Zoom
It’s the videoconferencing app for small- and medium-sized teams. After the easy sign-up process, you can easily get into video and audio conferencing or webinar across devices. A free account allows the host to invite up to 100 participants or have unlimited one-to-one meetings. The problem with the free version is the 40-minute cap on group meetings, which can be extended to 24 hours with a pro account. In case you own a business with no videoconferencing facilities, this is a good way of working from home. Given the current situation, many teachers in the US are using web-based meeting programmes like Zoom to take classes. It doesn’t take a scientist to understand why shares of Zoom are faring well — Wall Street is always eager to put money on companies insulated from the present scenario. With the company having solutions across several verticals — education, finance, government and healthcare — its founder Eric Yuan, who turned 50 last month, is the man to look out for.
Google Hangouts Meet
Earlier this month Google CEO Sundar Pichai tweeted: “We want to help businesses and schools impacted by Covid-19 stay connected: starting this week, we’ll roll out free access to our advanced Hangouts Meet video-conferencing capabilities through July 1, 2020 to all G Suite customers globally.” And help it did, even the man at the helm of Twitter — Jack Dorsey, replied to the tweet: “We just held our first fully virtual Twitter global all-hands using @GoogleMeet and @SlackHQ. We had folks all around the world working from home, and some in our offices. Worked flawlessly, and enabled some things that weren’t possible before. Thanks Google and Slack!”
If collaboration work is at the heart of your business, this videoconferencing tool integrated into the G Suite platform helps people to jump into meetings using a web link on their laptop, smartphone or a phone line. While the basic plan allows up to 100 participants per call, the business option allows up to 150 participants. In case you haven’t tried G Suite, sign up for the basic plan, which entails increased drive space, plus a lot of other tools. The one we like — shared calendars.
Skype
Owned by Microsoft, this service has been around for ages. It’s just the tool for small teams, maximum 50. What we like most about the app is the ease with which calls can be recorded, a feature which helps in case someone misses out on an important point. There is also the option to add captions, file-sharing capabilities, voicemail, split view mode and screenshare on mobile. Skype is available on almost every platform and Skype-to-Skype calls are free, one can also call landlines and cellphones but at a cost. As tough times continue, recruiters are opting for services like Skype over face-to-face meetings as the method takes up less time with each person and is convenient.
(The Telegraph)
FaceTime
All Apple device users know about this one… the company’s proprietary video calling app, which is built right into your iPhone, iPad or Mac. All you have to do is find the FaceTime app on your Apple device, tap the plus button and type in the name of someone in your contacts or key in his/her number. Initiate the call and then decide if you want an audio-only FaceTime call or a video call. It’s that easy. Then there is the group feature in which you can call on a group of contacts. Apple currently caps Group FaceTime calls at 32 people, which is enough for a team of workers. One can even leave a group call and rejoin if the call is still on. In the US where Apple devices are everywhere, most grandparents are FaceTiming with grandkids, helping the older generation find a new appreciation for technology. After all, these are difficult times for the elderly as the coronavirus infection is more dangerous for this group.
Almost every Indian knows about the app, which is easy to use and works on Android and iOS devices. It comes with end-to-end encryption, meaning only you and the person receiving your message can read what you send. The free-to-use app allows both video and audio calls over Wi-Fi or a data connection. The group video chat feature allows four people to connect at once, which may not seem like a lot but if it’s a small conference you are looking at, this is it. The quality of the video will depend on the strength of your Wi-Fi or data connection.
Facebook Messenger
Though we relate the Facebook Messenger app with messaging, there is also a video chat option and it helps especially those who spend long hours on the social media platform. To use the feature, one has to install the Messenger app, which means one more programme on your mobile phone. To get into a video chat, select the person you want to talk to and click on the video camera option to get into a video call. And if you have a large group… like up to 50 people… no problem, they can join in (though you are allowed to see up to six people at a time on the screen).
(The Telegraph)
Cisco WebEx
It’s a popular solution among business users, who want HD-quality calls and collaboration tools. WebEx hosts up to 100 participants in a single call, allowing screen sharing, file sharing and a personal room. There is also 1GB of cloud storage with the account. Sri Srinivasan, SVP and GM, team collaboration group at Cisco, recently wrote in a blog: “With the recent uptick in Italy and additional countries, Cisco continues to actively monitor global traffic trends and usage worldwide, and have a proactive plan to support our customers with their changing needs. It’s our priority to enable people to work from anywhere (including home), anytime, and on any device so they stay connected with their teams and can continue their business operations.”
Google Duo
Justin Uberti, best known as the former head of Google Duo, recently tweeted: “Today is going to be the biggest day for videoconferencing in the history of Earth. By a long shot.” The free-to-download video app supports video calls with up to eight people and our favourite feature on the app is “Knock Knock”, which allows you see live video of your caller before you answer. The newly-launched Samsung Galaxy S20 comes with Google’s video-chat baked into the phone’s calling app.
Slack
While you cut some slack working from home, don’t forget to get on Slack to get things done. The popular business app can be used free but most of the top features come in the paid version. We like how Slack integrates with Google Drive and Office 365 but for beyond one-to-one calls, one has to go for the standard plan. Depending on the purpose one can set up “channels”, like for chat/call, sending GIFs and so on.