For decades, the concept of using video and voice to communicate long distance with friends, family and associates has been highly anticipated. However, this kind of remote, face-to-face interaction has been limited primarily to the company boardroom and a few individual VIPs, due to the cost of hardware and software, and a shortage of high-quality networks.

With the introduction of Logitech VideoCall, now available as a public beta, broadband Internet users can experience the combination of high-quality video (15-20 frames per second) and fully synchronized audio. The new service and software package, which can be used with any webcam, features an intuitive user interface, and a contact list that allows users to see who is online and to easily add family and friends.

The English-only preview of Logitech VideoCall is available for trial free of charge. After collecting user feedback during the trial, Logitech expects to unveil the commercial release within the next 90 days. At that time, pricing and regional availability for the service will be announced. Later this summer, Logitech expects to add more languages.

The current list of supported countries include:

United States

Canada

France

Germany

Italy

Spain

United Kingdom

China

Australia

Netherlands

Sweden

Switzerland

Ireland

Belgium

Austria

Poland

Norway

Hungary