[wavejockglw]

Most of the high end 3G phones still have a front facing camera and facilities to make video calls over 3G. But the cost is prohibitive at around 50p per minute. So why bother?

I can see the value of Facetalk and Skype video calling where its free but the UK mobile networks pricing has killed off the concept using 3G I suspect. (02 charged the same for video calls as voice calls at the early stages when they launched their 3G network but withdrew the offer).

[SkyPaulusPlus]

if video minutes were included in data plans then it would take off, its the cost

skype and facetime etc seem to be bringing a custom video calling to the masses

[acoolwelshbloke]

Never made a Video Call as already pointed out at 50p+ a minute why bother when you can call or text for free!

At 50p+ a minute Video Calling is only handy if you want um err video sex i guess at present because if i relay a message to someone i don't really need to look at their face!

[Stiggles]

Deaf people always use it.

Ive used it a few times while away from family etc.

[Everything Goes]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyPaulusPlus

if video minutes were included in data plans then it would take off, its the cost

skype and facetime etc seem to be bringing a custom video calling to the masses

Agreed. By using Skype it will come off your data usage allowance rather than 50p per minute for a video call.

[BOOTHY2905]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Everything Goes

Agreed. By using Skype it will come off your data usage allowance rather than 50p per minute for a video call.

I use Skype on WiFi then it don't cost nothing.

[ram jam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BOOTHY2905

I use Skype on WiFi then it don't cost nothing.

how much does it cost then

[Dan 8t1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyPaulusPlus

if video minutes were included in data plans then it would take off

I don't think it would. I've been on tariffs before that have included some video minutes, and after just using them for the sake of using them for the first couple of months, I didn't touch them after that.

Video calling is just not something people generally want to do on their phone.

[DaisyBumbleroot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyPaulusPlus

if video minutes were included in data plans then it would take off, its the cost

skype and facetime etc seem to be bringing a custom video calling to the masses

when I got my first 3G phone which must be about 5 years ago now, I had 50 minutes a month included in my bundle for video calling. i think i used it twice, only then to show someone what it could do. Never bothered since!

[Russ_WWFC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ram jam

how much does it cost then

LOL, the good old double negative

I had free minutes (or cheap calls) on 3 on my old Nokia in around 2006, tried it once, it was rubbish. Thought it was scrapped years back, never heard of it again

[JonUK]

O2 video calls are included in your allowance on contract.

Link

JonUK

[Mark in Essex]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaisyBumbleroot

when I got my first 3G phone which must be about 5 years ago now, I had 50 minutes a month included in my bundle for video calling. i think i used it twice, only then to show someone what it could do. Never bothered since!

Same here.

Would never even bother even if it was free and even in high definition.

I think it's just a bit of a gimmick (apart from if you were deaf).

[darkone338]

no one used it 10 years ago when most phones had front facing cameras.

Apple put a front facing camera in and suddenly its the new greatest "thing".... that still no one uses....

[unklesam]

I think my first phone with video calling was a nokia 5xxx something or other, to this day I have yet to make a video call, probably because I never have 3G reception

[LTT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkone338

no one used it 10 years ago when most phones had front facing cameras.

Apple put a front facing camera in and suddenly its the new greatest "thing".... that still no one uses....

I agree. When my mate got got his iphone4 he was adamant that video calling would be the next new phase. I pointed out that mobiles with front facing cameras are nothing new but he still insisted.

In my opinion no matter what spec the camera or phone, there are a number of fundamental issues with video calling that unless solved it will mever work. Firstly the conversation has to be over loudspeaker (unless you plan on carrying around phone earpgones with mic when you're out & about) - dont know about anyone else but this is immediately a no no for me. Secondly, its not really necessary unless you want to show aomething (ooo errr!). Thirdly, the 3g coverage for some areas/networks is still patchy. Fourthly, again somewhat related to my first point about privacy, I can take a phone call anywhere without looking presentable or worrying about my appearance, video calls to certain people woud mean more effort.

I assume the networks have also given up on this with the exception of skype and similar.

[mark__uk]

I used 3g video calling quite a bit when I use to work away in the USA it would be great to see my daughter and wife but it was expensive to use but I didnt mind cos it was a work mobile and they use to pay for it

[MGS4SnakeRulez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stiggles

Deaf people always use it.

Ive used it a few times while away from family etc.

No we don't. Im deaf I never use video calls. 50p a minute?? Bollocks to that.