EDIT 5393: Assignment 3
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The document compares video conferencing tools Skype and Google Hangout, focusing on their features, pricing, and user experiences. Skype, released in 2003, offers a broader range of features and integration options, while Google Hangout, launched in 2013, is still developing its functionalities. The author recommends Skype over Google Hangout due to its maturity and feature set.
EDIT 5393: Assignment 3
- 1. Video Conference Tool Comparison (Skype & Google Hangout) Danton Shoemaker 2/19/17
- 2. Introduction In the field of education, video conference tools are useful for long distance communication with the added benefit of multimedia presentation and instant messaging. There are multiple tools for video conferencing, but I will focus on two tools: Skype and Google Hangout.
- 3. Skype Introduction Skype was originally released on August 29th 2003 as a Voice-over-Internet- Protocol (VOIP) software that provides video chat and phone calls. Skype follows a freemium model where the basic features are available for free to all users, but requires a subscription or “Skype credit” in order to use all features (e.g. larger online storage and larger group meeting size). Skype credit is a point system that requires payment
- 4. Skype Features Skype can connect to modern mobiles, landline, or computer with internet connection for simple voice calls. Also, Skype has similar abilities to a cell phone including SMS texting and leaving voice mail. However, Skype can be used for video calls on computers and modern mobiles with video screen. Skype can contact multiple contacts for group meetings and presentations. This can be done through “screen sharing”. Screen Sharing is a function that allows users to present what is visually shown on the desktop or view screen. Finally, Skype has been integrated with Microsoft Outlook and different web browsers for easy access and to set up future video conference meetings.
- 5. Google Hangout Introduction Google Hangout is an online platform initially released on May 15th 2013. It has a VOIP application for mobile and tablet use, but can work on its online Google+ site for computer users. Google Hangout uses a similar freemium model as Skype where the basic features are free, but a subscription is required to use the full features (e.g. larger online storage and larger group meeting size.)
- 6. Google Hangout Features Google Hangout has very similar features to Skype. These include file sharing, video chat, and screen sharing. However, Google Hangout requires a web browser if using a Google+ site and is integrated with different Google software including Google Drive, Maps, Docs as well as the online platform, YouTube.
- 7. Technical Requirements for Windows Skype for Windows Version Windows 10 Windows 8.1 Windows 8 Windows 7 Windows Vista Windows XP SP3 Processor At least 1 GHz Ram At least 512 MB Additional Software DirectX v9.0 or above Google Hangout for Windows Version Windows 10 Windows 8.1 Windows 8 Windows 7 Windows Vista Windows XP SP3 Processor At least 1 GHz Web Browser Possible browsers include Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Fire Fox, and Safari. Processor Minimum Requirements: Any 2 GHz dual core processor or greater. Bandwidth For 1:1 connections, we suggest a 1 mbps/1 mbps (up/down) For group video connectivity, we suggest 1 mbps/2 mbps (up/down) In addition, you need to have a broadband connection to the Internet.
- 8. Prices Basic features are free for both Skype and Google Hangout. However, you can access a full suite service from either G Suite or Office 365. A basic Office 365 Business Essentials account and a Google Hangout Basic Business user account cost $60 per year. Google Hangout Business user account costs $120 per year. Office 365 Business Premium user account costs $150 per year.
- 9. Software Selection (S for Skype & GH for Google Hangout) Claim Strongly Agree Agree Disagree N/A The directions are clear and easy to follow. S; GH It is easy to start and exit the program. S; GH Users can easily resume where they left off in the program. GH S The program functions well and is free of bugs. S; GH The program is enjoyable to use S; GH
- 10. Software Selection Part 2 Claim Strongly Agree Agree Disagree N/A The graphics elements are meaningful and appropriate. S; GH Sound can be turned on and off. S; GH The software contains useful management features. S; GH Basic tasks are easily learned and intuitive. S; GH
- 11. Software Selection Part 3 Claim Strongly Agree Agree Disagree N/A Advanced features are easy to access and apply. S; GH Menu- Driven tutorials are built into the program. S; GH
- 12. Software/Platform Comparison Skype Google Hangout Integrates with Google+, Google Drive, and YouTube. Only domestic SMS available through Google Voice and not on PC or Mac. Operator charges still apply. Not yet available Has an option to improve video quality through adjusting bandwidth. Integrates with Facebook and Outlook. Skype Credit must be used. Domestic US SMS costs 11.2 cents per message not including Hawaii or Alaska. Can set Status or Mood Has received complaints on bad video especially on cellular connections and inability to adjust bandwith. VOIP Software Audio/Video Conference Presence IM & SMS Social Media Integration
- 13. Skype Pro and Cons Pros Cons Capable of communication with mobile, landlines, and computers. Not fully integrated; e.g. Office 365 users have 60 minutes of international Skype calls free per month, but cannot share 365 documents via Skype just yet. Does not require any personal information No ability to adjust setting for video quality Easy installation Cannot connect to an online storage system Requires only one account
- 14. Google Hangout Pros and Cons Pros Cons Can be used through online site or application Requires Google Voice for SMS texting and calling Can adjust setting for better video quality Requires a Google+ account Great integration with social media Can connect with Google Drive
- 15. Conclusion Both Google Hangout and Skype are very capable for video conferencing. However, Google Hangout has great integration with Google+, but one would need to change their privacy settings in order to hide any private information that is located in their Google account. Also, Google Hangout is still implementing SMS texting, has not enabled presence on its systems, and has only recently been able to contact cell phones. Again, presence refers to how Skype allows one to insert a “mood” and insert any message or title to show one’s current status. Skype is a fully developed application that has existed for over a decade. Although it does not have adjustment setting for better visual quality like Google Hangout, it still has all of the main features of Google Hangout and more features that were implemented long before Google Hangout’s existance.
- 16. Recommendations I prefer Skype over Google Hangout. Skype has more features and is just more well-rounded than Google Hangout in my opinion. Google Hangout is catching up to the amount of features that Skype has, but still needs more time for development. Maybe in the future, I would prefer Google Hangout over Skype when Google Hangout has finished developing the features that Skype already has. Until that time, I will continue recommending Skype over Google Hangout.
- 17. References/Resources Google. (2013) G Suite by Google Cloud. Retrieved from https://gsuite.google.com/products/hangouts/ Skype. Skype | Free calls to friends and family. Retrieved from https://www.skype.com/en/