ZOOM Cloud Meetings

ZOOM Cloud Meetings is a tool for conferences in audio, video, or text mode. It also has lots of extras useful for business communication. Download ZOOM Cloud Meetings and remain in touch whenever and wherever you need!

Design 5/5

The app looks similar to Skype and other VoIP apps of this sort. That’s the pro: new users will feel familiar almost instantly. When the conference is going on, you can see all the active users if they have their cameras on. Text conversations are easily readable due to contrast design. But the app may look more interesting if you purchase a corporate plan: the developer can add your corporate branding to it.

Usability 5/5

ZOOM is capable of private talks as well as multiuser conferences, with up to 100 participants even in the free version. Chats are organized the way they are in Skype, WhatsApp, and other similar apps. It takes a host to start a conference: the host is the user that has the admin access, and the more expensive plan you buy, the more prerogatives the host has.

One of the greatest features of ZOOM is that not all users need to have the app installed. It’s possible to join a ZOOM conference with just a telephone call if you have the invitation. Paid plans even let you connect Skype for Business with a high integration level. Users can also share their screens with just one tap. These tools get even more useful due to real-time annotating during sharing.

As for the app, it’s available for all mobile and desktop platforms active now and H.323/SIP room systems as well. It doesn’t require a super-fast connection, working well even on 3G. That makes ZOOM a really versatile tool.

Features 5/5

Along with its basic features, ZOOM offers some exclusive extras, like virtual background (requires rather fresh devices due to AI necessary), joining voice conferences with traditional telephone lines, simultaneous screen sharing, and so on. You won’t find this treasury on Skype or other VoIP services for the mass audience. If you think about a paid plan, you can consider which extras you really need, and select the plan that suits your requirements the best.

In-app purchases 4/5

The mobile app is free to use with the basic plan, which only supports up to 40-minute meetings. Paid plans add extras, like built-in scheduler, integration with Skype for Business, much longer meetings, custom IDs, admin control, a cloud recorder, dedicated service managers, and so on, up to corporate branding of the app. Plans are scalable; they start at $14.99/mo, and only the hosts have to pay.

The Bottom Line

Even those with old devices can use ZOOM: it only requires iOS 7.0 or Android 4.1 (or later). Still, the app is frequently updated. It’s not a mass tool, but if your company or party needs a great tool for communication in all possible ways, ZOOM Cloud Meetings is a great option.

• Graphics 5
• Gameplay 5
• Controls 5
• Replay Value 4

Pros

Conferences with up to 100 participants plus private calls;
Good video and audio quality;
Zoom account is not required to participate;
Low system requirements;
An incredible richness of paid extras.

Cons

Not the tool for everyday conversations.