VOIP allows for telephone calls over the internet using a communications protocol. It is useful for families in different parts of the world and those in rural areas to stay in contact. VOIP can be used privately through corporate video calls to include remote participants in meetings. Pioneering companies like Apple have launched products like FaceTime on devices besides iPhones to expand their product lines and profits through VOIP connectivity across devices. Public uses of VOIP include services like Skype that allow video calls between users who are contacts, as well as VOIP features on gaming platforms like the Xbox Live service that enable online gamers to communicate.