CNET Editors' review
If you're sick of hopping from one chatware program to another, looking for the perfect mix of video, audio, and text socializing, CamFrog might be what you're looking for.
The chat rooms feature everything from music lessons to sign language to non-English chatting, and integrating video, audio, and text components are a great leap forward for chat communities since a Webcam is not a requirement. Be warned, though: There's also a slew of X-rated chat rooms--this is not a program that kids should use without supervision.
The interface should be familiar to anyone who has used any messaging software. You can create your own chat room and password-protect it, and the Contacts list has a section for favorite rooms and one-click contact adding, user searching, and profile management. New in Version 5 is high-resolution video support, interface tweaks, and the ability to send little "virtual gifts" to both friends and anonymous recipients that borders on the annoying.
Cautious users should note that the install includes several toolbars and a Weather Channel widget, which you can opt out of. Despite those drawbacks, if you're looking for a well-trafficked video chat program that serves a diverse community, CamFrog is cool place to land.
Watch the CNET video review of Camfrog Video Chat:
Publisher's Description
From Camshare:
Camfrog Video Chat allows you to join real streaming video chat rooms where you can hear, see, and chat with many people at a time. It is videoconferencing software works behind most firewalls and routers. Camfrog Video Chat allows multi-user videoconferencing where you can join a room with up to 1000 users and just click a user name to begin seeing someone. Press the 'talk' button to talk to the entire room with audio. The video chat rooms are hosted by broadband users who are running the Camfrog Video Chat Room Server software so any user can set up their own multi-user video conference for other users to join.
What's new in this version: Version 6.2 includes group operations in the contact list.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 2,471 votes
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Current version:
3.5 starsout of 2 votes
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My rating:
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Results 1-2 of 2
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"Another hand in your pocket?"
Version: Camfrog Video Chat 6.2
Pros
The software works ok, although it is crippleware. Being limited to one small video window doesn't provide an open window to the true capabilities of the software. What happened to an unencumbered trial period, guys?
Cons
True to the common new business model, you have to rent the full capability that the program has. Big brother isn't a cam ridden society, It's a society where you have to buy software then let a business put it's hand in your pocket perpetually. I'd rather buy software that I only have to pay for once.
Summary
If not for that subscription required for full capability, I'd give it an a+. Anything that takes us from chat to nearly face to face communication is a step forward. I for one will continue to resist the trend towards allowing every company I deal with putting their hand in my pocket and giving them the keys to my bank account.
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"Handy for quick communication on a network."
Version: Camfrog Video Chat 6.2
Pros
Saves me knocking on doors in the house I share.
Cons
My only complaint is that formatting text is a little glitchy. Creating paragraphs doesn't work as the enter key sends your message, which is OK, but use the spacebar to accomplish the purpose & Camfrog has a mind of its own.
Results 1-2 of 2
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