INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
When it comes to messaging and video chat tools, Skype is one of the first name that springs to mind
Skype managed to build itself a huge following even before it was bought by Microsoft in 2011, and the user base has continued to grow ever
but it's far from being the only option out there.You might have an aversion to Microsoft-owned software, or you might just like the idea
of trying out something new
that there's plenty of choice beyond Skype.1
You can only speak to four people at once, but that number might increase with future updates.2
ViberAnother great Skype alternative, offering free voice and video callsViber gets off to a pretty decent start thanks to the fact that it
Another neat touch, for mobile users at least, is that you can connect to other users via their existing mobile number
This level of integration means that it sits very happily alongside your existing phone and messaging apps so you can take full advantage of
its free offerings whenever you want to contact some you know to be using the app.Viber offers text, voice and video calls free of charge,
Group calling is a great feature for groups of friends, and there is the usual selection of stickers to choose from
Oh, and we're happy to report that this is an ad-free app.3
primarily, a web-based service
There is an iOS app available, but if you're looking for a true cross-platform chatting tool you are going to have to look elsewhere
You can have a group video chat with up to 15 participants, making Talky great not only for family and friends, but also for collaborative
With this in mind, it is also possible to activate screen sharing so everyone involved in a conversation can see what's happening on one
All that remains is to share the URL with people you want to chat with; to keep things private, rooms can be password-protected
There's no getting away from the fact that Talky is a little light on features, but sometimes simple is what's needed.4
ooVooFun video chat with emoji and stickers, but watch out for in-app purchasesAvailable for every platform you could possibly hope for,
ooVoo offers free video chats between up to 12 people at a time
In order to establish connections between you can your contacts, the service pulls in information from emails, instant messages and social
networks, and this is something that may not sit comfortably with some people
Interestingly, it is possible to place a call to someone even if they are not using ooVoo as non-users are able to answer calls on
Facebook.The usual selection of emoji, stickers and GIFs are to be found here, and they can be used even during video calls
before letting your kids run rampant in the app.With patented SuperClear technology to optimise video calls even on slow connection, this is
a chat tool worth taking a look at if you want to see who you're chatting with rather than just exchanging messages.5
process that many people will find off-putting
There is also a Windows 10 app in the Microsoft Store, and a version for macOS in the App Store.Once you're up and running, WeChat offers
voice, text, video and group chats, and it can be used to replace your existing SMS and phone apps
It is possible to make calls to landlines and mobiles in some countries, but not worldwide
WeChat also veers into social networking territory by enabling you to meet new people with its People Nearby
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