Friday, July 22, 2011

Can I Create an Online Video Conference for Free?

Consider using one of these free online tools to conduct a video-enabled web conference.

Basic Video/Audio Discussions:
  • oovoo at http://www.oovoo.com/
    • Requires software download & account set up
    • Allows up to 3 participants for free
    • new! - oovoo for Mobile offers "free 6 way video chat, instant messaging, and free voice calls to ooVoo contacts" (see compatible mobile device list)
    • can only record calls by purchasing upgraded plan or credits
    • chat via texting with 6 people maximum on a mobile device or computer

  • Skype at http://www.skype.com/
    • Requires software download & account set up for a mobile device or computer such as iPod touch, iPad, iPhone, Symbian, or Android
    • Allows up to 2 participants for free
    • Screen sharing is free for one-on-one calls
    • Doesn't allow recording of calls, but one suggestion is to use VodBurner.

Webinar/Conferencing:
  • Vyew at http://vyew.com
    • Requires account set up
    • Video/audio enabled project screen
    • Up to 10 real-time users
    • Upload files
    • Up to 20 different project folders
    • No software download
    • Includes ads
    • Screen capture
    • Drawing tools included

  • AnyMeeting at http://anymeeting.com/
    • One speaker at a time who can share his/her desktop
    • Video/audio enabled speaker
    • Ability to draw shapes or write text on shared whiteboard
    • Record session
    • Text chat available

For more information:
6 Instant Online Services That Boost Online Productivity from makeuseof, July 15, 2011
AnyMeeting Makes Web Meetings, Webinars Free from InformationWeek, April 4, 2011

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