TOKBOX AND GOOGLE HANGOUT: THE VIDEO CONFERENCING TOOLS

I had a chance to try two new tools for video conferencing: TokBox and Google Hangout. My friends and I chose not to try Skype because we were all familiar with this tool. I once used Skype as an online tool to teach a student back in my home country. It was a good tool for teacher and student to connect with one another. You can share files and text your student when he/she doesn’t understand what you are talking about.

My first experience with TokBox wasn’t very impressive. The instruction was confusing. I signed up, I got a code and I did what I was told to do. However, I wasn’t able to use the tool. I decided to give up and try the other one: Google Hangout.

Even though I spent a lot of time on my google account each day, I had never thought of using Google Hangout with my friends. In class, one of my group members introduced me this tool. I found it was quite interesting and fun. Its functions are quite similar to Skype; you can connect with anyone anytime with voice, video calls, or texting. It allows you to talk one-on-one or invite friends for a group call with up to 10 people. However, what makes Google Hangout different from Skype is the use of sticker. You can choose many different items to be put on your face such as mustache, glasses, and hats. It will make the conversation more lively and fun!

Although there are many video conferencing tools nowadays, my family and I prefer using Facetime, a function on IPhone allowing you to call your friends and family for free wherever you are. My family and I always use this tool to call each other. I love it because it doesn’t require an application or installation. It is easy for my parents to figure out how to use this tool on their own. It is a simple tool and my parents love it!