Video Calling
Meet face to face virtually
Overview
Video calling is becoming more and more mainstream. FaceTime is a fantastic built-in app that allows you to video call other iOS or Mac users. FaceTime, simply put, just works. There is barely any set up and you don’t need to worry if any apps are running. Apple has brought video calling into the 21st century. There are a few different apps that allow your iOS devices to make video calls outside of iOS and Mac. We compare your options in this AppGuide.
Essential Apps
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Free
Vtok - for GTalk chat, video, free phone calls and texts
by Skymobius, Inc
Vtok - Google Video Chat is the essential video calling app. This is the only universal app we have found for video calling outside of FaceTime. The app lets you use Google Chat to make video calls with other Google Chat users. The video call quality is very good and works over 3G too! No other app replicates the FaceTime experience as much as this app does. It simply works. You can receive calls in the background and answer them as either audio or video calls. You can switch orientations, switch cameras, and even choose not to send video on your end. Vtok is the essential video calling app for iOS.
Notable Apps
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Free
Skype
by Skype Communications S.a.r.l
Skype now includes video calling. You are able to call other Skype users. Original iPad users can make video calls, but the video is one sided. This is an iPhone optimized app that runs okay in upscaled mode on the iPad. The call quality is pretty good and the service is free.
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Free
fring
by fringland Ltd.
Fring is yet another video calling option. Group video calling is possible with Fring. This will be a mobile first. We have not seen any other apps try this out. Fring has an okay interface and allows you to call both Android and iPhone users.
Decent Apps
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Free
Tango Text, Voice, and Video
by TangoMe, Inc.
Tango Video Calls is another way to make cross platform calls. You can call both iOS and Android users. This is yet another worthwhile app.
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Free
Yahoo! Messenger - free SMS, video & voice calls
by Yahoo!
Yahoo! Messenger provides another venue to make free video calls. The app and call quality is very good. Your only problem may be finding people to talk to on this service. If you have a bunch of Yahoo! friends, then you will want to check this app out.
