Month: December 2021

Latest Trends in Video Chatting to Make X’mas Holidays Fun

Christmas is around the corner and there is a festive fervour in the air. Streets are all lit up and there is music and cheer on every block. The Holidays are here, making it the perfect time to connect with family and friends. But what will you do if most of your close people are in far-flung places? Don’t let geographical distance come in the way of connecting with family and friends. Use technology to bridge the distance.

With a plethora of video chatting options available in today’s technology-ridden world, you can easily and instantly connect with your close circle of people spread across the world. All you have to do is download a suitable video chatting app with good features and premium privacy setting features. In fact, you can go beyond just chatting and calling using video chatting portals. With the latest features in most apps you can now make your Christmas holiday complete with entertainment and enjoyment. Read on to find out the latest trends that have amped up the popularity charts of video chatting portals.

1. Chat rooms

Many of the chatting portals have a feature of adding multiple people onto a video call. This is a great way to connect with your gang of friends or the family group. But what is trending on video chatting portals are chat rooms. These are public chat rooms. They have been formed for a specific purpose. For instance, Camfrog has numerous chat rooms for various reasons like music, movies, travels and more. You can log onto them and join a discussion or share your ideas. You can also share pictures, interesting video and audio clippings. These chat rooms become an excellent way to network for jobs too.

Camfrog has also come up with another exciting feature as an addition to the chat rooms called the Roomcast. These are special messages sent through the portal to notify all the room members of the latest event. All the paid subscribers can avail of this feature.

You can also create your own chat room and invite people to join it. You can make it a theme-based chat room and have discussions and sharing on varied topics. It is best to stay away from controversial topics like religion and politics. Since Christmas is around the corner, you can join a choir group or carol singing chat room or create one yourself. This will add a lovely festive cheer to the otherwise cold and dreary winter.

 2. Video and audio filters

Some popular video chatting portals like Camfrog also have interesting video and audio filters that make chatting a whole lot of fun. The video filters can change the way you look. For instance, you can add a filter to get you dressed up for a conference, add proper makeup and do up the hair neatly. You can also add some theme-based filters like beach look, glitz and glam and a lot more. With Christmas in less than a month you could wear bright makeup or dress up as Santa Claus or his helpers and have a fun party.

In addition to video filters, many of the apps also have audio filters. Here you can tweak your voice to have some fun during video calls. Video chatting portals like SnapChat have some exciting video and audio filters for you to fiddle around with. These filters can make any video call so much more engaging and entertaining, especially when you want to have a virtual party or even to play a prank on somebody.

3. Virtual gifts and stickers

Can’t give your best friend a Christmas gift because of the geographical distance? Don’t worry! Now video chatting portals like Camfrog have bonus features for paid members like a variety of virtual gifts that can be sent to friends and family with a click of a button. You can also send these virtual gifts as an icebreaker to start a conversation with a stranger.

Some of these portals also have interactive and engaging emojis and stickers that make for fun conversation starters. Incorporate them in your chats and enjoy every moment.

4. Innovative backgrounds

Bored of the same old backdrop while chatting on a video call? Fret not; now video chatting portals have interesting IM backgrounds that can be used to add some colour and life to your conversations. You can use many theme-based backdrops during a virtual party. For instance, if you want to have an online beach party, add a beach backdrop with azure blue waters of the ocean and sandy beaches. It will give you the feel and vibe of a Caribbean island even though you may be in the cold, harsh snowy winter of Canada.

These backgrounds also act as a good camouflage if you are room or the setting is messy. For work calls, these backgrounds add to the official vibe and make the setting more serious. So choose the backdrop you want and add a layer of fun to your conversation.

5. For music connoisseurs

Nowadays, you don’t have to wait for your favorite artists to come to town for a concert. You can easily enjoy a concert sitting in your home using video chatting portals. So if you love music and want to enjoy a musical night with friends and family, make your favorite playlist and share it with your friends and listen to the music together over drinks and snacks.

If you like singing, you can also have a virtual karaoke night where you and your friends can croon to music through video chatting portals. Portals like Zoom, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams. You will need to find the karaoke version of the song on YouTube and reduce the volume on the YouTube video to 30-40%. When it is your turn to sing, click the share screen and share it on your computer sound for everyone to hear and sing along!

