The Best Video Conferencing Software of 2025: Expert Tested
Zoom remains a top performer in the video conferencing software space, offering a user-friendly platform with breakrooms, virtual backgrounds, collaborative tools, and more for a reasonable price. Its robust feature set and wide compatibility have made it a favorite among users and businesses alike. However, its paid plans can be restrictive, limiting free users to 40-minute meetings.
The proliferation of video conferencing software reflects the evolving nature of remote work, where seamless collaboration and productivity are increasingly crucial for businesses to stay competitive.
As more companies adopt hybrid or fully remote models, will they prioritize features that enhance their employees' work experience over traditional reliability and security concerns?
The Jabra PanaCast 50 is designed to enhance the video conferencing experience with its triple 13MP 4K camera and an impressive 180° horizontal field of view, ensuring comprehensive coverage of meeting spaces. Its advanced features include speaker tracking, automatic digital zoom, and remote management capabilities through the Jabra Xpress portal, providing a seamless solution for hybrid work environments. While excelling in video and audio quality, it faces competition from other products in the market but stands out for its robust analytics and management tools.
The integration of AI technology in the PanaCast 50 highlights a significant shift towards smart conferencing solutions that prioritize user experience and accessibility in large meeting spaces.
What future advancements in video conferencing technology could further enhance remote collaboration and engagement in hybrid work settings?
Microsoft's decision to shut down Skype in May marks the end of an era for a platform that revolutionized video communication nearly 25 years ago. Once the go-to application for video calls, Skype paved the way for modern communication technologies, influencing how individuals and businesses connect today. Although it has lost ground to newer platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, Skype's legacy remains significant in shaping the landscape of digital communication.
The decline of Skype reflects the rapid evolution of technology, where even the most iconic platforms can be overshadowed as user preferences shift towards newer solutions.
In what ways might the legacy of Skype influence the development of future communication technologies and platforms?
Zoom's full fiscal-year 2025 earnings call highlighted a major advancement in artificial intelligence, solidifying its position as an AI-first work platform. CEO Eric Yuan emphasized the value of AI Companion, which has driven significant growth in monthly active users and customer adoption. The company's focus on AI is expected to continue transforming its offerings, including Phone, Teams Chat, Events, Docs, and more.
As Zoom's AI momentum gains traction, it will be interesting to see how the company's AI-first approach influences its relationships with other tech giants, such as Amazon and Microsoft.
Will Zoom's emphasis on AI-powered customer experiences lead to a shift in the way enterprises approach workplace communication and collaboration platforms?
Skype was once a major player in online communication, offering phone calls and video chats to users worldwide. The app allowed for convenient long-distance communication, particularly among friends and family. As more sophisticated video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Google Meet emerged, Skype's popularity waned.
Skype's decline serves as a reminder of the rapid pace of technological change in the digital age, where once-leading platforms can be overtaken by newer innovations.
What role will nostalgia play in shaping our perception of future communication technologies, and how will they compare to the experiences of those who first used them?
Microsoft is closing down Skype, the video-calling service it bought for $8.5 billion in 2011. The tech giant said Friday it will retire Skype in May and shift some of its services to Microsoft Teams, its flagship videoconferencing platform. Skype users will be able to use their existing accounts to log into Teams.
As Skype disappears from the online landscape, companies must now reassess their communication strategies, potentially leading to a renewed focus on collaboration tools that offer more robust features and seamless integrations.
Will Microsoft's decision to retire Skype signal a broader shift in the tech industry away from legacy brands and towards newer platforms that prioritize user experience over established market presence?
A 100-pixel video can teach us about storytelling around the world by highlighting the creative ways in which small-screen content is being repurposed and reimagined. CAMP's experimental videos, using surveillance tools and TV networks as community-driven devices, demonstrate the potential for short-form storytelling to transcend cultural boundaries. By leveraging public archives and crowdsourced footage, these artists are able to explore and document aspects of global life that might otherwise remain invisible.
The use of low-resolution video formats in CAMP's projects serves as a commentary on the democratizing power of digital media, where anyone can contribute to a shared narrative.
As we increasingly rely on online platforms for storytelling, how will this shift impact our relationship with traditional broadcast media and the role of community-driven content in shaping our understanding of the world?
Microsoft is reportedly preparing to discontinue Skype in favor of its more successful platform, Microsoft Teams, marking the end of an era for the once-dominant videoconferencing application. Launched in 2003 and acquired by Microsoft for $8.5 billion in 2011, Skype struggled to keep pace with competitors and failed to evolve into a leading communication platform despite its initial popularity. The lack of strategic vision and timely innovation ultimately led to Skype's decline as Microsoft shifts its focus toward integrating Teams into its broader communications ecosystem.
This decision highlights the challenges faced by legacy platforms in adapting to rapidly changing technology landscapes and user preferences in the digital communication space.
What lessons can other tech companies learn from Skype's decline as they navigate the evolving demands of users in an increasingly competitive market?
