14 DAY TRIAL // Canadian mobile phone maker Research In Motion seems set to make the new BlackBerry PlayBook tablet PC look as appealing as it can be, and the availability of a Video Chat application for it is one of the steps it took in this direction.
Along with the previously presented Facebook application for the device, RIM also announced the release of a BlackBerry PlayBook Video Chat application, which should enable users easily stay connected with their friends and family.
With the new application, they should be able to place and receive video calls between BlackBerry PlayBooks as long as they are connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi networks.
“BlackBerry is a renowned mobile communication solution for connecting users to the people and information that matter most throughout their day,” said Tom Goguen, VP, Collaboration and Social Networking at Research In Motion (RIM).
“With the BlackBerry PlayBook Video Chat application we are excited to be enabling our customers to share important moments and events with family and friends via video calls. With the BlackBerry PlayBook’s high-resolution video cameras and stunning display, a Video Chat call is the next best thing to being there.”
Some of the main features of the new application would include One-Click Video and Voice over Wi-Fi Calls, through which one would be able to make a call either from their Video Chat contact list, through entering the BBID email address of the other person, or from the log of recent calls.
The application also comes with Incoming Call Notifications, so that users would see a pop-up as soon as a new video call comes in, with the possibility to accept it either as a video or as a voice call, or decline it.
“For those quiet moments - such as when while watching a movie or playing a game -users will also have the ability to simply set the 'Do Not Disturb' option and the BlackBerry PlayBook will automatically ignore all incoming calls,” the company notes.
The application also offers picture-in-picture function, which enables users preview their own picture before placing the call. Not to mention that they can switch the front and back cameras, so that they can show to their friends what they are seeing.
The software also comes with a Friends List so that users can stay close to their favorite contacts. They can also personalize contacts through adding pictures, or can keep track of received and missed calls via a Call Log.
The new app should arrive on the BlackBerry PlayBook devices starting today via an over-the-air software update. It would also be released via the BlackBerry App World.