Skype announced it will introduce Klonies in their offering. It allows users to create an avatar, dress it, hairstyle it and change it to reflect their personality and apperance. If you're camera shy your Klonie will do the talk for you !
Here is a link to Skype site on Klonies.com
And the Press Release:
Comverse, a subsidiary of Comverse Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CMVT), the world's leading supplier of software and systems enabling network-based multimedia enhanced communication and billing services, and Skype™, the global Internet communications company, today announced Skype Klonies™, an innovative avatar service that lets users personalize Skype with special characters that reflect their personalities, moods and interests.
Using the Klonies Studio in the Skype website, users can create and frequently update their unique Klonie image — changing hairstyles, clothing and accessories, expressions, locations, animated activities and more. Klonies appear as the Skype Caller ID on the screen of the called party, representing how the user would like to be seen, and reflecting the user's appearance, interests, and feelings. As part of the launch and as the world’s attention turns to soccer, a special “Football Mania” content catalogue has been created, which will allow users to dress their Klonies in fans’ clothing and accessories, perform the well-known ola wave in the football stadium, and much more.
“Recent surveys we conducted show that personalization capabilities are important to the Skype community," said Saul Klein, VP Marketing, Skype. "Avatars are a key component of the Skype personalization strategy. Klonies are debuting on the Skype site and launching with a “Football Mania” section offering fun and topical content to everyone on Skype.”
"We believe that Klonies will be popular among Skype users, and will enhance Skype’s reputation as an industry innovator," said Zeev Bregman, Chief Executive Officer at Comverse. “In addition, the Skype Klonies will be valuable for Skype in the mold of other personalization services, such as the ringtone and wallpaper market.”
About Skype
Skype is the world's fastest-growing Internet communication offering, allowing people everywhere to make unlimited voice and video communication for free between the users of Skype software. Skype is available in 27 languages and is used in almost every country around the world. Skype generates revenue through its premium offerings such as making and receiving calls to and from landline and mobile phones, voicemail, call forwarding and personalization including ringtones and avatars. Skype also has relationships with a growing network of hardware and software providers. Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). To learn more visit skype.com.
Skype is not a replacement for your ordinary telephone and cannot be used for emergency calling.
About Comverse
Comverse, a subsidiary of Comverse Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CMVT), is the world’s leading provider of software and systems enabling network-based multimedia enhanced communication and billing services. The company's Total CommunicationSM portfolio includes value-added messaging, personalized data and content-based services, and real-time converged billing solutions. Over 450 communication and content service providers in more than 120 countries use Comverse products to generate revenues, strengthen customer loyalty and improve operational efficiency. For additional information, visit the Comverse website at www.comverse.com or the Comverse Technology website at www.cmvt.com.
All product and company names mentioned herein may be registered trademarks or trademarks of Comverse or the respective referenced company(s).
Source: Comverse
