Best Video Chat Apps & Devices
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It can be hard to get everyone in one room these days! Whether you want your parents to see your children opening their birthday presents or showing your best friend a new outfit, there are moments that you just don't want to miss.
With video chat apps and devices, staying in touch is easier than ever. Video calls make you feel like you're in the room with your favorite person as if the distance doesn't exist. If you're looking for ways to video call your favorite people, Optimum has put together a guide to the best video chat devices and apps.
Video Chat Apps
Whether you're on the go during the family catch-up or just need to show your spouse the type of toilet paper they need to buy on their grocery store trip, a quick video chat on your mobile phone can be helpful! There are plenty of video chat apps that can keep you connected while you're on the move.
Zoom
Seamlessly bring people together virtually or in-person for fun or business with Zoom. Host your friends for a virtual game night or your coworkers for a conference call. You can control the listener's microphones and cameras for minimal interruptions. Add your favorite work apps to your video calls to complete tasks while you're on video calls.
How much does Zoom cost?
You can have the regular Zoom app for free or purchase plans for small or large groups ranging from $14.99 to $19.99.
Facetime
Available for free on Apple products, Facetime allows you to video chat or audio call with your favorite people. You can Facetime other Apple-compatible devices, and it's pre-downloaded to each device, so no need to worry about downloading or having enough space on your phone. Have one on one chats or speak with up to 32 people at one time. Take live photos during calls and add your Bitmojis to your calls in real-time.
Google Duo
Google Duo is available on iPhones, Androids, computers, and any Smart Display you have at home. It's free with a Google account, and you'll be able to have one-to-one video calls or conference calls with up to 32 people online; anyone can join with just a link. Keep your conversations private with end-to-end encryption. With "Family Mode," your kids can video chat with grandma and grandpa, but to keep their attention they can draw on a digital notepad. The notepad has multiple colors, and it covers the buttons to eliminate the possibility of your kids accidentally disconnecting with them. Send your loved ones voice messages and videos, add fun AR effects, and take pictures during your calls.
Video Chat Devices
The days of video chatting over the desktop computer are over; you don't have to sit in one spot anymore. And it's now easier than lugging your laptop around everywhere! Video chat devices are portable and can keep you connected without disrupting your everyday life.
Portal from Facebook
If you’re looking for a video chat device that feels like your loved one is in the same room as you, the Portal from Facebook may be the device for you. You can video chat with your friends and family through their Portal devices, smartphones, or tablets. Make sure your loved ones can see and hear you clearly. With Smart Sound, the Portal enhances your voice and minimizes the background noise. And with Smart Camera, the camera follows you as you're moving around. You'll stay in-frame, so your family can see you at all times. Add fun AR backgrounds like Harry Potter to make your video chatting experiences a little more magical.
Share photos through the Portal mobile app to keep on your Portal, serving almost as a digital picture frame. Download other video conferencing apps like Zoom, BlueJeans, and Webex to be able to jump on your work calls, even when you're making lunch for the kids. Also, shout "Hey Portal" to give your Portal Assistant a hand-free command. No need to worry about messy hands while cooking dinner. Your voice can do the work!
How much is Portal from Facebook?
The Portal from Facebook is available for $179.99.
Amazon Echo Show
Your Alexa-compatible devices have one more device they can connect with! The Amazon Echo Show allows you to video chat with anyone with Skype, the Alexa App, an Echo Spot, or another Echo Show. The Echo Show has premium speakers with Dolby processing and a vibrant HD screen. You can even call other compatible devices within your house to make announcements. That way, you can tell everyone dinner is ready at the same time.
Watch TV shows, movies, and listen to music all through the Echo Show. Cook along with it and set timers or alarms. You can even set up compatible Zigbee devices without creating a separate hub, so you can see what's happening outside your front door without leaving the kitchen. And display your favorite pictures on your show with Amazon Photos.
How much does an Amazon Echo Show cost?
The Amazon Echo Show is available for $149.99.
Video chatting upload speed should be about 25 Mbps but could range depending on your connection. Learn more about upload and download speeds with Optimum: Upload vs. Download: What’s the Difference. With all of these options for video chat devices and apps, you'll be able to stay in touch with everyone that means the most to you. Happy video chatting!
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