Joost 1.0 beta goes live

Los Angeles (CA) - Joost, a YouTube competitor from the creators of Skype, has gone to version 1.0, edging its way to becoming officially off the ground. Joost has been in beta for months, and while it technically remains in "beta" form, it now appears as more of a final product. Updates to the new version include the ability to share clips with other users, embedded links to point to Joost videos from outside sites, and better connectivity with computers running on weak network signals.

Additionally, the user interface has been overhauled and the application can be "windowed" to run adequately without being in full-screen mode.

Joost is one of the newest entrants in the pool of online video sites, officially launching last month. Created by the founders of Skype, Joost is a self-described virtual TV that organizes videos into separate "channels". Official content providers including CBS and Viacom have already signed on to supply copyrighted shows to the online portal.