Posted: 17th Feb, 2004 By: MarkJ
Not a week since Tiscali launched its new webcam product, now ISP AOL UK has followed suit, albeit in a slightly different fashion. People joining AOL's Broadband service between 16th February and 30th April 2004 will receive a free webcam, broadband modem and connection:
AOL to offer free webcam with AOL Broadband
AOL UK today announced that anyone signing up to the AOL Broadband service between 16 February and 30 April 2004 will receive a free webcam, as well as a free broadband modem and free connection, all with a total value of around £125*.
Existing AOL Broadband members can also take advantage of a 10 per cent discount on a pre-selected webcam, plus free delivery, during the same period of time.
Webcams are rapidly becoming the next consumer technology trend, with more than one in five Internet users already owning one**. The AOL Broadband offer is targeting the desire of surfers to communicate by video at any time with their friends and family. With a built-in microphone, the webcam will enable AOL members to make the most of AOL Video Instant Messenger (IM) and AOL Talk, which are included at no extra cost with AOL 9.0, the new version of the AOL software launching shortly.
AOL Broadband members will soon be able to use their webcam and Video Instant Messenger (IM) to have live video chats with other similarly equipped PCs or record and share video clips***. With AOL Talk, all members will be able to use a microphone or headset to chat to people around the world and save the cost of phone calls.
At the same time, AOL continues to lead the way in helping children to have a safer online experience the advanced Parental Controls in AOL 9.0 block access to Video Instant Messenger by default for Kids and Young Teens accounts. In addition, members will be given the option to decline a Video IM chat and apply all the usual controls to determine who they communicate with, such as only allowing approved contacts to send them Instant Messages.
David Carr, Vice President of Broadband for AOL UK, says: Video and audio messaging is a really compelling use for broadband and we want to promote it to potential customers by giving them the hardware they need for free when they subscribe to AOL Broadband. In combination with our new AOL 9.0 software, we believe we can show everyone who wants more than just raw speed the full range of benefits that broadband can bring, including keeping in touch with their favourite people via Video IM.
Anyone wishing to sign up for AOL Broadband can find more information at http://www.aol.co.uk/broadband There's nothing remotely new about webcam technology, yet clearly some providers are recognising its potential when combined with more feasible (faster) connection methods.