Keeping in touch with your employer, managers and colleagues is crucial, particularly as many of us are adapting to a new normal of working from home.
Video conferencing has come a long way in recent years and it has been transforming businesses for the better as a result. We’re now relying on this technology every day to ensure business can carry on as usual in the midst of the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Here we detail the video conferencing apps you need in your life right now to ensure collaboration can continue and you can be more productive than ever when working from home during lockdown.
Zoom
Let’s start our rundown of the best video conferencing apps with the most popular. Zoom use has exploded since lockdown commenced, and it is now a favourite for both personal and professional video calls.
As well as being free, another great thing about Zoom is just how simple it is to use. Its simplicity doesn’t mean basic features however as FinancesOnline explained in their recent review of the app:
“With an intuitive user-interface, quickness of joining rooms, and ease of sharing screen, Zoom is undeniably simple for everyone to use.
What is more intriguing is that, despite being simple to use, Zoom provides all the enterprise-level features that make webinars, online training, video conferences, and virtual meetings far more engaging, and interactive.
Even better, whether you are in a small, medium, or large room, it is the same consistent, remarkable experience.”
These ‘enterprise-level’ features include screen sharing, breakout rooms, camera filters and local recording. After going through the simple sign-up process and downloading the necessary application, you can have access to all these features.
Zoom Basic even supports 100-way calling to facilitate meetings of all sizes for free. Zoom’s Basic plan however limits calls to 40 minutes or less. You can upgrade to a paid plan to access Pro and Business features as well as host meetings with up to 500 participants.
Skype
From the newbie on the block to an old hand in the video conferencing game, Skype is a household name, and still one of the best video conferencing apps available.
Its updated meeting feature allows you to generate and share an online meeting in three clicks and, unlike Zoom, there’s no sign up or downloads required.
Conference calls are instead hosted via just one link, which can be shared with anyone even if they’re not a Skype user. These meetings can be recorded and stored for up to 30 days so you can review them later. Moreover, you can also share your screen to make sharing presentations, designs, and other work materials a doddle.
Is your new home office your bedroom or kitchen? Skype’s blurred background option means you can still look professional wherever you’re currently working.
If you wish to use Skype on a grander scale to grow your business, you should consider using Microsoft Teams, formerly known as Skype for Business.
Lifesize
Lifesize is relatively unknown here in the UK but with two decades of experience in video conferencing, the app offers plenty of great features. It is also the world’s first global 4K video conferencing solution meaning video, audio, and content can all be shared with complete clarity.
Lifesize’s free plan makes it quick and easy to video call with up to 25 participants. The app requires no downloads or installs. Participants that don’t have a Lifesize account can join a live call from their laptops or smartphones courtesy of a unique link.
Its free account also puts no limits on meeting durations, whilst its built-in screen sharing capabilities, HD-quality, and top rated reliability and security guarantee professional meetings every time.
Other Lifesize plans allow up to 300 participants at any one time. Its famous 4K experience is only available on a paid subscription.
Other free and paid (most of which offer free trials) video conferencing solutions worth checking out include GoToMeeting, Google Hangouts, BlueJeans, and Join.me.