For those of you who aren't already using Gmail, Google Talk is a great reason to start. Basically every time you open your web mail, you can be signed into the AOL and Google chat networks as well. With a recent update, if you have a web cam or microphone attached you can make computer to computer calls too! Compared to other applications that enable video chatting like MSN Messenger and Skype, it doesn't require a large or complex program installation - everything happens inside your browser with the help of a small plugin similar to Flash. The quality is also noticeably higher, with the video being more tolerant of slower connection speeds.
If you think all this video communication sounds a little gimmicky, that's because it is. I couldn't see getting very excited about video chatting when a phone call is so much more readily available. That is, of course, until you or someone you keep in contact with frequently is out of the easy reach of the telephone... Japan for example? The program has allowed my girlfriend and I to stay in touch quite well over the past few months, and I anticipate it will continue to do the same when I am on the other end.
If you're interested in giving it a try, you can get a Gmail account and download the plugin at: http://www.google.com/talk/
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