Kim Dotcom has launched a public beta version of his latest project, with which he aims to wipe out Skype. The video calling service called MegaChat is to be encrypted to ensure secure communications for all its users.
The program will be introduced “starting with video calling today,” the German born entrepreneur said on Twitter on Thursday. The new program registered half a million calls in just a matter of hours.
Dotcom has says the new product, which has been developed by the Mega “Conspiracy Team” will be a “Skype killer,” and hopes to end the domination of the Microsoft based product.
MegaChat’s main selling point is that it is encrypted from both ends. The NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden made revelations that Skype had co-operated with America’s spy agency to allow communications to be monitored – something that would not happen with Dotcom’s new product.
The entrepreneur also mentioned that he soon hopes to release a messaging service and a video conference call service in the near future.
MegaChat’s release comes almost three years to the day that Dotcom was arrested in Auckland by police and his MegaUpload website, which allowed the public to download films, was shut down.
Attorneys for the United States government suffered a blow in December as they lost their attempt to revoke Dotcom’s bail conditions. He is awaiting an extradition trial in New Zealand, scheduled for next June. However the judge said the internet mogul, who is worth an estimated $40 million can remain free pending his court appearance.
Dotcom continues to fight extradition attempts to the US and has enjoyed a colorful life in his adopted New Zealand. He formed a party, which ran in last year’s New Zealand elections.
