaching, and is primarily Flash-based, requiring no extra software and making it platform-independent. Hosts can delegate roles such as presenters, and the service supports not just slides and text chat but streaming audio and video, as well as software simulations.
BeamYourScreen has announced that its self-titled HTML viewer is now officially compatible with the iPhone. The viewer is meant for web conferences; once a meeting host has begun a session from a PC, iPhone owners can enter their session ID through Safari, and view the host's desktop in real-time. This includes virtually anything the host loads, such as websites, PDF files and Office documents. Up to 20 guests are supported.
