By Damian Koh
05/01/2006
URL: http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/digitalcameras/0,39001469,39302948,00.htm

VOIP 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.

	With Kodak Photo Voice and Skype, you can share memories, live, with your buddy on the other side of Earth.

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.