So clearly, I grew up watching Star Trek: The Next Generation. While we don't have shuttlecrafts, tricorders, phasers, or transporters yet, we do have on-screen communications in the form of Google Video Chat.
Google Video Chat is just a component of Google Talk (gchat), which you get automatically with gmail. If you don't have gmail, get it. Trust me. If you already have gmail, you've probably noticed a couple of people on your chat list have little camera icons. It means they are video-chat ready. All you need besides a gmail address is a webcam & microphone (which a lot of laptops come with), and you're ready to video chat.
The video pops up right over your normal chat window. It's pretty small, but you can pop it out and resize it, or just hit full screen. It also gives you a little window to see what your camera is showing. It's basically like talking in person. Depending on connection speed/lighting/camera quality, the video can be a little choppy, but it's not too distracting. Also, I hear Skype can do this also, so Skype users take note.
But seriously, come on! Who hasn't wanted a video phone? Just try it, you'll like it.
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