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SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
How do I resolve
screen-freeze and
dropped conversations?
A poor signal is hugely frustrating,
so avoid walking around when
chatting, especially if you’re using
mobile data as the signal strength
changes regularly. If you’re using
a laptop, avoid having too many
programs open. The same applies
to tablets and even smartphones.
How can I get
a better picture?
Facebook Portal in
Image quality depends on the
White, £169, portal.
facebook.com
resolution of your – and the caller’s
– camera. Logitech sells clip-on
Enjoy glitch-free webcams for computers, from £25.
How do I get young
video calling Caribu (iOS and Android, free with
children to take part?
in-app purchases) is a smartphone
From frozen screens to unflattering angles app that lets you interact, rather than
just talk. You can draw and play
that highlight double chins, video calling can games together on the screen and
read stories. Facebook Portal doesn’t
be disappointing in practice. Overcome the need the kids to sit still as the camera
snags, though, and it could change your life… tracks people around the room, and
it also has a Story Time mode that
animates your face and surroundings
How do I get started? facebook.com), all of which have a on screen (in real time) while you read
All you need is a smartphone, high-res screen and camera, as well one of its provided stories to the kids.
tablet or computer with a webcam as voice control so you can order it to
and microphone. Home Wi-Fi is also call anyone from your contact’s list. I always look
a must, though with a smartphone terrible on video
you can use your phone’s network Can I chat with calls! Any tips?
if you have sufficient data. Next, multiple people? Avoid low back lighting to reduce
download a video-calling app, such
On Facebook Messenger you can talk shadows and make sure the
as Skype, FaceTime (for Apple users),
face to face with up to six people, and camera is at eye level. Remember
WhatsApp (Apple or Windows
as many as 50 people in different to look at the camera rather than
Phone 8.1+), Facebook Messenger
locations can also join the chat just the screen, so it gives the impression
or Google Duo. The person you’re
to talk – though it might get chaotic! you’re making eye contact.
calling will need the same app, too.
“ Lighting is very important
What if I don’t want
to use my phone? with video calling, so make sure
If you have a computer with a that the room is well lit. Place
webcam, you’ll be able to video chat
using Skype or FaceTime, but it a direct light source behind the webcam,
needs to be on to receive calls. Or you
can get yourself a Google Nest Hub or natural light from an open window
(£69, store.google.com), Alexa Echo FEATURE CHRIS HASLAM
Show 8 (£59.99, Amazon.co.uk) or a during daytime is just as good ”
Facebook Portal (from £129, portal. JOHN JUNOD, GLOBAL BRAND MANAGER FOR WEBCAMS AT LOGITECH
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2020 145
