Smart phones, TVs, media tablets and PCs have done wonders to popularize video calling, but there's still room for growth. Research firm In-Stat estimates the novel feature will grow from 63 million users in 2010 to over 380 million by 2015.
In-Stat Senior Analyst Amy Cravens was hesitant to side with either mobile or home-based video calling becoming the norm, admitting both are still young.
"While the mobile arena is relatively nascent, it has fueled much of the growth in usage over the course of 2011," said Cravens. "Currently, the living room market is still quite small; however, In-Stat expects to see significant developments in this market in the coming years."
Mobile market heavyweights are leading the charge toward a true mainstream foothold, added Cravens. Apple iOS and Android both boast loyal fanbases and app stores that feature several video chat options for curious consumers. And the more phones sold, the more potential video callers.
However, Cravens believes PC-based video calling will remain the go-to choice for those who enjoy getting dressed up just to talk to friends and family.
One company likely ecstatic over the new findings is Microsoft. The Redmond software giant acquired leading video telephony company Skype for $8.5 billion in May, paving the way for use within Kinect, Outlook and its line of Windows Phones.
Adding Skype to its popular Xbox 360 is an easy choice for the company, which recently divulged its intention to enhance the console's multimedia capabilities in December with television programming and a new dashboard boasting increased Facebook tools and cloud saving.
Are you an avid Skyper, or a video call virgin? Let us know in the comment section.
