Recommendations for group video conference w/ iOS and Android support?

January 23, 2013 4:14 PM

I'm trying to find a way to have a group video conference between 4-7 people, that allows iOS and Android devices to connect, as well as Mac and PC users.

I've found a few BIG companies that offer services like this: BlueJeans and Vidyo for example, but BlueJeans cheapest option starts at $600 per month.

I'm aiming for an environment that would allow me, the host, to control what's displayed. So typical video conference, but they open up the conversation for discussion when the "lecture" phase is over.

Google+ Hangouts is really spotty in terms of reliability. Skype group calling works, but iOS devices convert to audio only once a third person is added to the conversation.

There seems to be a lot of iOS/Android solutions, but they leave out the Mac and PC users. The search terms I'm using just keep coming up with the same results.

I've used iVocalize in the past, and they promise iOS support in the future, but I'm trying to find a workable solution now (their current client is java based), and then I'll scale up to something like BlueJeans on down the line if my project gets to the point where it can support that.

So any recommendations are welcome. Let me know if I need to provide more details, or if my rambling is incoherent.

My end goal, is to faciliate group video conversations for multiple groups. Right now, I'm just trying to figure out one group so I can test the framework that I'm working on.

posted by peripatew to computers & internet (3 answers total)

GoToMeeting has a 30-day free trial, then $49/month or $468/yr. Apart perhaps from cost GTM fits your requirements:
"Host Unlimited free online meetings from a Mac® or PC
Attendees join free from a Mac, PC, iPad®, iPhone® or Android device
Up to 25 attendees per meeting
Free product training and 24/7 support"

Disclaimer: it's a product from my employer, though I'm not in that division.
posted by anadem at 6:10 PM on January 23

WebEx works on mobile now too. Price out GoToMeeting and WebEx and see what works.
posted by crazycanuck at 9:44 PM on January 23

I'll check into WebEx, but GoToMeeting doesn't allow video on iPhones, and I'm assuming Android phones as well. I was impressed with the iPad app though, being able to present from it will be nice.

But I've got several people who will only be using iPhones or iTouches. I know most phone apps will be somewhat limited, but I need for them to at least be able to see the main presentation.

Though ideally, I want them to be able to share their own video feed.

From the video conference, I want everyone to take a turn responding, and very much need them to be "seen".
posted by peripatew at 10:59 PM on January 23