Video Call

Video calling has become a matter of course, but the barrier to entry is often absurdly high: first one side has to install a program, then create an account, then have the right version. Video Call puts an end to that. The call runs entirely in the browser using the built-in WebRTC technology. You click start call, your browser asks for camera and microphone, and you are ready to go.

Instead of sending invitations or coordinating appointments, you simply share a link. As soon as you start a call, a private room with its own address is created. You send that link to your counterpart by message, email or whatever. One click on it, allow camera access, and the connection is up. No downloading, no registering, no waiting in a virtual waiting room.

During the conversation you stay in control of your presence. Mute the microphone with one click when the jackhammer next door kicks in, and turn off the camera when you are without make-up or in your pyjamas. Both any time and without interrupting the call. A counter shows the call duration so you keep track during timed appointments.

For anything hard to put into words there is screen sharing. One click and your counterpart sees what is on your screen - a spreadsheet, a form, a presentation, the error message that has been annoying you for an hour. When you are done, you switch back to the camera without the connection dropping.

The connection runs directly between the two participants; video and audio are not permanently stored on a server. That is good for privacy and good for latency, because the shortest path is usually the fastest. Hung up is hung up: when the call ends, camera and microphone are cleanly released and the room disappears.

Video Call is part of the Plus toolkit and needs a browser with camera and microphone access. Everything else works without extra programs. So if you want to talk to someone quickly and simply, without them having to struggle through an installation first, a shared link is all you need.