Ever since the hacking incidents that involved Zoom cam out, many are looking for Zoom alternatives. If the app is what is being used at work, you may not have much choice, but if you can choose, there are various options to choose from.
Many users may just be looking to connect with only a few friends. If that’s the case, then there’s no obligation to only use Zoom. There are various apps you can use to connect with those few friends.
1. WhatsApp
WhatsApp has announced that it’s working on adding to the stable version, the option to have a maximum of 8 people in a video call. But, until that day comes it’s still a great option to video chat with friends.
Keep in mind that your Internet signal needs to be strong; if not, that’s going to result in poor image and video quality. The quality of the video call will rely on the user with the weakest Internet connection.
When someone calls you, you’ll be able to see whose already on the video call. The first person on the list is the user who is calling you. Also, if you ever want to hide your video, tap on the camera icon, and you should now see it crossed out.
You won’t be able to add someone you’ve blocked, or that’s blocked you, but that blocked person can be in the call with you if someone else added them.
It’s also possible to multi-task while on a video call. You hit the back button and open an app, and the video call will have a floating window, so the call can continue.
To create a video call from a group in WhatsApp:
- Open the group you want to make a video call in
- Tap on the call icon
- Choose the participants
- Tap on the video call option
To make a video call with just one person, follow these same steps; the only difference will be that instead of choosing a group, you’ll open an individual chat.
2. Google Duo
Google Duo is another good option when it comes to video conferencing. Modern Android phones are very likely to have the app already installed. It’s likely to be called Duo.
To set it up, you’ll need to enter your phone number and enter the verification code you get. Duo will also show you the contacts that are already using the app.
To start a video call, choose the contact you want to talk to and select the video call option. For those times when you don’t want to start a video call, Duo also lets you send your contacts audios and pictures as well.
To create a group call, swipe up from the bottom of your display and choose the Create Group option. Duo lets you choose up to 100 contacts (not including yourself). As the users accept your invitation, they will start appearing in the call.
If you want to rename your group, tap on the three dots, and choose the Rename option.
3. Google Hangouts
With Google Hangouts, you can have a video call with up to 10 users. Starting a video call is easy, just tap on the green circle at the bottom right and choose the New video call option.
To hide your video, tap on the camera option to the right of the hangout button. After you press, it’ll be crossed out, and your Google profile picture will appear instead.
To start a group video, tap on New conversation ( you’ll find this option by tapping on the gree circle with the plus sign in it), followed by the New group option. From your contact list, choose the people you want to include in your call and tap on the checkmark at the top right.
Once the conversation page, tap on the video icon, and the video call will begin.
4. Skype
If the previous options don’t convince you, you can always try Skype. If you don’t have a Microsoft account, it’ll ask you to create one,
Once you’re in, you’ll be asked if you want to import your existing contacts, and once those are installed, you’re ready to start chatting. Look for the contact you want to talk to and tap on the video icon at the top right.
Conclusion
Hopefully, Zoom will get its act together, if not, don’t be surprised if one or all of the listed options also start to grow in users. You can also bet that video conferencing apps will hurry to improve their apps if they want to compete with Zoom. Which app are you going to try first?
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