Video Chat Software Introduces Recording

The free software from New York-based ooVoo is a video-oriented competitor to eBay Inc.'s Skype. It allows video conferencing with up to six participants, while Skype supports only two-party video calls and is more focused on voice communication.

Skype video can be recorded through third-party programs.

Apple Inc.'s iChat does multiparty video chats, and a recording feature was introduced with Leopard, the company's latest operating system.

The new 1.5 version of ooVoo also adds features found in other chat programs: visual effects and the ability to call US phones. The first two hours of calls are free. The company hasn't said how it plans to charge for additional calling.

Recording of calls without the knowledge of all participants is illegal in many US states so the program notifies participants that they are being recorded.

Oovoo is currently available only for Windows PCs, but a Macintosh version is apparently in the works.