Video-conferencing
app Zoom becomes the most preferred app for Android users amid lockdown
While many companies are
already using the video conferencing app Zoom for business meetings,
interviews, and other purposes, individuals who are facing long days without
contact with friends and family are moving to Zoom for face-to-face and group
get-togethers.
However, for meetings and
professional interactions, Zoom is currently one of the best video conferencing
platforms. The free version of Zoom allows up to 50 people in a
video-conference call which is making it the preferred app for educational
institution and organizations with larger teams.
Zoom has the ability to
replace the space behind you with an image of your choice, no green screen
required. It works for Zoom desktop users and iOS users, but Android users are
out of luck. The hardware requirements are a bit high, but those who don't meet
them can still use virtual backgrounds, though performance will vary.
This is a great feature
for those working from home who don't have dedicated office space or, like me,
tend to let their workspace get a bit cluttered. It's easy to toggle it on or
off and adding a personal background is as easy as making a couple clicks.
Just like video calling
apps including Google Duo, FaceTime and Skype, the Zoom app is fairly easy to
use. The app is available on various platforms including Android, iOS, Windows
and Mac.
On your smartphone, head
over to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and search for Zoom. Mac users
can open the App Store and search for the Zoom Meetings app.
Go to Zoom’s sign up page. You’ll be presented with a few options for creating an account.
You can also create an
account by clicking the “Sign in with Google” or “Sign in with Facebook”
buttons, after which you just download the Zoom desktop app and move on.
After you’ve installed
the Zoom app, you’ll see buttons to “Join a Meeting” or “Sign In.” To start
your test meeting, click “Sign In.”
Zoom claims to be
end-to-end encrypted but this doesn't seem to be the case. According to a
report by The Intercept, Zoom has access to your files and messages shared
during meetings which the company can use for ad-targeting. Since the company
came under scrutiny, it has updated its privacy policy. With that said, as long
as you make sure everyone in a Zoom meeting connects using computer audio
instead of calling in on a phone, the meeting is secured with end-to-end
encryption, at least according to Zoom.
