Skype has now released a new feature called group chat in their latest release of the their beta version. For most, like myself, the statement that comes to mind is, "well it's about time."
I have to admit, I've only been using Skype for about a year now. I've been using Gizmo5 project for a bit longer because of it's integration with Google Voice. However, my parents got on with Skype and rather than try to make converts of them to another system, I went ahead and installed it on a windows machine. I have to admit after using Skype video conferencing for a while for the kids to talk to the grandparents, I soon signed up for more features. In fact it is my full time busines line because of it's price and high quality. In fact for some time I had used it to bridge a full blown daily conference call for about 6 people and it worked pretty well. I've since added it to my most loved linux laptop. For linux Skype has been perpetually in beta but works very well but with not too many features.
So now while we converse through video chat with my parents, we will now be able to add other relatives to the mix via video. This feature at the time being is free, but after it is fully released it will be with an additional charge.
The one thing I did not find is the ability to do a screen share to mutiple users. Another feature that would seem simple enough to provide with the technology that Skype has. Currently you can very easily do this one on one but not with multiple users such as that of dimdim.com. Certainly a feature worth adding on to their portfolio.
The beta version video chat does have clear video and good sound quality. It is not available yet for MAC and Linux users but is currently reported to be under development for both.