StreamCast Networks and software company Paltalk have signed a deal to offer people who use the Morpheus file-swapping service the ability to send instant messages.
Under the deal, StreamCast and Paltalk said they will offer the Morpheus Messenger to all Morpheus users with the launch of Morpheus 2.0, expected this month. Although the service will be free, people will also have the option to upgrade to another version, called Morpheus Plus, that offers video capability for US$9.95 for three months or US$24.95 per year.
StreamCast has been waging a legal fight against the big record labels over its file-swapping service. Last week, StreamCast lawyer Andrew Bridges, a partner with high-profile US law firm Wilson Soncini Goodrich & Rosati, said he is withdrawing from the case and that StreamCast is seeking new counsel. US-based Paltalk develops software for videoconferencing, instant messaging and voice e-mail.