 6. Enjoy movie nights this Christmas

It is great to get together with family and friends to enjoy a late-night movie or binge- watch a TV series, especially in the winter. But if you have friends and family in far-flung places, you have to resort to the virtual medium for such entertainment.

Technology and video chatting portals have made it easy to enjoy virtual movie binging sessions through portals like Netflix and YouTube. You can choose the movie you want to watch and sync the time and share the screen to watch it together.

There are other movie viewing portals, too, like Chrome extension scener. You can watch videos and movies from YouTube, Netflix, Vimeo, Alamo, and more after setting up a chat room. You can watch your friend’s faces too while seeing the movie as they appear in the right-hand pane. YouTube Sync is another popular choice when it comes to film party nights. It embeds any YouTube video of your choice into a lobby, where you can invite your friends. Share the URL to the lobby with your friends and watch the same video at the same time. Isn’t that brilliant! So these Christmas holidays, download some fun Christmas movies and watch them with your near and dear ones through the online medium.

7. Virtual travel the world

Enjoy armchair travel thanks to technology that lets you explore the world from your home. YouTube is the best platform to roam around the world. From going deep into the Great Barrier Reef to climbing the Himalayan mountain range without mountaineering gear and swimming with the sharks without the danger of drowning and getting eaten. All this is possible through technology. So don’t let the pandemic or the harsh winter come in the way of your travel plans.

Plan a trip anywhere in the world thanks to video chatting portals and virtual travel videos. Take your friends and family along and make this Christmas an exciting time to see the world.

8. Party to your heart’s content

With the Christmas holidays starting soon, you might want to connect and meet up with friends. But what about those who live across the world? Even if you can’t reach out to them physically, you surely can meet them virtually and party all night. Video chatting apps like Houseparty and Netflixparty are made for precisely that purpose.

You can use these portals to play games, dance to your favorite songs, or simply watch movies together. Houseparty was made during the social distancing times to host large groups of people via video chats. You can share your screen with friends and also play games directly through the app. Some of the popular games are Heads Up! and Chips & Guac. These video chatting apps are truly the next best thing to hanging out in person. So block your virtual happy hour right away and make your Christmas holidays fun and exciting.

Many portals have classic board games too. So if you love board games and are far away from friends to play with, try out some board games apps and add them as an extension to your video chatting portals. For instance, Bord Game is a no-registration way to play board games online on a video call. It has all-time favorite games like Ludo, Snakes & Ladders, Chess and many more.

Checklist to get the best video chatting portal

Now that you know the latest trends and features of video chatting portals, it is only prudent to download a few of them based on the below-mentioned checklist. This is a foolproof way to protect yourself from any fraud and yet find the most cost-effective and feature-heavy video chatting app to enjoy this Christmas.

1. Safety and security

First and foremost, look out for the safety feature of any video chatting portal. Ensure that the app has strict privacy policies and firewalls that can restrict any unwarranted movement. All the chats should be end-to-end encrypted. Some of the better video chatting portal’s like Camfrog follow Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation or California’s Consumer Privacy Act. These ensure transparency and also that the data cannot be collected by third parties.

Read through the privacy policy carefully and look through the fine print with a magnifying glass, as many of the apps have hidden costs and terms in small print. It would be a good idea to read user reviews before signing into an app.

2. Cost-effectiveness

Read through the charges of different video chatting portals before deciding on the one that you want to download. Many of them have good features in the free version too. You could try out these before signing up for a paid subscription. In some portals, you are given a 14-day free trial period of the paid version. These are the best portals as you can experience all the features before paying up for them.

3. Compatibility with devices

Look out for a video chatting portal compatible with different platforms like Android, Windows, iOS and Linux. This is a much-needed feature as you will want to change your device and its OS in the future. It is also essential to update the app to the latest version as it will take less space and be much faster.

4. Multilingual support

Most of the video chatting portals are available in the universal language – English. However, if you are not comfortable with English, lookout for a video chatting app that supports different languages. It will allow you to interact with ease and give the option of reaching out to people from different countries and regions. Camfrog offers this feature and hence is hugely popular all over the world.

Takeaway

With such entertaining features that good video chatting portals like Camfrog offer, video chatting is sure to be a fun activity to keep yourselves engaged this Christmas vacation. Ensure you download a safe and feature-heavy video chatting app that can not only connect you with known people but also with strangers. Cheers to celebrating Christmas with people near and far thanks to video chatting apps.

