Video conferencing, compression chip and software company 8×8 Inc has inked a deal with AT&T Corp’s WorldNet internet service division to provide internet access for 8×8’s ViaTV VC55 modular videophone with web browser. 8×8 already has a similar bundling deal with GTE Internet. The VC55set-top box turns any combination of a television, camcorder and touch-tone phone into a video conferencing system, claims the Anaheim, California company. The camera is used to record the images and the TV to display the images coming the other way. 8×8 incorporates a browser and email client from PlanetWeb Inc. Yesterday’s move provides online registration to WorldNet, although users can sign up to any internet service provider (ISP) they choose.
