QOTW: Which video-calling service do you prefer?

[HEXUS]

So many to choose from, so which is your favourite?

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[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Video using IP over Avian Carriers. Its Moose proof.

[Friesiansam]

Nobody is stupid or, desperate enough, to want to see me on a video call...

[Euphonium]

I usually use Skype because the whole family has been set up on it since about 2005 and I don't wnt to have to try and teach a new system to the parents & grandparents.

Work uses Teams, but virtually nobody has a camera because 90% of us are on desktops rather than laptops.

I've also used Discord & Zoom, but don't really like either of them.

Some relatives tried to get the family onto FaceTime, but gave up after being told that it wasn't going to happen unless they bought Apple hardware for everyone.

[Ttaskmaster]

Work uses Teams too, having switched from Skype For Business. While we have cameras on the laptops, we generally don't bother using them.
The wife has used Zoom a few times for commercial calls, but that's it. I heard some bad things about it and haven't really touched it.


I mostly use Skype, as the call quality seems better than WhatsApp, and nobody else uses any of the others anyway.

[big_hairy_rob]

Zoom generally has the better interface for social integration of the 'mainstream' ones. hangouts/duo have gotten better, but still lack many of the features that make zoom better. Teams is good for work, but that's it. As for how secure any of these are, god knows...

[iworrall]

Work uses Teams, but virtually nobody has a camera because 90% of us are on desktops rather than laptops.

Same. But those of us that do have cameras (built into the old Dell monitors they gave us) use it as a handy place to keep electrical tape or Blutak.

[Quartz]

I don't use video calling.

[Iota]

I've only used Facetime, mainly because it came with the phone and my sister also has an Apple phone. Personally I just prefer to drive around to hers if I want to speak to her. Have no need for video calls for work, I don't have any other camera aside from the one on my phone anyway.

[Gentle Viking]

Pardon my gloomy Danish mood, but why on earth would i ever use such a service, i have no problem recalling how the few people i care for look like.

[Saracen999]

I have Signal but I think I've only ever used it for video once, maybe twice, pretty much just to say yeah, it works. Otherwise, I feel no need.

The wife uses Teams on the work laptop from time to time, mainly due to woring from home for 18 months and them requiring it, but other than that work laptop, doesn't have or want a computer, let alone video calling.

[Hoonigan]

FaceTime is my favourite, and now with iOS15 on the horizon, allowing non-Apple users to partake, what's not to love?

[Potbellieddwarf]

I have never used any of them and really have no need to, nor do I actually want to.

[will19565]

Face time and messenger

[Core2Extreme]

None. I prefer meeting in person. Or if that isn't feasible due to geography, to have an audio call. On an audio call, either party can take a walk or otherwise be mobile, and while I've seen some people make walking video calls in airports, I see no appeal in that personally.

Although I have been persuaded to use Skype to see video of 8-week old kittens at play. Not an endorsement of Skype though, if anything an endorsement of kittens.

[Core2Extreme]

I suppose the other thing is that to me, video calls have become associated with work and effort. Y'know, trying to look nice on video. On audio, it's more laid-back. In person, maybe you put some effort in up front, but you aren't really paying attention to presenting the best you once you have met up. Something about video, and maybe it is the association of video calls with work, makes it seem higher-maintenance and less relaxing for the course of the call.

But yeah, overall, I guess I'd rather have the occasional old-fashioned phone call, and text a few pictures back and forth, than have a video call. Unless kittens are involved. Then video does have some advantages.