Worldgate Opens Up Ojo Videophone
By Greg Scoblete -- TWICE, 3/12/2007
TREVOSE, PA. — Trevose, PA – WorldGate Communications has made several software changes to its Ojo videophone that will allow it to communicate with other videophones and PC Web cams.
The cross over compatibility comes courtesy of the implementation of the latest SIP communications protocol, the H.264 video codec and iLBC audio codec. It will be available in the original Ojo and the lower-cost Ojo Shadow.
The new codecs allow for better video communications and the ability to communicate with videophones from Leadtek, D-Link and Sorenson, the company said. The Ojo could also work with 8x8’s Packet8 videophone provided there was a business agreement in place to link the two services (currently there is no such agreement).
The new capability will initially be rolled out in Ojos sold through service providers and not its retail product. Existing Ojo users cannot update their phones and can only place video calls to other Ojo owners, the company said.
The product is currently sold through J&R Electronics, COMP USA, Tweeter and Hammacher Schlemmer, among others. The original Ojo carries a $399 suggested retail while the Shadow retails for $299.
