Save Data, Save Minutes: Make Some Video Chat Memories

One of the best features of tablets and Smartphones is that you can use the camera feature to video chat with friends and family without being tied down.

What’s even better is that you can use your high-speed, in-home wireless connection to do it instead of eating into a low cellular data cap.  That’s right, when you have a high-speed connection in your home, you can access it using your tablet or smartphone and actually get a more stable, faster signal!

So why video chat?  Here are just a handful of reasons.

• 55% of all communication is non-verbal –  When you video chat you get that entire range of communication back.
• It allows you to create closer bonds – When you can see the other person, whether it’s family or a new business contact, you build a faster and stronger connection.
• You can watch your grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc.  grow up –  No more being surprised at Christmas by how big they’ve gotten.
• You can share an experience –  Your son/daughter can see all those wires and help you plug in your new TV!

So now that we’ve convinced you (or maybe you were already on board), let’s talk about your video chat options.

• FaceTime: This application comes with iPad and iPhone.  To use FaceTime, tap the icon, select a name, wait for the person to accept the call, and smile big!  It’s that easy.
• Google Talk/Hangouts: Google Talk recently became Google Hangouts.  Just as FaceTime comes standard on Apple devices, Hangouts comes built-in to every Android device.  This application allows you to include as many as ten people, so everyone can help plan Thanksgiving or share their latest news.  It also works for small video conferences when you’re away from the office.
• Skype: A free Skype account is available to anyone, and allows for unlimited one-on-one video chat across any supported platform. Paid accounts allow you to add multiple users to a conversation, or place phone calls over the network instead of using your phone’s minutes.  Skype can also be downloaded and accessed over a Mac, PC or any Android Device.