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"Grandma, your microphone is off": Virtual family get-togethers at Christmas can be a technical challenge
Photo: GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE / REUTERS
How is mom and dad's Christmas tree decorated?
Can anyone recite a poem?
Which gift do the grandchildren unwrap first?
And who is wearing the ugliest Christmas sweater?
Anyone who wants to be aware of all of this in the Corona year, but does not want to or cannot see their relatives due to the infection, needs the right program for video calls on the smartphone, tablet or computer.
Many families are now likely to be equipped accordingly.
As early as Easter we gave tips on which software is suitable for whom.
Since then, some details have changed.
That is why you will find an updated list of apps and programs for family or friendly video encounters below, including their advantages and disadvantages, special features and limitations.
Jitsi: The uncomplicated open source variant
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It is not known which program Santa Claus likes best
Photo: GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE / REUTERS
In contrast to most major video telephony programs, the Jitsi open source project is not supported by a commercial operator.
A video call can be made free of charge with just a few clicks on the Jitsi website.
The organizer then sends a link for the discussion to the relatives or friends who should be there by email, for example.
(Please note that some of the texts at Jitsi are initially only in English, but the few steps to a call are easy to understand and explain even for inexperienced users.)
To conduct the conversation directly via the browser, Jitsi recommends using Chrome or Chromium.
Safari and Firefox or, alternatively, the Jitsi app also work.
You do not need an account with Jitsi.
If you as the organizer want to secure your meeting additionally, it is advisable to click on the shield symbol at the bottom left of a call.
There you can assign a password for the call and add the waiting room function.
Then participants do not automatically join the call, but have to be activated.
Zoom: The usual suspect
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In hardly any other video telephony program can so many people take part in a call at the same time as with Zoom.
There are 100 participants in the free version
Photo: Jamie Lee Finch / dpa
The Zoom service is one of the winners of the corona pandemic crisis and in 2020 it will have become a synonym for video conferencing tools for many.
The program is also suitable for a Christmas get-together: the prerequisite is that at least the person organizing the video call has a Zoom account.
This can be done on the Zoom website.
The organizer then invites the others to call, for example by sending a link by email.
(Here, the operators provide a detailed explanation of how to create a Zoom account and how to start a call.)
Even if Zoom asks several times whether you want to install the Zoom software on your computer or as an app on your smartphone, this step is not necessarily necessary.
You can also take part in a Zoom call via your browser, just click on the smaller link »Join via your browser«.
Normally there is an upper limit of 40 minutes for each call in the free Zoom version, but Zoom has lifted this limit for Christmas.
From December 23 at 4 p.m. to noon on December 26, and from December 30 at 4 p.m. to noon on January 2, you can make unlimited calls via Zoom.
Here are three steps you can use to additionally secure your Zoom meeting.
Skype: The solid Microsoft option
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Skype is available as an app and desktop program, but calls also work directly via the browser
Photo: STEINBA / EPA-EFE / REX / Shutterstock
It is just as easy to start a video call with Skype as with Jitsi.
A Skype account is not required, it is sufficient to call up this link in the browser.
The service belonging to Microsoft is also compatible with more computers and devices than Jitsi, otherwise the functionality hardly differs.
With the free Skype version, up to 50 people can take part in a video call at the same time, which should be enough for the family.
If you want to make frequent calls via Skype, it is advisable for you and your relatives to create a Skype account and download the program to your computer or install it as an app.
Then the relevant contacts can be saved and calls can be started directly in the software.
In addition, further functions are then available, including for securing a video call.
A single video call on Skype can take up to four hours.
You cannot make video calls for more than 100 hours per month from your Skype account.
WhatsApp: Just one click in the family group
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So far, WhatsApp only works with smartphones and some tablets
Photo: Jens Kalaene / dpa
The advantage of WhatsApp is that most friends and relatives should already have the app on their phone.
For example, if you already have a family group in WhatsApp, then simply start a call by clicking on the camera icon in the top right corner of the group.
The disadvantage of video calls via the Facebook subsidiary's service is that video calls have so far only worked on smartphones or tablets.
However, there are reports that video calls may soon be possible via the desktop version of WhatsApp.
The company explains here how to install WhatsApp on the desktop.
In large groups, WhatsApp also has the disadvantage that only eight participants can take part in a video call at the same time.
In contrast to calls via desktop programs such as Jitsi, Skype or Zoom, you cannot share your screen with WhatsApp.
This means that you cannot implement many of the tips with which you can make the virtual get-together more entertaining and interesting.
(For inspiration, you will find ideas for a virtual photo evening, listening to music together or playing virtual board games during a video call).
Another option for the family video calling that works similarly to WhatsApp is Apple's FaceTime.
The program is installed by default on iPhones and iPads.
So if all family members have an Apple device, they can use it to start a video call from a chat group without installing a program.
Signal: Now also handles group video calls
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Santa Claus uses zoom here, but Signal would also be an alternative - at least if he only needs to reach four people
Photo: GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE / REUTERS
The Signal app is actually a messenger whose greatest strength is its secure encryption.
Encrypted video calls can also be started by tapping the camera symbol in an ongoing chat or after selecting a contact.
This has also been working for a few days in group chats with up to five participants and is therefore suitable for the scattered, not too large family.
(There are further explanations from the developers here.) The operation is a bit bumpy, however: To start and also to accept a group call, you have to tap twice, which is not immediately apparent to everyone.
Signal is available free of charge for Android, iPhones and iPads and works from one system to another.
There are also desktop versions for Windows, macOS and Linux, but they require the app to be installed on a smartphone beforehand.
When setting up you have to give your mobile phone number, to which a registration SMS will be sent.
Signal promises not to collect any contact lists, but in the app itself you can see who of your own contacts has also installed Signal.
Threema: The paid alternative for two parties
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Threema is considered a particularly privacy-friendly alternative to Facebook and WhatsApp
Photo: Oliver Berg / dpa
Like Signal, Threema is one of the many messenger apps that focus primarily on security.
With restrictions, however, it is also suitable as an alternative to Skype and other video telephony services.
In any case, the app has been able to handle video calls since August, but only for two interlocutors.
Threema is also chargeable, for the iOS or Android app a one-time fee of 1.99 euros is due until December 28th.
It's usually twice as much, but Threema is currently celebrating the disclosure of its source code.
The advantages: Threema works differently than Apple's Facetime across platforms, so iPhone owners can call Android owners and vice versa.
In addition, Threema does not require registration with the telephone number or e-mail address; linking the Threema ID with it is optional.
A video call is started while chatting with a person by first tapping on the telephone receiver symbol in the top left and then on the camera symbol, which cannot be seen until then.
(There are further explanations from the developers here.) This is not particularly intuitive, but it just makes it clear that Threema is primarily intended for written communication.
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