Ambient Skype
By
Andrew Brennan on March 20, 2008 in Miscellaneous, Webcams.
Have you ever made a Skype call and then just kept the line open, so you could talk (or not talk) to a friend or loved one for as long as you wanted? Because Skype-to-Skype calls are always free, the conversation never has to end—and with video it’s like having a window into what your companion is doing, whether he or she is talking to you or not.
I’ve heard of people having these sorts of lingering Skype conversations before—it was a couple who kept a video window open all day at work to say hi and smile at each another. This week I caught another example in a blog post by Roo Reynolds, who not only coined a term for this sort of connection (‘Ambient Skype’) but also provided a photo of a nap he was taking in the US while his wife was going to sleep in the UK. Aww. Roo said:
I found this to be very comforting. It’s rather reassuring to drift off with the familiarity of hearing each other breathing and (for me) the everyday noises of home in the background. A nice way to reduce the distance during a long trip abroad. I don’t know why we didn’t try it sooner.
You can read his whole blog post here. Have you ever used Skype to provide an open window into your life for a far away friend or loved one? Tell us in the comments.
Comments
Yes, yes. I used skype a little bit diferent way several times. When I was abroad for half of the year for studies, my friends "took me" with them to pub in my home country. They took notebook with web cam, they put it on the table in pub, switched on skype via wireless and I was drinking with them beers over skype. Having skype video in full screen is like the person is just infront of you, so actualy I was sitting with them in pub, although I was far away.
deedzey | Saturday, Mar 22
Yes, yes. I used skype a little bit diferent way several times. When I was abroad for half of the year for studies, my friends "took me" with them to pub in my home country. They took notebook with web cam, they put it on the table in pub, switched on skype via wireless and I was drinking with them beers over skype. Having skype video in full screen is like the person is just infront of you, so actualy I was sitting with them in pub, although I was far away. It was nice experience, but of course it cannot compensate the real experience.
deedzey | Saturday, Mar 22
Ive Done Almost the Same thing Only I Used for Surveillance Using Two Created Accounts so While Im At work or School I can Keep An Eye On My Apt.
ryan.rush86 | Thursday, Mar 27
Some friends and I use this for playing D&D when we're not able to meet up in person.
Usually the group will have the normal 5-6 people sitting around a table at one's house, but if a member can't make it (usually because they're traveling and are in a different state), we set up a Skype video call and put the computer on their regular chair. Thus, it appears as if they're sitting there (to some degree), and they feel like they're part of the game.
It keeps the group together, even when we can't all be there.
I like the "Ambient Skype" call, particularly the sleeping thing...my girlfriend and I live about 90 miles apart, so it might be interesting to give it a shot.
heypete1 | Tuesday, Apr 22
I have used an open line for babysitting my 11 year old at home when i have to step out. My older daughter who lives elsewhere watches her via the webcam. It allows them to converse if they want to or just keep an eye on each other. My 11 year old says it feels like she is not alone!
abird_skype | Saturday, May 3