WHY just call your overseas relatives on the phone when you can talk to them face-to-face? Even better, how about a group video conference? It’s the next best thing to an actual reunion.

Skype launched this new function last month. Users have the option to subscribe for a day pass at US$4.99 (S$6.33) or a monthly pass at US$8.99. You can also try it out for free with a seven-day trial.

To use the service, simply log in, click on a contact, add a couple of others and click video call. Only one person has to subscribe to the group video call service and everyone will be able to see everyone in the conference. Skype recommends that you limit the number of people in each conference to five for optimum quality.

The interface is simple and flexible. You can choose to dock individual users so their videos appear smaller on your screen, or maximise the one you want to focus on. This came in useful when a friend wanted to show us the bag she received on Valentine’s Day. So you don’t get confused, whenever someone is speaking, his or her Skype window will be highlighted so you know which screen to look at so that people don’t start talking over each other.