Within seconds we were all connected and having interesting conversations. In fact, I could meet with five other people at the same time. No long-distance fees either. I used ooVoo – a cool new video conferencing desktop software application I downloaded for free!
I’ve already started thinking about tons of interesting ways to use ooVoo professionally and personally. Like connecting with my family, friends and readers anywhere in the world – without any long-distance fees! We can even share photos and other files during our video or text chats.
So what’s the downside?
I can only think of 2 cons:
• The technology is a bit buggy. I’m chalking it up to growing pains; and,
• I need to put on my make-up and brush my hair before using ooVoo. ;)
How did I learn about ooVoo in the first place?
Susan Reynolds gave me a heads-up about a fabulous awareness campaign brining high-profile bloggers together with members of their communities called My ooVoo Day. In return for their participation, ooVoo contributed $1,500 to the Frozen Pea Fund (or another charity of the blogger’s choice).
Interested in attending My ooVoo Day?
There are still some sesssions, check the schedule.
My connections
“Every Dot Connects/Case Notes from the Artsy Asylum: From Connections to Community: How Online Relationships Enrich Our Lives,” hosted by Connie Reece and Susan Reynolds, was my first session. Connie founded the Frozen Pea Fund in Susan’s honour. I also had the pleasure of meeting Adele McAlear and Jon Swanson. It was wonderful wishing Susan a happy birthday - LIVE!
Josesph Jaffe (from the crayon – the company spearheading the My ooVoo Day event on behalf of their client) added two new sessions. I was fortunate to snag a spot and persuaded Connie Crosby to join me. Topic: “Besides getting to know you all, anything to do with Jaffe Juice, Life After the 30-Second Spot or Join the Conversation”. Other participants were Mitch Canter (you can catch the full recording here), Sherman Hu and Allen Mostow. It was incredible and the session lasted a whopping 35 minutes and I’m sure we’ll all connect here again.So why am I telling you all this? I want to connect with you on ooVoo too. If you’re interested let me know and we can set something up after PodCamp Toronto.
ok - only just a geek wanna here - question: how is it different than Skype? (I don't use that either)
ReplyDeleteMy knowledge of Skype is fairly limited so if I make a mistake, I hope someone else will chime in an correct me.;)
ReplyDeleteooVoo is free. Not all Skype services are free. ooVoo allows you to video conference with 5 other people at a time. Skype allows you to text of speak with up to 5 other people at once but not video conference. You can have one-to-one video chats with Skype.
ooVoo is specifically designed for use on the Internet. Skype can be used with cell phones and landlines.
Thanks for joining our video chat -- what fun it was getting to meet so many people on My ooVoo Day With ...
ReplyDeleteYou're correct. Skype only allows one-to-one video chat. Yahoo has a new video service that allows up to 4 ppl to be on video w/ addtl. ppl watching -- but each person can select the 4 they want to see. So that's a lot different. ooVoo is more like video conferencing.
Connie, thank for stopping by and clarifying the ooVoo vs. Skype questions. Do you know if Yahoo! Live video chats can be private? It looks to me like anyone can watch - yuck!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you convinced me to try it out. I was impressed with the technology, and being able to connect with people I had met online but haven't yet seen in person.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Connie
(Connie Crosby)