Filed under : Instant Messaging

I want to share a topic about this problem posted on BigBlueBall forums:

I use Yahoo Messenger as well as MSN Messenger. Also AOL IM, but not as much. Anyway, my question is does anyone know if these programs can share the same webcam, or does one program "own" it once you start using it? So if I already have a webcam on with Yahoo IM, and if I am signed in to MSN Messenger, can those users also view my webcam?

Try Manycam:

iMessengr: Manycam - use your webcam with multiple applications at the same time

Thanks for that link. However what I am trying to determine is if this works already. If I have yahoo IM and MSN running together, and using a webcam on one, would the other users be able to see the image also? Not necessarily join in the same chat, but have access to the images.

The answer is no. If you use the cam with someone on MSN Messenger, and you try and turn it on in Yahoo Messenger, it will tell you it is not connected.

If you turn it on in Yahoo Messenger and try and use it in MSN Messenger, it will tell you that "your conversation cannot begin because your camera is currently in use or not plugged in. Make sure your camera is available and try again."

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