A pple has released a public beta update to iChat, bringing the communication software to version 2.1. The new release adds support for video conferencing via AOL Instant Messenger 5.5 for Windows. This means that you can use iChat and iSight to talk to Windows users (note that we originally reported one could talk to multiple users with this update; this is not the case, and the story has been corrected accordingly). From the public beta download page:
Reach more of your friends and family than ever. iChat AV 2.1 Public Beta lets you conference with both the Mac and PC users in your life. Who will you chat with? Perhaps you will read bedtime stories to your grandchildren without concern for long distance charges. Or check in with home base from a hotel when youire away on business. The possibilities are limitless.
Whatis New in iChat AV 2.1 Public Beta
iChat AV v2.1 Public Beta adds support for video conferencing with the AOL Instant Messenger 5.5 for Microsoft Windows.
We should also note that this release limits chatting to Windows XP users. You can find download links for the update at Appleis iChat Web site.