Video Calling in the Age of Social Distancing
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people to stay indoors and keep physical distance from others. As a result, staying connected with our loved ones has become more important than ever before. With the rise of video calling apps, we can now see and talk to people in real-time, regardless of our physical location. In this article, we'll take a look at the benefits of video calling, how it works, and top apps you can use.
What is Video Calling?
Video calling, also known as video chat, is a communication technique that allows people to see and hear each other in real-time using the internet. It involves the use of a camera and microphone-enabled device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Thanks to video calling, people can stay in touch with their loved ones, attend virtual events, and even conduct business meetings without leaving their homes.
Benefits of Video Calling
The benefits of video calling are numerous. Firstly, video calling helps reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially for people who live alone or far away from their loved ones. Furthermore, it enables people to stay connected with their friends and family across different time zones and locations without incurring high costs. Video calling also helps people stay safe during the pandemic by reducing the need for physical interaction. It is also an environmentally friendly way to communicate as it reduces the need for travel, thus reducing carbon emissions.
How Video Calling Works
Video calling works by converting audio and video signals into a digital format that can be transmitted over the internet. When you make a video call, your device's camera captures your image and microphone captures your voice. The data is then compressed and converted into packets that are transmitted over the internet to the recipient's device. The recipient's device then receives the packets and converts them back into audio and video signals, which are displayed on screen.
Top Video Calling Apps
There are several video calling apps available today, each with its unique features and benefits. Here are some of the top video calling apps to consider:
- Zoom: A popular app for virtual meetings, Zoom allows up to 100 participants per call and offers features such as screen sharing and virtual backgrounds.
- Skype: Skype is a well-known app that allows users to make video calls to other Skype users for free and to make calls to landlines and mobile phones at low rates.
- Google Meet: Formerly known as Google Hangouts Meet, this app is designed for enterprise and educational use, enabling video conferencing for up to 250 participants.
- FaceTime: Exclusive to Apple users, FaceTime is a simple app that allows anyone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to make video calls to other Apple users for free.
- WhatsApp: In addition to instant messaging, WhatsApp allows users to make video calls to other WhatsApp users for free.
Conclusion
In conclusion, video calling has become an essential part of staying connected in the age of social distancing. Its benefits include reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation, enabling people to stay connected with their loved ones across different time zones and locations, and reducing the need for physical interaction during the pandemic. With top video calling apps such as Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, FaceTime, and WhatsApp, staying in touch has never been easier.