Google has announced this week via its Chromium-dev group that it is currently developing a video chat function which it will shortly be adding to its Google Chrome browser. The foundation for the new video chat features will be Google’s WebRTC project which provides open real-time voice and video chat using HTML and JavaScript.
Once rolled out, the biggest beneficiary would be Google’s Gmail service which currently requires a separate plugin to allow video chat to users. This integration will streamline the user experience, making it easier and more convenient for users to initiate video calls directly from their browser without the need for additional software.
Technical Specifications and Features
The new project would provide Google’s Chrome browser with both high and low bandwidth audio formats, iSAC and iLBC, as well as use the VP8 codec behind WebM for video. This ensures that the video chat function will be versatile and adaptable to various internet speeds and conditions, providing a seamless experience for users regardless of their bandwidth limitations. Below is a diagram of the workings of a WebRTC technology for real-time audio and video chat.
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is an open-source project that enables web applications and websites to capture, and potentially broadcast, audio and/or video media. It also allows them to exchange any type of data between browsers without requiring an intermediary. This technology is significant because it eliminates the need for proprietary plugins or applications, making real-time communication more accessible and standardized across different platforms.
Impact on the Market
When the new real-time video chat functions are added to Chrome, it will be interesting to observe the effect this will have on other video chat providers such as Skype, which has recently been bought by Microsoft. The integration of WebRTC into Chrome could potentially disrupt the market by offering a free, open-source alternative to existing video chat services. This could lead to increased competition and innovation in the field of real-time communication.
Moreover, the adoption of WebRTC by Google Chrome could encourage other browsers to follow suit, leading to a more unified and interoperable web experience. This would benefit users by providing more options and better compatibility across different platforms and devices.
In addition to Gmail, other Google services like Google Meet and Google Hangouts could also see improvements and tighter integration with Chrome’s new video chat capabilities. This would further enhance the ecosystem of Google services, making them more attractive to both individual users and businesses.
In conclusion, Google’s development of a video chat function for Chrome based on WebRTC is a significant step forward in the realm of real-time communication. By leveraging open-source technology, Google is poised to offer a more integrated, efficient, and user-friendly video chat experience. This move could have far-reaching implications for the market, potentially challenging established players and driving further innovation in the industry.
Source : CNET
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