Kodak marries Skype at CESVOIP giant Skype looks set to gain a stronger foothold in the mainstream market as it ties up with Eastman Kodak to launch Kodak Photo Voice--a new software integrating voice and digital imaging through networking technology.
The Luxembourg-based telecommunications giant provides free computer-to-computer Internet telephony. Voice calls using the company's software is free, requiring only a PC microphone, speakers and Internet connection. "Our goal is to make technology easy to use and Skype is a simple Internet communications service that is changing the way people stay in touch," said James Bilefield, vice president of Business Development for Skype in a press release statement. Introducing the new software at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, this new tie-up will allow Skype users to interact in real-time, share images and comment on the pictures simultaneously through a personal computer connected to the Web. In a statement as well, Sandra Morris, general manger of Consumer Imaging Services at Kodak, said: "Staying connected through photo sharing remains an important element in maintaining closer personal relationships" and "Kodak Photo Voice marks the next step in this evolution". A Beta version of Kodak Photo Voice is currently available for download at www.kodakgallery.com/photovoice. While the new application transcends territorial boundaries by bringing people closer with its story-telling concept, there exists social repercussions as adopters become overly reliant on the online-based service and neglect physical interaction--another important element in personal relationships. Earlier on, Kodak also unveiled its new dual-CCD EasyShare V570 which houses a 23mm wide-angle lens and a 5x optical zoom within a compact and stylish body.
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