Up until now, Skype users have been limited to either using a photograph, or a Skype image, to represent their Skype Caller ID when online. When Skype is used without a webcam, this online persona is the only view other Skype users have of Skype customers.
To increase Skype’s appeal, especially to the younger generation, Skype now has a section on its website known as Klonies Studio, that allows users to create a Klonie image. Users can change hairstyles, clothing and accessories, expressions, locations, and animated activities.
To download their customized avatar or klonie, users are charged 1.50 euros ($1.91).
Recent surveys we conducted show that personalization capabilities are important to the Skype community, said Saul Klein, VP Marketing in a statement. Avatars are a key component of the Skype personalization strategy.
As part of a move to capitalize on the impending football world cup in Germany, Skype is offering a football mania section allowing users to personalize their image depending upon their national football teams.
In May, Skype released a beta version of Skype version 2.5 and a preview of its new free conference-calling service for as many as 100 participants. New features include short message service, or SMS, messaging to mobile phones and easy dialing, with a country code dropdown menu. Users can also view and click to call their Outlook contacts in Skype and set up shared contact groups.
Comverse Technology on the other hand recently announced that its CEO Kobi Alexander, CFO David Kreinberg, and senior general counsel William Sorin had departed following a stock options probe that will force the company to restate its accounts for the past five years.
