8x8, Inc., provider of Packet8 residential, business and video Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone services, announced the availability of an upgraded version of the Packet8 Softalk voice and video softphone service with enhanced video quality and a more robust feature and user interface platform.

Packet8 Softalk version 1.5 incorporates next generation video compression technology built around the H.264 video codec, an ITU (International Telecommunications Union) standard noted for delivering outstanding video quality at very low data rates. This feature significantly enhances the overall videoconferencing experience on Softalk to Softalk calls which can accommodate up to six participants simultaneously.

To further enhance the user experience, Packet8 Softalk 1.5 features "zero- touch" configuration for audio and video devices, such as headsets or web cams, enabling automatic configuration each time Softalk is started and whenever devices are changed. Additionally, Softalk 1.5 includes an enhanced contacts manager with Microsoft Outlook support and importing/exporting capabilities.

Packet8 Softalk for residential subscribers is available in two plans, Basic and Premium. Softalk Basic allows unlimited Packet8 to Packet8 IP voice and video calling between Softalk users and other Packet8 subscribers. Softalk Premium offers the same toll free in-network calling as Softalk Basic, as well as outbound calling to the PSTN, along with all the Packet8 advanced calling features including voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding and more.

Packet8 Softalk Office for business users is an option for Packet8 Virtual Office VoIP Hosted PBX and Virtual Attendant service plans, offering all of the advanced PBX calling features of a Virtual Office Extension along with videoconferencing capability.

Packet8 Softalk can be downloaded from the Packet8 website, .