When 750 million people across the world are allowed to make free video calls, it is "something awesome". Especially because these 750 million want to talk to each other — they are friends on Facebook. But when you compare it with a service that allows 10 simultaneous video calls for free, Facebook's big bang seems a desperate catch-up. What makes the blow worse is that they are playing catch-up with a service launched just three weeks ago – Google +.
The new service has been in the works since Microsoft bought Skype in May. What is the connection? Remember in 2007, Microsoft picked up a 1.6% stake in Facebook for $240 million. So now all Microsoft friends are Skype friends. And Microsoft gets another stab at trouncing Google, its current enemy No. 1.
Facebook's latest service is also a challenge to Microsoft's long-time frenemy, Apple, which runs Face Time, the one-tap video calling app on iOS. Alongside, it helps Mark Zuckerberg notch a oneup on Apple's Ping. Sounds confusing? It is, and always has been in techdom.
New friends and enemies are made at every innovation and companies buddy up and file lawsuits against each other simultaneously. Here's a lowdown on the current relationship status of the tech giants. Facebook would have said: It's complicated.
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