Overview of video chat services, devices

Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash

By Ann Marie Maloney
Posted on January 15, 2021

What’s the key to staying in touch with others this winter? The ability to enjoy all the face time you want with people outside your household while still practicing social distancing. And that means more virtual visits.

By now, most people are accustomed to using technology for face-to-face conversations. “It became a part of my life, seeing people in two dimensions instead of three,” said Charles Heller of Annapolis, Maryland.

The 84-year-old author has three grandchildren and serves on several boards. To stay connected, he uses his desktop computer and the video chat app GoToMeeting.

Video chat apps have become household names as Americans turned to them for virtual gatherings throughout 2020.

Most of these apps are free with some restrictions, either limiting the number of people who can attend or slapping on a time limit for your free session.

Of the four video chat apps whose restrictions we describe here, only FaceTime works exclusively on Apple products. The other three apps can be used on any device.

FaceTime: FaceTime is free for anyone with an Apple device (it’s pre-installed on iPhones and iPads).

GoToMeeting: It’s free for a two-week trial (credit card not required for trial). Outside of that, professional use is $12 a month, and businesses are charged $16 a month.

Skype: Skype offers a free link to host a gathering for up to 50 people. International chats cost $2.99 to $7.99 a month, depending on the country.

Zoom: Zoom offers unlimited time for two users. For three or more users, there’s a 40-minute time limit or $14.99 a month for unlimited time.

Gadgets and gizmos

In addition, there are plenty of age-friendly gadgets and accessories to help you stay in touch.

For older users, finding the right device often involves accommodating physical difficulties such as hearing loss, reduced vision or digital dexterity.

Small text is not the only challenge. It’s “behaviors, like swiping and tapping — or knowing the difference between a tap and a long press,” said Sara Silver, founder of Computer Companion in Northbrook, Ill., which helps older adults master technology.

Still, “clients are doing so much more with their iPhones,” Silver noted. According to an AARP survey, 86% of Americans age 50 to 59 own one, dropping to 81% for 60-somethings and 62% for those 70 and older.

If you want a simpler alternative to Apple’s iPhone with larger fonts, GreatCall specializes in tech devices for older adults and sells the Prepaid Jitterbug Smartphone 2 for $75. Its ease of use and well-spaced keypad drew praise from PCMag, but the phone received low marks for the camera, speaker volume and overall speed.

But don’t snub Apple products, as you may be surprised by some of their age-friendly features. For better visibility, you can adjust font, cursor size and screen contrast. The VoiceOver feature translates the content on the screen into audio and, under Apple’s newest operating system, iOS 14, even describes images.

Accessories like strong speakers and quality headphones can also help. Heller says his wife, who is hard of hearing, struggled at first with virtual get-togethers, so he bought her a pair of Bose headphones — problem solved. If you or your loved one could use an upgrade of some of the basics, consider these products:

—Noise-cancelling headphones. Bose tops Consumer Reports ratings with its Quiet Comfort 35 Series II and 700 models ($350-$400). The magazine’s cheaper recommendations include Bose Quiet Comfort ($200), JBL 650BTNC ($150-$200) and Monoprice BT-300ANC ($50).

—Mouse. Arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome can make scrolling painful. Scott Grant, founder of Graying with Grace, recommends buying a mouse that does not need a tight grip. A mouse with a trackball may be a good bet, he says, if it does not require curling a finger. His suggestions: Kensington Expert Wireless Trackball ($85), Sanwa Bluetooth Vertical ($25) or Adesso Easy Cat 2 Button Touchpad ($50)

—Speakers. Look for portability, range and sound quality. Among lower-priced options, Denon HEOS 5 HS2 ($350) and Sonos One SL ($180) offer good sound and WiFi connection, finds Consumer Reports.

—Webcam. If your onscreen image makes you look like someone in witness protection, you probably need a better web camera, or webcam. One with high marks is Logitech 920S, which sells for under $100.