THE "XOIP" CHRONICLES

Recently, we wrote about Google’s new found videochatting capabilities… and it got us to thinking of 3 new and innovative ways videochatting may be put to use in the future…

• Intriguing: Politics 4.0. This year, we have seen the Obama campaign use Skype in its grassroots campaign to reach out to a new electorate. So we’re thinking, could Joe the Plumber be giving you a call in 3.5 years? Could you maybe meet Joe and his family and have a conference call with others in your neighborhood?
• Annoying: Telemarketing. Of course, there’s the good’ole video telemarketing… who knows, maybe the Home Shopping Network could become the Anywhere Shopping Service. Imagine being interrupted mid-email for “an exciting, unique, only-for-this-minute, extraordinary opportunity to buy a one-of-a-kind 12 carat earring for your mom or friend by simply clicking on the link that was just spammed to you!”.
• Useful yet off the wall: egrocery shopping. So you’re looking for that tropical honey Stroopwafel your friend brought back to your from the Netherlands. Some grocery stores seem to have it, but you have no idea whether or not your local store would carry such an exotic product? Maybe you’ll be able to build a grocery list, and ask a local merchant to go check it out for you? A quick videochat would confirm/ And while we’re dreaming, it’d be waiting for your right at the cash register, so that your down time is exactly 0 minutes…

What are your thoughts? How are some of the new ways you think you’ll be using videochat in say, 5 years?

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