Video Chatting: The New Age Way of Finding a Partner This Christmas

Video dating might sound ultra-modern and futuristic, but it is becoming increasingly popular and a more accepted way of meeting new people and finding a partner. Video chatting gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic as people were stuck in their homes for months with no social contact. It was the only real-life connection they had with the outside world. Many used it to stay in touch with family and friends and for a majority of people, it became an excellent medium to find partners. Many video chatting sites like Camfrog became a raging hit in the US and the world over as they offered novel ways to interact with people -both known and strangers.

People used the video chatting portals to socialize, go on virtual dates, travel and have weekend movie binging sessions. Even today, the trend continues as video chatting has seeped into the normal way of life. It has become a regular feature for most and people have found it beneficial to find meaningful connections and get to know and meet new people. Let’s find out more about this new-age way of finding love to make this Christmas all the more festive.

Why is video chatting popular for finding love?

Video chatting has been prevalent for many years but it has gained popularity in recent times when the coronavirus pandemic hit the world by storm. It became the only way to stay in touch with people and have some sense of normalcy in an otherwise isolated life. Here are some of the reasons that make video chatting popular even today, especially for finding partners.

1. Maintains safety and anonymity

One of the main things we look for while dating is to be safe and secure. Online dating helps with that aspect as you do not meet anybody face-to-face. Many video chatting sites offer an anonymity feature where you can keep your identity anonymous till the time you are certain of the person. You can decide to keep no picture and not share your name either. In fact, you should check out the privacy and safety settings in a video chatting portal before signing up for it. Only go in for those that offer the best safety features like Camfrog. It has a thorough check of people joining on the portal and only shows you like-minded people.

2. Best for introverts

Many people want to enter the world of dating but are shy and often stay away from meeting new people. On a physical date, you cannot avoid it, but on an online date, you can ease into the conversation and the relationship as you remain in the safety and comfort of your own home. In fact, if you are shy and want to keep your video turned off in the first few meetings or only exchange texts, that is also a possibility.

In addition, good video chatting portals like Camfrog have many ice-breaking features like virtual gifts and fun emojis. These relax the individuals and reduce the pressure of making conversations. In fact, they also have file-sharing options where you can share your favorite music playlist, Youtube videos and more. This adds some flavor to the conversation and also takes off the load of asking questions.

3. Cost-effective

Online dating works out best for students as it is more cost-effective. There is no expenditure on traveling to a cafe or restaurant. You don’t need to pay for a meal or drinks or even spend on a gift for your date. In fact, you can enjoy a date from the comfort of your home and spend more time getting to know the person.

4. Opens up options

Virtual dating has opened up many options for people to expand their dating radius. You are no longer restricted to finding people from your city or region. Now you could be sitting in Las Vegas and find a like-minded person in India. All the dating apps and video chatting portals have a complete database of people interested in dating. All you need to do is click on the person you think will make a good partner.

Also, the likelihood of meeting a more like-minded person is higher as these video chatting portals have filters. You can set the filters as per your likes and dislikes and only those people will be shown that fit your interest-mix. You can mention your interests and likes while making a profile along with expectations from your partner. This will give a clear picture to the other person of what to expect and only similar personality type people will contact you.

5. Much more than just chatting

Video chatting is no longer restricted to only chatting. Modern chatting portals like Camfrog offer a lot of entertainment options like games, sharing pictures, videos and sending virtual gifts and stickers. These novel ways help break the ice between two strangers. They also add to the conversation.

To add a fun element to your date nights, you can change backgrounds with the IM backgrounds. Some of the apps also have a feature to change sounds and add wigs and other theme-related stuff. So this Christmas, you can come dressed as Santa Claus or make your background look festive with snowflakes, Christmas trees and Church bells.

Many apps have a virtual karaoke feature too. You can sing your favorite songs with your date and make it a musical evening. You can also share your favorite playlist and listen to some songs while you chat.

6. Enjoyable without being intimidating

Meeting a stranger for the first time can be an intimidating experience, especially for an introvert. Video chatting portals take care of this hesitation. You can interact with anybody easily as there is no face-to-face contact. In fact, you can choose to be anonymous till you feel comfortable.

