Zoom Equivalent

Robm1955

I'm asking this for a friend. They have a young daughter, whoes birthday it is soon. Under this lockdown situation, obviously, she can't have a party. My question is, is there an alternative to Facetime, or Zoom, that doesn't require signup, or payment? Facetime is out, because some of her friends, don't have iPhones, or iPads, and apparently, you only get 45 minutes with Zoom, as a free user. As I said, this is for a friend, to make the little ones party a bit more special.

dan958

I'm not aware of any that won't require any signup, but Discord, Skype, Hangouts allows for video chats for free. Depends entirely on how many people need to be in the video call at once.

Neil_Jones

Skype recently changed it so you don't have to sign up:

https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/skype-introduces-video-meetings-with-no-sign-up-needed-for-those-wanting-a-zoom-alternative

Frozen_up_north

Zoom is very easy to use, although is not secure (regardless of what they claim). Only one person has to sign up, others can join the meeting with nothing more than the meeting reference and password. It works very well for groups.

tafelmoneysaver

You can try https://meet.jit.si/

Might need the app for mobile device but works on a web browser from alaptop and desktop.

No signin

tehone

Cisco Webex (only the host has to sign up) - can be used on a variety of devices [its basically a more corporate version of Zoom). You can schedule the party (meeting) in advance give everyone the details (code/password) to join

Chino

Frozen_up_north said:

although is not secure (regardless of what they claim).

Please elaborate.

mac.d

Think its been pretty widely reported that Zoom has security issues & that their encryption claims are wide of the mark.

BBC News: Zoom boss apologises for security issues 
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-52133349

Tom's Guide: Zoom security & privacy issues
https://www.tomsguide.com/uk/news/zoom-security-privacy-woes

Frozen_up_north

Chino said:

Frozen_up_north said:

although is not secure (regardless of what they claim).

Please elaborate.

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2020/04/03/dont_use_zoom_if_privacy/

RumRat

Here's a fairly new one to give a try Spike Video Chat. Intro and how to use HERE. Needs nothing installed and looks V.easy, I've not tried it myself, but looks OK with a few limitations.

Chino

Frozen_up_north said:

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2020/04/03/dont_use_zoom_if_privacy/

And how will any of that affect any user of Zoom who posts on this forum?

Or do you imagine that the Chinese government would have an especial interest in the OP's friend's daughter's birthday party?