The day is not far off when short video messages will take over from the customary email, Tweets and SMS. Okay, it might not take over the world but it will soon find a place alongside the others. Call it convergence, as today a single way of communicating is old-hat.
For instance, you can email, chat and update your Twitter status at the same time. So, should video be left behind? Isn’t plain talking all about being face to face? Because even a short clip can convey emotions which words somehow miss out on, micro-video messaging is worth more than an occasional shot.
Every chat service is adding the video element to their rooster. But if real time chat isn’t on, video messaging can come in and fill the niche. So here are a few ways to really express yourself to your family and friends using video clips…
Nimbb is currently in beta. The web service comes with a free and a paid option. The free service allows 30 seconds of video recording using a webcam. The recording is setup and previewed using the online Flash player which requires you to give it access to your webcam. Paid services offer longer recording times, better playback quality and come bundled with more features. The differences can be read on its subscriptions page. The recordings can be made available via a link or can be embedded as a Nimbb player on blogs or social networks. Two sizes – 320×240 pixels and 160×120 pixels for embedded players are on offer.
The site is functional sans frills. No registration required and there are also no limits on the number of video recordings. A signup though gives you the facility to manage your videos. The recorded videos are stored online for 30 days.
If anything longer is boring, then 12 seconds could be the length to let your loved ones know about your life. Your tool could be a browser, mobile phone or any other video recording device. Record 12 seconds worth of clips; upload it on the site on a public stream and in the streams of your followers. You can also share it using Twitter, Facebook and Friendfeed or place them in your blog or websites. The micro-videos can also be accessed from mobile phones (also with apps for iPhones).
Registration is simple. After log-in, you can use the site’s recorder (plus your webcam) to record the 12 second micro video. You can also upload a video recorded with any other device. Privacy levels control who gets to see your videos.
The online web service calls it free video mailing. Eyejot needs just a browser and your webcam. A sign-up later, you can record your video and select people to send it to. They get a link in the email which is like a preview of the video. Recipients do not need to sign-up to see the full video but they have to do so for a reply. Site widgets and iTunes support are added features for the free account. All videos and messages are stored in your profile.
The free account comes with 60 seconds of message time. Though, you get to send unlimited messages. The free version may display some advertisements. The paid accounts extend the time to 5 minutes with other bells and whistles. The differences are here if you plan to upgrade.
SnapYap brings to the browser a free instant video chat, live video call and a video messaging service. The web service requires a log-in which takes you directly to the SnapYap video messaging application. Allow the Adobe Flash Player to access your webcam and microphone and you are ready to record your first message. You can also directly video chat with a contact with a SnapYap username.
The best thing about SnapYap is its ease. You can send your SnapYap URL (something like http://www.snapyap.com/call/UserName) to the guy you want to have a live conversation with. The guy just needs to paste it into the browser to have a video call with you. The recipient does not have to be a member of the site to receive, open and view video messages and calls from you.
The first thing that strikes the eye is the neat design. The registration done with you can include your buddies from AOL, MSN, Yahoo and/or Gmail for video calls. Skip the call and head for the next page which gives you video messaging as an added feature. Allow the Flash Player access to your webcam and microphone…record your 10 minute video clip and send it to anyone with an email address. The plus is the choice of greeting card templates which you can wrap the video message in.
TokBox can also be embedded on your social network profile, blog, or personal webpage to give your friends one touch video access to you. Of the five, TokBox looks to be the most fun.
The five micro video messaging sites are members of a growing family. There are others of their ilk. You can check out these three too –
Communication has never been as easy as in our century. The problem is not when or how but what to talk about. That’s the human angle which a web service cannot solve. It’s left to us. Happy messaging!
Image: Flickr.com (aNantaB)
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