But I don't understand... how is Apple is any more of a unique position to do this than anyone else? It seems to me that if Google is already using a documented open standard that it would make it more likely that Google+ becomes the video grand-daddy that others want to plug into, especially given the Android explosion, etc.
You have three players in the space, Microsoft/Facebook/Skype, Apple, and Google. Google and Microsoft/Facebook will not partner under any circumstances. Apple in theory could partner with either. This is why I called Apple a kingmaker.
You think the relations between Apple and Google are still strong enough to allow that? Since Schmidt left Apple's board and Android has been growing, I think the two companies would be unwilling to make deals on something as potentially important as video calling.
