The future of video conferencing is NOT a webcam and a TV, it's 3D augmented reality, and it could happen really soon
I just have to get this out of my head so I can say the idea was mine :) (ok, maybe someone else has already thought about this, but I haven't read any major brands announcing anything).
A webcam and a TV for video conferencing has to be one of the most stupid things, no matter how easy to use it is made. Everybody feels stupid having a video call even on a 10' netbook monitor, imagine a 42'' monitor! And for an actual conference with 4+ attendees, following who' speaking is cumbersome at best (unless you use the acceptable Roundtable).
So here's what I think someone should be focusing on, instead.
The basic idea should be doable today, as all the technology is well understood and has consumer-grade prices. What you need for this video conferencing vNext is:
- A room (as small and large as you want) entirely painted in a chroma-key friendly color, green or blue.
- A bunch of 720p webcams around the room, depending on the room size.
- A bunch of directional microphones and speakers around the room, also depending on the room size....
