LUXEMBOURG--Today Qik, mobile video software recently acquired by Skype, launched a new iPhone app called Qik Video Connect. 

 The new app enables individuals to stay connected with friends and family through video calling, video messaging, and video sharing.

    “In a world of fast and readily available 3G and WiFi connections, video allows you to transcend the current world of text and photo messages to share special and everyday moments in a more meaningful way”

With Qik Video Connect, users can instantly share what is happening around them with friends and family through a live video call. If they aren’t able to connect live, then users can still share all the rich details of the moment by sending a video mail. They can even post a live video link to Facebook and Twitter so friends can watch the moment as it is being recorded. The new social video feed makes it easy to follow what friends are doing by receiving alerts when new videos are shared and watching those videos right from the phone.

Whether it’s capturing a greeting for your loved ones, recording a video of your child as they score the winning goal, or having a video chat while you’re away from your friends and family – Qik makes it simple to record, share and stay connected through video.

There are two versions of the application available to consumers – Qik Video Connect and Qik Video Connect Plus. The latter is available for $2.99 and offers additional features such as:

    * Real-time effects: Customize and enhance video chat and live video streaming with seven effects and filters.
    * Video editing: Use simple video editing tools directly from your device to share the best moments.
    * HD quality: Upload and share true HD quality videos captured on your phone.

“In a world of fast and readily available 3G and WiFi connections, video allows you to transcend the current world of text and photo messages to share special and everyday moments in a more meaningful way,” said Rick Osterloh, head of consumer products for Skype. “Qik Video Connect makes the concept of ‘see what I see’ a full reality.”

Both the Qik Video Connect and Connect Plus apps enable live video chat over 3G* or WiFi between iPhones, iPod Touches with built-in cameras. Qik is integrated with your phone’s contact list so you can easily see when your friends and family are available for a live video chat. In addition, you can also send a private video mail through email or SMS if your friends and family aren’t able to talk live, no matter what device or phone network they are on.

Both apps are available for download today through the Apple App store for iPhone and 4th generation iPod Touch models with iOS 4 or later. For additional information, visit: qik.com.

*Additional data charges may apply. To get the best quality, Qik recommends a strong WiFi connection for video chat

About Qik
Qik is part of the Skype suite of products and provides mobile video software that enables individuals to capture spontaneous life moments with their smart phones from anywhere and instantly share those moments with friends, family and followers. The Qik service is available on over 200 mobile phones across the Android, iPhone, Symbian, Blackberry and Windows Mobile platforms.

About Skype
Skype is a communications platform provider whose purpose is to break down barriers to communication. With an Internet-connected device, families, friends and colleagues can get together for free with messaging, voice and video. At low cost, they can also call landlines or mobiles virtually anywhere in the world. Skype has recently introduced group video, allowing groups of more than two people to do things together whenever they're apart. Skype was founded in 2003 and is based in Luxembourg. Skype can be downloaded onto computers, mobile phones and other connected devices for free at www.skype.com.