Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, video conferencing apps such as Zoom and Skype have taken over the business world. These video conferencing apps allow users to talk and discuss whatever it is they wish to talk about.
However, Zoom has been getting a lot of criticisms because of privacy concerns. If it haven’t been this report about security breaches involving obscene images, I wouldn’t have disable Zoom from my laptop. My daughter’s playschool is having online lessons every Wednesday and Thursday on Zoom.
As much as I will be with her during her online lessons, I don’t really want to expose her to internet dangers. (In case you are wondering, her half an hour online lessons are really her teachers and playmates singing songs together with her participation.)
I am using Skype for my freelancing business and I don’t want to mix it with pleasure. Especially when Skype has screwed me before as mentioned here.
So what am I left with? Which apps are available that will work similarly to Zoom and Skype?
Discord
Discord is usually used by gamers to reach out to one another and talk.
Although it is mostly used in text chats, the app does allow video calls, private messaging and video calls. Users can also share videos, audio and files through the service.
All users have to do to begin using Discord is form a “Server” or a private room where everyone can talk. It is available in all major browsers and they have an app dedicated for Mac, Linux, Windows, Android and iOS.
Facetime
If your team owns an iPhone, iPad or iMac, they definitely have FaceTime.
The app is Apple’s free voice and video call service for its users. It can do multiple calls at one time and you can even add emojis in your messages. They can also send voice recordings and files through the chat box.
You simply have to sign up for the app, activate it for your device and it is ready to go.
Jitsi Meet
Jitsi is an open-source video conferencing tool that does allow users to video call others through a web browser or through the available app.
Although it is free, it does have quite a lot of features such as screen sharing, video streaming and many others.
Unfortunately, Jitsi does not have end-to-end encryption, which may be a setback if you want your chats to be secure.
Slack
Slack is a new form of communication app for businesses and does provide users ways to call others whether through audio or video. It has apps for any mobile device and computer use.
While it does not have a strong encryption capacity, the company says that this option is done so the service remains functional to users.
Slack does offer paid plans if users wish to access other features in the app.
Google Hangouts
If you can’t pay for Google’s Hangouts Meet, you may want to consider Hangouts.
This app can be used in both web browsers and apps and allows users to send messages to one another. Whether call, text or video call, it is ok. Like Jitsi, this service still has encryption issues as data is encrypted when it reaches the server.
Conclusion
There are a lot more apps out there that allow users to video conference to one another. With these six, you can reach your co-workers without a problem and you won’t even pay a cent for them.
Don’t let the Covid pandemic and any other situations force you to stop working. Let these apps help you do your work efficiently even while at home.
And hopefully, they apprehend the sickos that hack into Zoom to terrorise those poor kids.
To be productive working at home, check out these useful articles: 8 Mistakes To Avoid While Working From Home Create A Home Office That Companies Will Covet 4 Skills You Can Learn From Home That Can Help You Get a Job
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