In addition, video chatting portals offer many interesting entertainment options like games, music, sharing videos and more. This takes the heat off making conversation for people. You can use these features to understand each other’s interests, likes and dislikes too.

7. No fancy dress up

One major pain point of going on a date is what to wear. Some people enjoy dressing up for these special times, but it can be tough and boring for many others. It can also turn out to be an expensive affair if you wish to buy something new for a date night.

However, with virtual dating, you can be casually dressed or simply turn up in your homeware. There is no stress on looking perfect. Although, a little bit of accessorizing is always enjoyable. You can use those special filters if you are feeling lazy to doll up. These filters give you different looks. For instance, a beach look, smokey eye makeup and more. This saves you the time and effort to get ready yet you look all decked up for your date.

Tips for making online dating a success

Online dating is fun and convenient, but it is not as simple as it sounds. It definitely needs some planning. It can get a tad boring if you don’t keep the spice alive. Here are some ideas to make your video chat date enjoyable every single time.

 1. Plan a real date time

Like you would do on an in-person date, chalk out a time for your virtual date, rather than waiting for your new love interest to be online. It is easy to get wrapped up in life, so much that you might not remember to find time for your newly found partner. It is essential to carve out some time and plan a real date night like you would have had you been living in the same place.

2. Avoid distractions

It is easy to get distracted on virtual dates as you are not with the person physically. Often, you end up picking up the phone and get distracted by something else. Make it a rule that you give your entire focus to the person you are chatting with. Find a place in your home with no other distractions. Put on some light music and light incense sticks to get into a romantic mood.

3. Dress up for your date night

It is quite common to be in your home clothes to chat with your date. But make an effort to look good. Dress up like you would on an actual date. Dab on some makeup, do up your hair, wear some nice clothes, or whatever makes you feel special. These little things add up to make your date feel special and for you to get into the real date mode.

4. Drinks and dinner

So what if you can’t go on a real date to a fancy bar or restaurant. You can make it plush and special on a virtual date too. Order some nice food or make something special at home before your virtual date. Grab your favorite drink and accessorize your virtual date space like it would be on a real date night. Ask your partner to do the same and watch the magic begin.

Favorite video dating ideas

If you are bored of simply chatting and talking on these video chatting apps, you can spruce up your date nights with some simple and novel tweaks. Here are some interesting ideas to make video chatting fun and exciting.

1. Watch a movie together

You may not be able to go to the cinemas together, but you can still enjoy a date night watching a common movie over any of the OTT platforms. Choose a movie of your liking and stream through Netflix, AmazonPrime or any other medium. Get a bowl of popcorn and some Coca-Cola for the added effect of being in a movie hall.

2. Plan a cook-off

Prop your laptop or mobile in the kitchen and cook a meal together. You could have a cook off with a glass of wine and some music to add to the excitement. It will be a good way to find out about your partner’s culinary interests and eating habits too.

3. Game night with your date

Make your virtual dates fun and exciting with some games. Many apps offer games on their chatting portal or you can download some interesting games too, like virtual scrabble or monopoly and many others. These game nights work as good ice breakers too, as you don’t have to speak much but yet get to know the person and ease into the relationship.

4. Learn something together

Dating can be a whole lot of fun if the couple learns something together. Today, thanks to technology, there are a lot of online hobby classes, from learning an instrument to dance, singing and even art. Pick something that both of you enjoy and explore more facets of each other through a common hobby.

5. Get sweaty on a gym date

Sweat it out with your partner on a virtual gym date. Many fitness trainers are live-streaming their workout classes. Schedule a gym class together and shed some calories together. Many trainers have dance-based workouts too that feel like a party, but these endorphin-boosting virtual workouts sure make your heart race.

6. Go into the wild

Plan a day out with snacks and drinks to a wildlife sanctuary or go on a virtual zoo tour with your date. YouTube has many such movies that take you to the vast grasslands, drylands, lagoons and rivers of Africa and many other places.

Takeaway

Video chatting portals are now one of the most preferred ways to meet people as they save the hassle of traveling. They are also more cost-effective and a secure channel for communication. They open up the world to find new people as you can connect with anyone, anywhere at any time. All you need is a good video chatting portal, fast-speed internet and a smart gadget. So make use of technology to find love this Christmas and make it fun and festive.