Video chat apps we can't do without during the pandemic

BusinessToday.In

Jul 9, 2020,
Updated Jul 9, 2020 10:19 AM IST

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With the pandemic raging across the world and no vaccine in sight, people are gradually adjusting to the new normal of working and socialising. Video calling apps have become a lifeline for those in isolation or lockdown. In-person meetings have been replaced by those online catch-up sessions and coffee meets have shifted online. Here are some common video apps people are using, besides Zoom, to connect socially and also for official purposes.

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Jio Meet
Recently launched Reliance Industries' Jio Meet is a free video-conferencing app. The app allows 24 hours of video conferencing that is encrypted and backed with strong password protection. Launched on the eve of July 2, the app supports HD audio and allows 100 participants in a video call. Also, it offers features like screen sharing, meeting schedule features. It allows participation only from the host's organisation.
Reliance Industries has also come up with additional safety features to prevent any kind of Zoom-like attack ( hackers posted obscene images on-screen during online class). The new features will allow personal meeting rooms and will let you set your own meeting password to facilitate daily school or office meetings. The app is available on Google's Play Store and will be shortly available on iOS.

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WhatsApp
WhatsApp's user-friendly features allow most people to prefer WhatsApp over others for keeping in touch. In fact, they prefer WhatsApp video calling Instead of downloading a separate app for it. The app not only allows you to text or video chat but also helps to share files, photos, locations, and also audio messages. The app has been in the news for its foray into payment services.The app supports 8 people on a group video or audio call. It supports a group video call or voice call directly from a WhatsApp group. You simply have to tap on the video/audio call icon. One needs to ensure that all group members are added to the group to start a group video call.

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SkypeMicrosoft's Skype is still one of the most popular video calling apps among professionals. It offers both voice and video calling options. It offers good quality video calls. You can share video messages. The app also comes with text messaging and voice calls. You can have Skype for your desktop and mobile device, both. You can also make HD video calls for free. The app allows a maximum of twenty-five Skype users to become a part of the group chat simultaneously. One of the notable features of Skype is that you can edit text messages or even remove them after you've sent. All of these exceptional functions come for free.

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Google HangoutsGoogle Hangouts is still one of the most popular apps for Android users. The app comes pre-installed in many Android devices. All you need to do is sync your Gmail account. It offers you excellent video calling quality. You can send messages, emojis, animated GIFs, videos, photos, and location. The app is available for both mobile and computer. It is aimed to collaborate with businesses of all sizes and meet their communication needs. The app can add 100-250 participants. The list doesn't end here. You can also record meetings and save them on Google Drive.

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Facebook messengerFacebook may not be the best for serious office calls but is a great option to connect with family and friends. The app supports instant messaging, photo/video sharing, and group chats. The user can chat with Facebook friends and also phone book contacts. You can also record voice messages and enjoy long video calling. The app also offers several video filters which not only enhance your video experience but also make it fun.

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ImoImo is also a great video calling app option for Android users. The app offers high-quality video calls over 2G, 3G, 4G networks. You can enjoy group video call with 6 people. Along with this, you can share photos and videos with friends. This is also a fun video calling app as it offers hundreds of free stickers to use during the conversation. The app is free. You can download it from Google Play Store.

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Google DuoGoogle Duo, first launched in the year 2016, is one of the best video calling apps for Android. It is easy to use and all you need to do is verify your number for creating an account.. This app allows video calls among any two users, along with video conferences between a maximum of eight people. Google Duo comes with a unique 'knock knock' function, which shows users a preview of the caller before you receive any incoming video calls. The app is for both Android and Apple device users.

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ViberViber is one of the popular and old messaging apps available for Android and other operating systems. The app is available for free but requires you to have an active internet connection. You can use the app for text, video calls, and group chats. The app also supports file transfer. You can also use Viber to make calls to mobile phones and landlines but this feature is paid. Video conferences can only be set up among two user accounts. The app is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.Viber became notorious for violating data protection laws by collecting an unusual amount of user data. But now, the app is safe to use as it has started with end-to-end encryption for all its services apart from landline and mobile calls.

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ElymentsLast week, the Indian government, banned 59 Chinese apps in the backdrop of Galwan Valley clash. There has been a call to use Indian apps which is being backed by the govt. The new Indian 'super app' Elyments, is known as a one-stop social media app and competes with the likes of Facebook and WhatsApp. The app allows us to take photos and videos, upload posts, and make audio and video calls-all while taking care of privacy protection. It keeps users' data safe with end-to-end encryption. Its data server is in the country itself. The app has already gained popularity owing to its features and Indian origin.