It's difficult to get back on the blogging horse when you have been knocked off it, but I'm going to try. The other day, I used some new software which is included with the Mac operating system. It is called iChat, and it is very clever. Like other instant messenger software, it enables you to type text messages to your friends, all over the world, and 'chat' with them in 'real time'. It also goes one step further. Ther is a telephone button, and if you click on it, it initiates a telephone call with the friend you are connecting to.
The interesting thing is that there is no telephone used, no telephone wires, no headset, and no microphone. Since all Macs have built-in microphones, you just talk normally into your computer, and you can have a free conversation with a friend. Now, since I was talking to Dirk who lives just a few miles away, the cost factor isn't such a big deal, but imagine if I could get a few people at home to use Macs, and then talk to them for free...
It was a strange moment. One of those times when something technological just makes you think 'WOW, that is so cool'. Like the first time I used a heated Japanese toilet seat...
(the ichat software also allows you to have video conversations, but Dirk and I haven't got the right equipment, so we couldn't test it out.)
Posted by Gary at January 7, 2004 12:07 PMGary, I'm on ichat/aim as "genkanai" so feel free to ping me whenever.
Posted by: gen at January 7, 2004 01:37 PMkyotonils
Posted by: nils at January 8, 2004 12:09 AM