PowerBoost enables iChat effects on slower Macs

Ecamm Network has released PowerBoost v1.0.2, an update to their multiparty conferencing software for Mac OS X. It’s free for registered users and costs $8. A demo is available.

PowerBoost is an add-on for iChat AV that enables Mac users to establish multiparty conferences on Macs that don’t ordinarily support that capability in iChat AV. You can invite up to 10 iChat users to an audio conference, or host a three- or four-way video chat.

Mac OS X v10.5 “Leopard” introduces Photo Booth effects that let you add some visual flair to your iChat video conferencing. Unfortunately, the system requirements for that capability restrict its use to Intel Core Duo or better-equipped Macs.

PowerBoost 1.0.2 now enables those Photo Booth effects to be used by PowerPC and Intel Core Solo-based Macs running Leopard, as well. Backdrop effects are still not available, but Photo Booth effects are.