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Video Call Devices... echo show or portal or???

tkradtke

tkradtke

Professional Brainstormer
Joined
Dec 28, 2009
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Does anyone have any experience with any of the video call devices out there? I've never really considered one before, but with the distinct possibility that virtual Christmas celebrations are in our future, we've started to look at them (after seeing a commercial last night... lol!). We were thinking about buying them as gifts for family this year, but have only *just* started our research.

Anyone have any personal experience with them and why they are any better than just using something like FaceTime or zoom?
 
We haven't had a need but Zoom works just fine for us as does FaceTime. I feel...if it ain't broke. ;) DH did pay for the professional Zoom as he is the Host for several meetings.
 
We can video call through our google home. But we use our phones. Munchkin likes being able to wander and show things in the house. I like being able to move around when on the phone. We usually use the computer if we are staying in one place since it has more field of view than our phones.
All my siblings use phones. We've tried xbox, playstation, etc and we just prefer the phones.
 
cookingmylife said:
I feel...if it ain't broke.
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bestcee said:
All my siblings use phones. We've tried xbox, playstation, etc and we just prefer the phones.
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You both are echoing what I thought deep down. I really think we have everything we need already. I guess where stay stuck on it as an option is will the novelty of it, make it fun for the holidays? Will we use it to get together virtually more throughout December, because it's something new other than our usuals we've been using since March? Honestly just trying to soften the blow a bit for when we tell our parents that we won't be getting together this Christmas.
 
I like FaceTime best, because it works so easily, but for people who don't have iPhones, Zoom works too. I don't think I'd want yet another device to find space for.

I totally get the idea of wanting something new to soften the blow of not getting together in person for Christmas though. :( I got over not having Thanksgiving, but it's really going to hurt to not have Christmas this year. I'm REALLY hoping this latest 3 week shut down in Michigan will get our number goings back in the right direction so we can do Christmas at least with my sister's family. For now, I'm just not going to think about it.
 
We have friends with the Alexa Show? She has music going all the time, with the words. It is a novelty, her husband got free. I think if it comes FREE with purchase, I would take it! lol
 
My friend and I use Google Duo for our video calls. She has an Android phone and I have an iPhone so it works well for both of us. I believe it can do groups as well, although we haven't tried to connect more than just the two of us.

Since it's Google, it works on multiple types of devices (I actually use my iPad to for our meets so that my phone isn't tied up and the screen is bigger.) There is also a Nest Hub Max coming out next week, if you really want a standalone device; I don't know anything else except what came up when I searched to make sure you could set up groups with it.
 
Karen said:
I like FaceTime best, because it works so easily, but for people who don't have iPhones, Zoom works too.
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sakura-panda said:
My friend and I use Google Duo for our video calls. She has an Android phone and I have an iPhone so it works well for both of us. I believe it can do groups as well, although we haven't tried to connect more than just the two of us.
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I was going to say this! If you don't have iPhones, or you have mixed, we adore Google Duo. It's been easier for the grandparents than zoom, it's really as simple as calling with video.
 
Thanks for the input everyone! I ended up pulling the trigger on Portals this morning. I know they are redundant given we have the ability to FaceTime already.... but we needed a boost to make things special. My father tested positive for COVID on Monday and so far, is doing ok. My mom isn't showing any symptoms yet (hasn't been tested, but her health is a bit precarious as she has an autoimmune disease and is on the kidney transplant list). Anyway... we officially canceled Christmas yesterday (it was going to happen anyway, we just finally said it out loud). Just thought the novelty of the device would help breathe new life into video calls, even if it's temporary. I bought today because the Portal Minis which had been $129 each, are on sale for $65 each. My daughter worked at Target over the summer and will again next summer so they've let her keep her discount all year, which brought them down to about $55 each with free shipping.
 
tkradtke said:
Thanks for the input everyone! I ended up pulling the trigger on Portals this morning. I know they are redundant given we have the ability to FaceTime already.... but we needed a boost to make things special. My father tested positive for COVID on Monday and so far, is doing ok. My mom isn't showing any symptoms yet (hasn't been tested, but her health is a bit precarious as she has an autoimmune disease and is on the kidney transplant list). Anyway... we officially canceled Christmas yesterday (it was going to happen anyway, we just finally said it out loud). Just thought the novelty of the device would help breathe new life into video calls, even if it's temporary. I bought today because the Portal Minis which had been $129 each, are on sale for $65 each. My daughter worked at Target over the summer and will again next summer so they've let her keep her discount all year, which brought them down to about $55 each with free shipping.
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That's a great deal! Way to work the sales and discounts! :agree I think that'll be a super cool way to connect in a new fun way for Christmas. I hope you love them! :)
 
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