Business VoIP providers are evolving to offer more than just basic telephony, combining advanced features, scalability, and competitive pricing. RingCentral has emerged as a top choice, providing comprehensive services such as AI transcription, team collaboration tools, and integration with popular software. As the market for VoIP continues to grow, organizations are increasingly opting for solutions that enhance communication and operational efficiency.
The shift towards VoIP reflects a broader trend in business communication where flexibility and technological integration are becoming crucial for success in a competitive landscape.
What emerging technologies could further transform the VoIP space and redefine how businesses communicate in the next decade?
Prime Video has started testing AI dubbing on select titles, making its content more accessible to its vast global subscriber base. The pilot program will use a hybrid approach that combines the efficiency of AI with local language experts for quality control. By doing so, Prime Video aims to provide high-quality subtitles and dubs for its movies and shows.
This innovative approach could set a new standard for accessibility in the streaming industry, potentially expanding opportunities for content creators who cater to diverse linguistic audiences.
As AI dubbing technology continues to evolve, will we see a point where human translation is no longer necessary, or will it remain an essential component of a well-rounded dubbing process?
Skype is logging off after 21 years as a leading digital brand that failed to adapt to the mobile era and didn't enjoy a major resurgence during the pandemic. The software company announced that it will shut down its calling and messaging service on May 5, encouraging users to migrate to its free Teams app. Skype's user base dwindled in recent years as other video call rivals like Zoom and Google Meet gained popularity.
This sudden shutdown highlights how quickly established brands can become outdated when they fail to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences.
Will the demise of Skype pave the way for a new wave of communication apps that prioritize simplicity, security, and user experience?
Alexa remains a wildly successful virtual assistant despite Amazon's decade-long efforts to create an omnipresent, omnipotent helper. However, it has yet to become a compelling business for the company. The latest launch of Alexa Plus and large language models raises questions about its user experience and Amazon's ability to deliver. Despite reservations, the new technology underneath shows promise.
The question is whether Amazon can translate its technical prowess into a seamless user experience that justifies the complexity of its virtual assistant.
How will the continued evolution of AI-powered virtual assistants like Alexa impact our daily lives and the way we interact with technology?
ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode offers a fluid conversation with an AI that doesn't sound like talking to a robot, capable of everything ChatGPT does. Despite some minor differences in nuance and response speed, the free version is not identical to what paying users get. The biggest perk for Plus subscribers is access to richer features like video and screen sharing within Voice Mode.
The shift from premium to free versions highlights the tension between accessibility and value in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Will the ongoing availability of advanced voice assistants like ChatGPT's Voice Mode lead to a future where users are accustomed to interacting with AIs as effortlessly as they interact with humans?
Copilot Pro is a feature that allows users to improve existing PowerPoint documents with ease, but its limitations become apparent when trying to create new content from scratch. The AI's lack of a key feature, the ability to take a Word document and turn it into a PowerPoint deck, restricts its capabilities in this regard. While Copilot can make significant improvements to an existing presentation, its usefulness is tempered by its inability to generate original content.
The limitations of Copilot Pro in creating new content highlight the ongoing challenge of integrating AI tools into workflows that rely on human creativity and judgment.
Can we expect future updates to expand Copilot's capabilities beyond text manipulation, potentially bridging the gap between AI-assisted productivity and full-fledged creative autonomy?
GPT-4.5 and Google's Gemini Flash 2.0, two of the latest entrants to the conversational AI market, have been put through their paces to see how they compare. While both models offer some similarities in terms of performance, GPT-4.5 emerged as the stronger performer with its ability to provide more detailed and nuanced responses. Gemini Flash 2.0, on the other hand, excelled in its translation capabilities, providing accurate translations across multiple languages.
The fact that a single test question – such as the weather forecast – could result in significantly different responses from two AI models raises questions about the consistency and reliability of conversational AI.
As AI chatbots become increasingly ubiquitous, it's essential to consider not just their individual strengths but also how they will interact with each other and be used in combination to provide more comprehensive support.
Microsoft has announced that it will retire its Skype service on May 5, shifting focus towards its free version of Teams. Users can transition to Teams by signing in with their Skype credentials, allowing them to access existing chats and contacts. Microsoft will continue to support paid options and subscriptions until April 3.
The shift from Skype to Teams reflects the evolving nature of remote communication, where services that prioritize simplicity, integration, and security are gaining traction.
What implications will this move have for the broader video conferencing market, particularly in the context of emerging technologies like AI-powered virtual assistants?
Amazon Prime Video is set to introduce AI-aided dubbing in English and Spanish on its licensed content, starting with 12 titles, to boost viewership and expand reach globally. The feature will be available only on new releases without existing dubbing support, a move aimed at improving customer experience through enhanced accessibility. As media companies increasingly integrate AI into their offerings, the use of such technology raises questions about content ownership and control.
As AI-powered dubbing becomes more prevalent in the streaming industry, it may challenge traditional notions of cultural representation and ownership on screen.
How will this emerging trend impact the global distribution of international content, particularly for smaller, independent filmmakers?
