Google announces new updates to their Google Hangouts service that moves the service away from the H.264 standard and will provide users with HD video streaming.
In an interview with GigaOm, Google explained that the company has some big plans for its Google Hangout service and that the move from the H.264 video codec to VP8 is now almost complete.
Understanding the VP8 Codec
To recap, the VP8 standard codec is a fast and efficient royalty-free video codec that doesn’t require any third-party plug-ins for users to enjoy video. This codec provides a very efficient streaming service, enabling 720p HD video conferencing with up to 10 people without any problems, even in a browser. The VP8 codec is part of the WebM project, which is an open-source project sponsored by Google. This project aims to provide high-quality video compression technology that is freely available to everyone.
One of the significant advantages of VP8 over H.264 is its royalty-free nature. While H.264 requires licensing fees, VP8 is free to use, which can significantly reduce costs for companies and developers. Additionally, VP8 is designed to be highly efficient, which means it can deliver high-quality video at lower bitrates, making it ideal for streaming applications where bandwidth may be limited.
Impact on Google Hangouts Users
Google is hoping to have all Google Hangout accounts switched to the new VP8 codec by the end of next week, with HD streaming rolling out to all users shortly after. This transition is expected to enhance the overall user experience by providing clearer and more reliable video calls. Users can look forward to smoother video playback, reduced buffering times, and improved video quality, even in less-than-ideal network conditions.
For businesses and educational institutions that rely on Google Hangouts for meetings and virtual classrooms, the switch to VP8 could be particularly beneficial. The improved video quality and reduced latency can make remote collaboration more effective and engaging. For example, a team of remote workers can have a more productive brainstorming session with crisp video and clear audio, while students in a virtual classroom can better follow along with their instructor’s visual aids and demonstrations.
Moreover, the move to VP8 aligns with Google’s broader strategy of promoting open standards and reducing dependency on proprietary technologies. By adopting VP8, Google is not only enhancing its own services but also contributing to the wider adoption of open-source video codecs, which can benefit the entire tech ecosystem.
For more information on the new VP8 Google Hangout codec, jump over to the GigaOM website for details and the full interview with Google about the VP8 rollout and new features coming to Google Hangouts.
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