By NMT | No Comments
Last updated: Monday, April 18, 2011

Back in the day when the iPhone 4 was just coming out, with its front and rear facing cameras, and similar features were yet-to-be-seen on the likes of the iPad 2, I remember writing and speculating about all the possibilities the dual cameras would present — and how they could open some interesting doors for things like Chat Roulette, the internet video chat sensation. So, when I came upon Chat Roulette Live!, I thought: Finally. What took the developers so long? And why hasn’t this been all the buzz? But then I realized that this Chat Roulette has actually little in common with its internet counterpart beyond the name. Not shockingly, Chat Roulette Live! has only received an average of 1.5 stars on the App Store, and I am guessing it’s predominantly because, while definitely being a chat service, it operates completely differently than the Chat Roulette we all know and love (or love to hate). While based on the same premise — i.e. that you can meet and greet people from all around the world (provided they’re users of the app) — the crucial video element is missing from the app version of Roulette. Users can join whatever chat rooms they want or spin the Roulette wheel to see others’ profiles and chat with those who intrigue them, but it does not seem possible to engage in those random video chats which, let’s be honest, are what the original Chat Roulette is all about. However, that is not to say that Chat Roulette Live! does not have potential. The spontaneity and randomness does certainly promise a more exciting chat experience than what you might typically get from, say, engaging with people you know well. And I’m sure that there is at least some kind of entertainment factor that can be gained from talking with random people from all over the world, even if it is not as great or shocking as that which comes from live, face-to-face video chat interactions. It is even possible that a video element is the next option to be offered through Chat Roulette Live! (although apparently a lot of kinks need to be addressed before any upgrades can happen). So, if you are feeling a little adventurous and want, say, a change of social scenery, then Chat Roulette Live! could be a good place to start. Who knows what kinds of conversations you will engage in — and without running the risk of seeing anything you don’t want to. Even though I was disappointed to find out this was not the Chat Roulette in iPhone form, I still think it’s worthwhile to spin the Chat Roulette Live! wheel and try your luck.

See more here:
Chat Roulette — Live!, but not what you may think

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