Video has become a strong method of communication and Skype without a doubt is synonymous of video messaging, but with some services like Instagram and Vine, the difference is that they are focus on quick video messaging. And today Microsoft is answering to those services with Skype Qik.
While Skype Qik is new, Qik itself is not. Qik started several years ago as a video streaming app, technology that has been acquired by Skype. And now the app is coming back as Vine/Instagram like video messaging app branded “Skype Qik”. Also Microsoft wanted to make it about video, so there’s no chat, voice chat, or anything else, it’s all about video.
The app focus on short video messaging and it’s available for download immediately for Windows Phone, Android, and iOS. Microsoft describes the app as “something mobile and lightweight, as spontaneous as messaging but as intimate as calling.” […] It “is a new video messaging app that gives you a totally effortless way to capture the moment, share laughs, and chat with groups of friends.”
And it’s just a mobile app, there is no version for PCs or tablets, or Mac computers. Users are required to sign up using their mobile phone number and they can record videos of up to 42 seconds to share with one friend or group of people. There is also a Qik Flik feature to record 5-second videos that can be saved and reused as needed. Though Android, iOS, and Windows Phone support Skype Qik Flik, Windows Phone can only receive Qik Flik, but future update will complete the functionality.
Skype Qik videos aren’t stored forever either, they only live for two weeks and the company says that users have the ability to delete videos they already sent.
You can download Skype Qik now for Windows Phone, Android, and iPhone.
