Video Calling App Reviews from the Reference Staff

The Reference Staff at the Main Branch of the Chattanooga Public Library would like to thank everyone for their patience and support during the COVID-19 pandemic. We all have a passion for serving our community and hope that we can reopen to the public soon.

We understand that in this time of Social Distancing direct communication with family and friends can be a challenge. So, we have decided to post information about various online video apps that the community may find beneficial.

The apps we would like to introduce, along with their various features, are Facebook Messenger, Facetime, Google Hangouts, Skype, and Zoom. The Chattanooga Public Library does not endorse any particular app. They all have their uses according to individual factors, such as the type of device you own, but hopefully this article will assist you with making your own personal decisions. We have also included their website addresses if you require any further information.

» FACEBOOK MESSENGER

The Facebook Messenger App (available for iOS or Android) is the video call platform associated with the social media network. Video calls can be made worldwide, with very few exceptions. It is free over WiFi.

According to lifewire.com, “Messenger can be used in conjunction with Facebook on your computer, at Messenger.com or accessed using the mobile Messenger app on Android and iOS devices. Because Messenger works on iPhones, it also works on the Apple Watch.” So, an individual does not necessarily need a Facebook account to access Messenger. According to theverge.com the Messenger app is “capable of performing group video calls with up to 50 participants. For the first six participants, the app will stream everyone’s camera feed to one another in a grid-like view. After six, Messenger will display only the dominant speaker’s feed.” For more information about Facebook Messenger go to https://www.messenger.com/.

» FACETIME

Facetime is Apple’s video calling app. It was designed for use with iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers. It functions well if one has the correct device. Facetime comes preinstalled on Apple products. Note: According to engadget.com, Facetime came under investigation in 2019 for privacy issues by the State of New York. There is a wealth of information about this issue online. If you are interested, search online under “Facetime New York Privacy” and “Facetime Privacy Concerns” or call us at 423-643-7740 and a librarian will be happy to assist you. For more information about Facetime go to https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204380.

» GOOGLE HANGOUTS

Anyone with a Google account can access this video calling feature. Video calls can be scheduled, and accessed, via Google Calendar. Participants in the video call can also be contacted here. To access Google Calendar, simply click on the grid in the upper right corner of the webpage when you are logged into your Google account. Hangouts can also be accessed via a downloadable app.

Hangouts can be used for an unlimited amount of time. Up to 25 people may participate with no more than 10 visible at any given time. Its video quality is generally judged as satisfactory. For more information about Google Hangouts go to https://hangouts.google.com/.

» SKYPE

Skype is a very popular app for video calls. An individual meeting can last up to 4 hours and can accommodate up to 50 people. The video quality is generally deemed as excellent. Everyone on the video call must have a Skype account or app. For more information go to www.skype.com.

» ZOOM

The Zoom app allows up to 40 minutes of free time on a video call. Once you have downloaded the Zoom app, you can invite individuals to the call via their email address or mobile phone number. Up to 100 people can be on a video call at any given time with up to 49 individuals visible. Zoom’s video quality is generally considered excellent. For more information go to https://zoom.us/.

NOTE: According to a recent article at vanityfair.com, the Federal Trade Commission considered investigating Zoom for security breaches. The issues include uninvited guests breaking into meetings and an allegation that Zoom’s mobile application was sending information to Facebook. Other issues include leaks of emails and other personal information. So, proceed with caution. Phone the library if you need any further assistance.

We hope that this will help you in making your decision regarding video calls and meetings. Again, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 423-643-7740. Even though the library is closed to the public, we still have librarians available to assist you over the phone. Thank you again for your continued support.

Jonathan Cole and Lee Everett