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Skype For Linux Adds 'Experimental' Video Calls, Disables Some Alpha Versions (skype.com)
An anonymous Slashdot reader writes:
This morning Skype released version 1.10 of Skype for Linux which includes an "experimental version" of video calls. "We are not quite there. The 1-on-1 video calls work only between Skype for Linux Alpha clients for now," warns an announcement on the Skype forum. "Despite the early phase, we'd like to ask you, the Linux community, to help us with testing. Please let us know how the video works for you."
They're also disabling some older versions of the Skype for Linux Alpha (versions 1.1 through 1.6), saying "Those users will be asked to update to [the] latest version." But after a 20-month lull between releases for the old app, it's refreshing to see a much faster pace for development for this new WebRTC version. It's been less than a month since the release of version 1.8, and two weeks since version 1.9 came out, offering support for system HTTPS proxy.
They're also disabling some older versions of the Skype for Linux Alpha (versions 1.1 through 1.6), saying "Those users will be asked to update to [the] latest version." But after a 20-month lull between releases for the old app, it's refreshing to see a much faster pace for development for this new WebRTC version. It's been less than a month since the release of version 1.8, and two weeks since version 1.9 came out, offering support for system HTTPS proxy.
meet.jitsi.org Google Hangouts Many SIP clients
If you have modern browsers at both sides of the connection (supporting webrtc: http://caniuse.com/#feat=rtcpe...), there are many online sites that require no account setup or anything else, and where a connection can be done by clicking a link. No plugins required.
It needs a separate channel e.g. chat to set it up (where you can send your communication partner the link, or ask them to talk via the webrtc), but it works.
https://talky.io/
https://appear.in/
https://meet.jit.si/
https://apprtc.appspot.com/
On normal phones calls I don't. But when your parents want to see and talk with your 2-year old then, yes, it is invaluable.
Non-Linux Penguins ?
It's okay to drop Alpha versions altogether - that CPU - great as it was - has been dead for I think a decade now.
So, is there any dummy-friendly video call software for Linux out there that supports conferencing with multiple users?
Google Hangouts. Works great. I use it for all of my meetings -- usually 2-3 hours per day (I work for Google). Works on Linux, OS X, Windows, ChromeOS, Android and iOS, supports up to tens of users in one call (limit is 50, IIRC). There are dedicated systems available for it as well, based on Chromeboxes. It allows any user to cast their screen/window for presentations or whatnot.
If you use Google Calendar, Hangouts is integrated with your calendar; there's a URL you can go to that shows your calendar entries for the day and clicking on one of them automatically enters that video call. Companies that use the system can integrate it with meeting room management, so each room has its own calendar and people can schedule rooms when they create/edit calendar entries, and rooms can likewise be connected to a meeting with one tap/click.
It's quite a nice system. The best I've used, and I've used several of them. Yes, I work for Google so I'm not unbiased, but this is my honest opinion.
Obviously it does require all users to have a Google account (gmail or GSuite), and you get the very best results with a set of GSuite accounts all in the same domain (e.g. the same company) where everyone uses the calendar, meeting rooms are in the system, etc. But for ad-hoc use with a bunch of gmail accounts the basic video conferencing works fine, and it's free.
Note to ACs: I usually delete AC replies without reading them. If you want to talk to me, log in.