Facebook launches Skype powered video calling

While Google was busy stealing the limelight last week with the launch of Google+, Facebook was busy preparing its customary response. So in much the same way Apple infiltrates CES with its overshadowing announcement, Facebook has announced a major new feature that it's launching in tandem with Skype - video calling.

The collaboration of two of the web's biggest powerhouses has been rumoured for quite a while and it's one that Facebook is putting considerable weight behind. Now when you browse a friend's profile you'll find a new button sandwiched between 'Message' and 'Poke' that says 'Call'. Clicking on it will prompt the other user to accept a call and you'll be instantly connected (though you'll need to install a small plugin the first time you use the service).

You'll also find the video calling icon integrated into Facebook's newly revamped Chat sidebar - now appearing automatically along the side of your page. If you try and fail to initiate a video call (ie your 'friend' doesn't want to speak you…still), you'll be prompted to send them a video message (best not to do this after a night out ladies and gents). Unlike on Hangouts - Google+'s video calling offering - group chat is not available though Zuckerberg hinted that this could change in the future.




What does it mean?

While Google beat Facebook to the punch with Hangouts last week, Zuckerberg's 'keynote' speech from his company headquarters suggested a view that Facebook had already 'won' the social network battle. With 750 million registered users and sharing figures continuing to spiral, the ever growing ubiquity of Facebook formed a large part of the CEO's remarks, even indicating that Google latest foray into the space was vindication of Facebook's vision of the social web.

Skype chief executive Tony Bates calls it a "most important strategic partnership" and one with significant mutual benefits. The link-up further cements ties between Microsoft and Facebook keeping them primed for war with Google, Skype can expect to see its userbase increase exponentially, Facebook will become even stickier for users as chat options increase and with users staying onsite longer advertisers will no doubt be grinning ear to ear.

A new, simple feature designed for the masses, the video calling gets a big like from me (though sit tight for google's next move).

To get video calling right away head on over to www.facebook.com/videocalling

Ad Reel - Nike (Airport 98)

Despite Adidas being official sponsors, Nike stole the World Cup in 2010 with its Write the Future campaign (at least in terms of global brand positioning). The viral marketing sensation racked up over 12,000,000 online hits in one day (Wieden+Kennedy, campaign creators), tripled Facebook fans from one to three million and set the record for most views of a viral video ad in its debut week.

However football savvy folk will remember a similar win for the brand in 1998, when the Brazil squad took to the terminal showing off their silky skills before boarding a flight to France. Though this was before the Facebook generation voted in likes, it certainly got tongues wagging 'offline' (not like that). As for Ronaldo, perhaps the last scene was an unfortunate sign of things to come...

Am I overdoing Mr. Men?

Two in a row for Roger Hargreaves' Mr. Men series spin offs - I'm not sure I ever read the books. Still, I get the idea and I like this clock. Alarm goes off, throw it against the wall, go back asleep.

I had a football one of these once, didn't work. Still I'm sold by his funny expression and can expect Mr. Bump to arrive in 3-5 working days.

Mr Men Superheroes

I know these were being passed about over a year ago but I quite like 'em and as they're doing the rounds again I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon. Scottish graphic designer Steven Anderson aka Seven Hundred (sounds like a rapper) is behind them. As you can tell from the bracketed content in the previous sentence, I'm Mr Jokes. To infinity.

Click for comfort

I recently unearthed the inner nerd inside me (no mean feat for a man of my physique) and ordered a "geeky, internet inspired icon pillow" online - not my words but the words of Shaking Stevens. Or erm, Craftsquatch, who manufacture a plethora of hand-made pillows based around the webs biggest powerhouses...and then some more.

There seems to be one for every trigger happy geek with Facebook, Twitter, Chrome and a range of iOS apps reproduced as grown up cuddly toys.

And yes, that is my Facebook pillow. And yes, that is the best place I could think to put it.

The Hat Project

I'd like to think I could do this if my head wasn't so big - the Marsh Bros from Birmingham using their creative heads again, this time as a landing spot for a 'flying cap'. No special effects and a bloopers reel to prove it, this is very, very cool. Hats off lads...(sorry)

Diesel Facebook Spreadsheet

For those who want to be on Facebook in office hours without risking the wrath of their boss, Diesel has the solution. As part of its 'Be Stupid' campaign, it has created the Excellbook, a spreadsheet that pulls in your entire Facebook stream. Download figures yet to be released but generating considerable buzz online.

Games disguised as office applications have been doing the rounds for some time (check out Can't you see I'm Busy for a selection), so in many ways it's a surprise this hasn't been done sooner. Ah well, back to the drawing board...