Videoconferencing in the time of coronavirus
Smart working has become a reality rather quickly. And the new habit of connecting to the outside world from home to continue our activities, attend school, and meet with family and friends has led us to discover new digital tools that help us do so. Let's first explore what has become the most downloaded online video conferencing platform, as well as possible alternatives.
ZOOM
The video conferencing app Zoom has become a popular way to stay in touch in an increasingly isolated world during the coronavirus pandemic, both for personal and professional meetings, thanks to its ease of use and intuitive interface. Access to the platform is completely free and can be done directly from your browser if you're on a PC or via mobile devices by downloading the app, which runs on both iOS and Android operating systems.
With the free version, I can access group calls with up to 100 people and the time available for each video conference is 40 minutes, while if there are only two of you, the time is unlimited.
To involve participants, you don't need to be already connected (a very important aspect that differentiates it from Skype), but simply send the invitation link via email or any type of digital message.
With the paid versions accessible via a monthly subscription, however, the number of participants allowed increases to 1,000 (Enterprise Plus version), the conversation time becomes always unlimited as is the space for storing recordings, in addition to being able to access some control tools, such as the ability to mute the microphone of other participants or create a personalized invitation link.
But Zoom is also a preferred tool for distance learning during this time of crisis, and the company has decided to offer all schools in the countries most affected by the rapid spread of the coronavirus (including Italy) the opportunity to use it free of charge for an unlimited period. To access the service, simply register your school using the form.
BETTER ALTERNATIVES
All of the apps we reviewed have free versions, and some offer temporary access to additional features for those currently working from home or wanting to check on friends and family online.
We have not included, Facebook, WhatsApp And FaceTime, which allow video chatting, but require all participants to be members (Facebook, WhatsApp) or to use a specific type of device (FaceTime, which is Apple-only).
The following list includes the most popular applications that allow you to participate in video conferences without actually having to register with the app.
SKYPE MEET NOW
Skype has been the go-to platform for one-on-one conversations since its beta release in 2003. Its Meet Now feature (accessed by selecting the "Meet Now" button on the left side of the app) allows video conferencing; the maximum number of participants varies, depending on the platform and device.
CHARACTERISTICS
Record the call for up to 30 days
Can blur the background (if you have the app)
Share presentations
CISCO WEBEX
Webex is a video conferencing app that has been around since the 1990s; it was acquired by Cisco in 2007. While it's primarily known as a business application and continues to focus on serving businesses, it has a fairly comprehensive free version that's worth trying. For the current emergency, it has expanded the freemium version's capabilities from 50 to 100 participants, eliminated the 40-minute meeting limit, and added calling capabilities.
CHARACTERISTICS
Up to 100 participants
Unlimited time for each meeting
Call for audio
STARLEAF
StarLeaf; a platform for large businesses, but is now offering its basic video and messaging products for free for those trying to stay connected during the pandemic.
CHARACTERISTICS
Up to 20 participants
Forty-six minutes for each meeting
JITSI MEET
Jitsi Meet is an open-source platform that lets you easily meet online by simply navigating to the site and clicking "Go." If you're more technically savvy, you can create your own using Jitsu Videobridge, but most people will appreciate the fast web version, which offers many of the features found in more popular apps, such as chat, session recording (to Dropbox), and the ability to "kick" unruly attendees.
CHARACTERISTICS
Up to 75 participants (up to 35 for the best experience)
Public or private chat
Can blur the background (currently in beta)
Integrates with Slack, Google Calendar, and Office 365
WHEREBY
The free version is quite limited compared to other apps mentioned; it allows the use of a single meeting room with up to four participants, along with the ability to lock rooms (participants must knock to gain entry). Each room has its own URL and also has a chat function, which allows you to share a screen, mute, or kick users. It also has some fun emojis.
CHARACTERISTICS
Up to four participants in the free version
Screen sharing
YouTube Integration
Possibility to "close" rooms
HANGOUTS
Google Hangouts is still available, though it's not being advertised by the company, which is currently pushing Hangouts Meet for G Suite users and enterprise customers.
You can use Hangouts for video chats with up to 10 people. There aren't many additional features. You can add text messages and share screens, but that's about it. It's still a quick and easy solution.
CHARACTERISTICS
Up to 10 participants
Voice conversations can have up to 150 participants
OTHER ALTERNATIVES
There are a wide range of other Zoom alternatives, but some don't have a free version.
Special mention should be made of Houseparty, a popular consumer app that allows eight people to use a virtual room to chat. In fact, anyone can join a friend's online session without an invitation (although you can "lock" your room to prevent intruders). However, it requires all participants to register to use it—and registration includes their name, email address, date of birth, and phone number. Therefore, we didn't include it among our recommendations.
SLACK
Slack is primarily designed for text chat, but it also offers voice and video calling. If you use the free version, you can only make a video call to one person.
MICROSOFT TEAMS
Microsoft Teams was obviously created as a competitor to Slack. Since it's part of the Microsoft application ecosystem, it's a good choice if you want to collaborate on various Office documents, for example, and it offers video conferencing capabilities. Microsoft is currently offering educators and those who pay for G Suite the opportunity to use Office 365 E1 for free for six months. People who simply use Gmail or other free apps are being diverted to Skype.