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Ever since the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic began and lockdowns and quarantines were implemented, people have relied heavily on online communication to stay connected, and to adapt to a new way of learning and working.

Thus, most of the things people used to do in person have now been replaced with their virtual versions, from online classes to work-from-home setups.

This surge in the use of video chat platforms has given rise to the now popular app Zoom.

However, along with its rise to fame, security and privacy concerns surrounding the Zoom app have also risen, including Zoombombing.

So, if you're looking for other video chat apps to try, below are a few suggestions along with their key features.

Houseparty

Houseparty App | Source: Apple App Store

The Houseparty app is owned by Epic Games, developer of Fornite, and it is the closest thing to having an actual house party. The video chat app allows you to 'hang out' and talk online with your loved ones. It also enables you to play famous games like Trivia and Heads Up! with family and friends virtually. It's available for iOS, Android, MacOS, and Chrome.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams | Source: Microsoft

If you're a manager or supervisor leading a large team, this is the ideal video chat app for your online meetings, as it allows you to include up to 250 participants in one Teams meeting.

Microsoft Teams also has an audio calling feature, nd all conversations, files, meetings, and apps are stored in a shared workspace for easy sharing and editing of files.

Skype Meet Now

Skype Meet Now | Source: Skype

Meet Now is a new feature of Skype, which allows users to start a video chat or meeting without having to sign up for an account.

The Skype Meet Now meeting links have no expiration date and both creator and participant can use the link to join the chat anytime they want.

It is recommended for laptop and desktop users, as there is no need to download the app, unlike for mobile users. It has the usual Skype meetings features such as screen sharing, video call recording, background blur feature, and chat function.

Marco Polo

Marco Polo App | Source: Apple App Store

The Marco Polo app is dubbed as the 'video walkie talkie.' It allows you to send short recorded video messages to your loved ones.

It's ideal for quick back-and-forth messages with family and friends, and also perfect for those living in different time zones, as you have an option to send your video reply right away or when it's convenient.

Unlike Snapchat, Marco Polo saves your video so you can rewatch them and have a running conversation with your loved ones. it also has video and audio filters that can make video chatting more fun.

Facebook Messenger Rooms

Messenger Rooms | Source: Facebook

Facebook has recently announced the launch of Messenger Rooms, which is basically a virtual version of a physical room where your family and friends can drop by and hang out with you.

If you want to connect with loved ones, you won't need to call and hope they're free to answer it. You can simply start and share Messenger rooms on Facebook through News Feed, Groups, and Events so it's easy for people to pop in, say hi, and hang around with you.

According to Facebook's press release, Messenger Rooms is rolling out in some countries this week and will soon be available to the rest of the world.

You can invite anyone to join your video call, even those who don't have a Facebook account. Moreover, Messenger Rooms will soon be able to hold up to 50 people at a time with no time limit.

Hope you found the right video chat app for your needs. Just keep in mind to read privacy policies to make sure your data is secure when using new apps.

For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.

And for updates on the Coronavirus Disease pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine, visit GMA's COVID-19 page and ECQ page.

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