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The recent controversy around Apple FaceTime involving a security bug may have kinda cooled off, but it got us thinking. What FaceTime alternatives are there?
FaceTime is a high quality video-telephony app, available on Apple devices. The bug in the app’s software exposed users devices, & to cut a long story short, led to an invasion of their privacy when receiving incoming calls. This embarrassing situation led to an apology from Apple, & a fix to get the bug.
The ‘scare’ also led many to abandon the app, but what alternatives exist, which could replace FaceTime for users who still need to make video calls?
Skype
Skype is available as a desktop or mobile app for a wide variety of platforms including IoS & Android. Users can make free Skype-to-Skype video calls, & share the video with up to 10 users, while additional participants can join in on audio only. The app offers high quality full HD video, & allows users to share text, stickers & the screen while chatting.
Video calling is one of the many useful features offered by WhatsApp. However, unlike Skype, the app is not available on the Web or on desktop. Android & IOS users can enjoy free WhatsApp-to-WhatsApp video calls for both personal & group chat(up to 4 users). The app has a good quality picture resolution, & as with other apps in this category, allows you to share stickers & texts while on call.
Appear.in
If you have a WebRTC compliant browser & a quick Internet connection, ‘Appear.in’ is a good FaceTime alternative. This Web-based app is easy to set up & use – you need to acquire an account to hold your own calls/meetings, once joined you can set up a video ’meeting room’ then share a link to the room’s URL. Other participants can engage with you by clicking on the link you have provided – no download or account necessary. The free tier account supports up to 4 participants, while their paid plans allow up to 15 simultaneous users. Screen sharing & room ’locking’ is catered for on all price plans, while recording facilities are only a paid option.
Another video call app, which is very similar to Skype & WhatsApp, is Google Duo. This app presents peer-to-peer video calling in high definition & is available for IOS & Android.
Viber
This app’s available on both iOS & Android. It’s easy to install & connects through your mobile number as your User ID. You can even connect multiple devices to your main phone, plus there’s group messaging, too.