The new HP Series 7 Pro 734pm's impressive array of connectivity features, including Thunderbolt 4 in and out, a multi-port USB hub, ethernet, and a high-quality webcam, make it an exceptional choice for business users who require seamless productivity and collaboration. The monitor's 34-inch widescreen form factor and IPS Black panel technology also contribute to its outstanding performance and colour accuracy. However, the relatively low pixel density and limited HDR support at this price point are notable drawbacks.
The emphasis on connectivity in a modern workspace is so great that it's often hard for monitors to stand out by that metric alone; yet, HP's latest ultrawide productivity monitor has done just that with one of the most comprehensive feature sets around.
How will the proliferation of high-connectivity displays like this one impact the future of office spaces and the ways in which people collaborate and work remotely?
Microsoft has announced the official discontinuation of Skype on May 5, 2025, due to declining user interest, prompting users to consider migrating to Teams or other alternatives. The transition process will allow Skype users to import their contacts and chats to Teams, although some features are still under development. For those seeking alternatives, options like Zoom, Google Meet, and Slack provide various functionalities catering to different communication needs.
This shift highlights the rapid evolution of communication technology and the need for users to adapt to changing platforms and preferences in a digitally connected world.
What factors contribute most significantly to user preferences for messaging apps, and how might these preferences shape future developments in communication technology?
Fortnite cloud gaming is smooth enough for players to remain competitive. The most dedicated gamers log endless hours on the streaming service. A new discovery suggests future restrictions may be imposed on free-to-play Fortnite, potentially limiting playtime.
The introduction of time restrictions could serve as a testing ground for other cloud gaming services to address issues with server stress and queue times.
How will the impact of Fortnite's potential playtime limits inform the broader debate about accessibility and monetization in the cloud gaming industry?
LinkedIn Learning delivers over 21,000+ expert-led courses for a simple monthly fee through its app, providing users with unlimited access to learning content at their own pace. The platform's feature-rich interface includes video recordings, written transcripts, and Q&A sections, making it an attractive option for those looking to upskill or reskill in the age of AI. By leveraging LinkedIn Learning, individuals can tap into a vast library of courses on various subjects, from business and technology to creative fields.
The rise of online education platforms like LinkedIn Learning underscores the growing importance of continuous learning in today's fast-paced digital landscape, where workers must adapt quickly to new technologies and industry trends.
How will the proliferation of AI-powered educational tools impact the future of formal qualifications and certification programs, potentially blurring the lines between traditional and online learning experiences?
Prime Video is now experimenting with AI-assisted dubbing for select licensed movies and TV shows, as announced by the Amazon-owned streaming service. According to Prime Video, this new test will feature AI-assisted dubbing services in English and Latin American Spanish, combining AI with human localization professionals to “ensure quality control,” the company explained. Initially, it’ll be available for 12 titles that previously lacked dubbing support.
The integration of AI dubbing technology could fundamentally alter how content is localized for global audiences, potentially disrupting traditional methods of post-production in the entertainment industry.
Will the widespread adoption of AI-powered dubbing across various streaming platforms lead to a homogenization of cultural voices and perspectives, or can it serve as a tool for increased diversity and representation?
Sony now pools all beta programs on one website to simplify participation. Those wanting to try out new PS5 and PC games, PlayStation app features and PlayStation 5 firmware updates in advance are advised to try out the new PS5 beta program, which gives much easier access to all beta programs. Sony has announced a new beta program for the PlayStation 5 on the PlayStation Blog, which is intended to consolidate all future beta programs.
By streamlining the registration process and providing a centralized hub for beta testing, Sony is attempting to democratize access to its latest features and games, potentially reducing the influence of early adopters who have previously benefited from exclusive beta access.
Will this move also lead to a more diverse pool of testers, or will it still be dominated by enthusiasts who are willing to spend hours providing feedback on often buggy software?
DeepSeek has broken into the mainstream consciousness after its chatbot app rose to the top of the Apple App Store charts (and Google Play, as well). DeepSeek's AI models, trained using compute-efficient techniques, have led Wall Street analysts — and technologists — to question whether the U.S. can maintain its lead in the AI race and whether the demand for AI chips will sustain. The company's ability to offer a general-purpose text- and image-analyzing system at a lower cost than comparable models has forced domestic competition to cut prices, making some models completely free.
This sudden shift in the AI landscape may have significant implications for the development of new applications and industries that rely on sophisticated chatbot technology.
How will the widespread adoption of DeepSeek's models impact the balance of power between established players like OpenAI and newer entrants from China?
YouTube is preparing a significant redesign of its TV app, aiming to make it more like Netflix by displaying paid content from various streaming services on the homepage. The new design, expected to launch in the next few months, will reportedly give users a more streamlined experience for discovering and accessing third-party content. By incorporating paid subscriptions directly into the app's homepage, YouTube aims to improve user engagement and increase revenue through advertising.
This move could fundamentally change the way streaming services approach viewer discovery and monetization, potentially leading to a shift away from ad-supported models and towards subscription-based services.
How will this new design impact the overall viewing experience for consumers, particularly in terms of discoverability and curation of content?