Hanging out
Posted on: February 27, 2012
Earlier this month, I had the best excuse to try Google Hangouts. I had to video conference with Google folks in the USA and Australia.
I did a trial run with a few folks at CeL and was pleasantly surprised how easy it was. Just how easy? Almost as easy as sending email.
If you have a Gmail account, you need only click on your Plus profile and start a hangout by selecting the people you wish you meet. Of course each person needs an Internet-connected device like a laptop with a webcam or a mobile device like an iPhone or Pad.
I was impressed by how each person’s voice activated the focus. You need only speak up and you would take centre stage. No press-to-talk or hand raising. You can also share and discuss YouTube videos or desktops.
Other video conferencing systems or tools offer similar features, but Hangouts is free and easy. With the exception of FaceTime, it is my favourite video-conferencing tool.
