Social

Introduction

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The social networking has gained much popularity due to the IM and the use of videoconferencing. Venues like Skype and Yahoo are the leaders of social networking. People can keep in touch with their families in a face to face setting even though thousands of miles away.

=Top Leaders =

As a leader in social video conferencing, Skype is an online communciation tool that uses VoIP (voice over intenet protocol) and chat via IM (instant messaging) and has taken the internet by storm. It was started in 2003 by Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis. It is headquatered in luxemburg. Its video conferencing feature was launched in 2006. Since then skype has done more to improve on their services per consumer requests.
 * Skype

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[| http://messenger.yahoo.com/]
 * Yahoo Messenger

Just like skype, iChat is another social video conferencing tool that makes it easier for its users who are only mac owners to video conference or chat. It is included with the Mac OS X. The IM application for macs works with AIM or Moblile me. Here is a link to the Apple Store that shows the different uses of iChat and the features available for IM. [| http://www.apple.com/macosx/what-is-macosx/ichat.html] = = =Social Uses =
 * iChat for mac users

Millions of people around the world log on to sites like skype, yahoo messenger, iChat, AIM among others to communicate with others socially. Skype being the main leader of social communication attracts more people who use it for different purposes and in different ways.

Customers get to make free video calls to their colleagues, however, to use it effectively, one has to customize their settings on the computer to enable the video calls. A webcam connection must also be availabe and set. If the computer does not have an inbuilt webcam then one can be purchased and set up. The videos can be turned on and off using the video button on the screen. Here is an example of a skype video call from friends to a friend.
 * Free Video Calls

Skype also has a version for businesses. Through skype businesses are able to save money that would otherwise be used for travel and hotel expenses, it also saves businesses time by enabling them reach customers and colleagues on time, improves meetings with face to face video calls and helps them keep in touch with instant messaging.
 * For business

Even though skype is a mainly a social networking tool, it is also being used widely by teachers around the globe to teach students. Here is an article from the Yale university about a teacher who used skype to teach her African American studies to her students. According to her, skype engages students snd ultimately provide them with a better understanding of the social problems they are studying. [| http://clc.yale.edu/2009/02/18/videoconferencing-in-the-classroom-with-skype/]
 * For Education

In addition to video calls, business and education, skype can also be used for making free PC calls from skype user to another skype user. A small fee is usually charged for those who would like to make calls to landlines. Rates can be as low as 1cent per minute to any country. File sharing between friends, families and business colleagues can also be done via skype, photo sharing and instant messaging as well.

This link takes you to Oprahs website where there is a video clip showing different people who use skype for different reasons. Oprah uses skype a lot during her shows to surprise guests, to talk to guests who could not make it to her studio, to findout and learn more about cultures and people from other countries and also to communicate to her staff when she is away from her recording studio. []

= Case Studies =

There really are no case studies available for skype, iChat or yahoo messenger but real life examples are abundant. The main use for skype that has made it a worldwide is free video calling capability. The free skype to skype calls is also a very big addition that is attracting more and more users everyday. Through skype, people are able to make free video calls to their loved ones, friends or business associates, see and hear each other. Those who live far away are able to attend important functions like Christening of a child or birth of a child or graduation without missing anything. Families that are seperated by distance are able to stay intouch and see each other daily via skype and for free too. Skype is used a lot by families who have loved ones serving in other countries. For example the Journalists travel to other countries, or Army serving the country. They are able to stay connected to their families via skype. Here is a real life example of video from friends to a friend.

media type="file" key="Skype Video.mp4" width="300" height="300"

=Emerging Technologies =

Since its launch in 2004, Skype has had tremendous improvements in its services which include, instant messaging, status updates, and networking just to name a few. In addition to that, skype is keeping up with the ever changing technology and demands from customers.

Skype recently launched Beta 5 version of skype which offers video functionality in a group call. With this version, users can communicate and see upto 4 other people for a total of 5 at the same time as opposed to one on one. However, every user must also have the beta 5 version to join in.
 * Beta 5 version



Since being launched in May 2010, iPhone users have been able to download the new version of skype iPhone application from the apple app store. It allows iPhone users to make and receive skype to skype calls and to call mobile to landlines around the world at avery low rates for the first time. This article explains more about the other features included in the skype for iPhone application. [| http://about.skype.com/press/2010/05/iphone_calling_over_3g.html]
 * Skype 3G for iPhones

By partnering with HDTV makers Panasonic and LG skype is now able to bring video chat software to consumers living rooms. The Panasonic and LG's broadband-enabled HDTVs feature an embedded version of Skype 4.2. To enjoy this priviledge, you must have an HDTV-ready webcam with an integrated microphone and a recommended 1 Mbps symmetrical bandwidth for 720p HD calls at 30fps.
 * Skype on LG and Panasonic HDTV with internet

[|http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/05/technology/internet/05hdtv.html?_r=1]