Now that Skype will shut down, i see a good chance to geht my family to switch to a better solution. In order to even have the chance to be accepted instead of just switching to teams i think it has to check the following goals:

  • easy to use
  • reliable
  • direkt calling (called device will just ring)
  • multi paltform (iOS, Android, iPad, Windws)
  • group calls
  • free to use (unfortunately)

I tried:

  • Jami: unfortunatly was unreliable in my first two device test
  • Jisti Meet: no direct calling
  • Signal (already failed to convince all family members a view years back switching from Whatsapp, mabye this can be an new chance. But Videocalling infortunately is too often unreliable)
  • treeofnik@discuss.onlineEnglish
    1·
    2 days ago

    I’m in the process of setting up matrix / synapse for this case. Usability is yet to be determined because I need to recruit a sibling or two to test it out more, but I do have calls working on the element x app. Definitely not for the light hearted based on all the config options and possibility of federation.

  • Peacepath@lemmy.world
    71·
    3 days ago

    Hello,

    You could give a look at simplex (https://simplex.chat/) ; it seems to be a possible alternative to signal, mostly focus on protecting user’s privacy. Yet in my experience it doesn’t allow (yet?) a call between multiple devices simultaneously.

    An other alternative would be to use xmpp protocol using a jabber like server and apps. The advantage being that there is a lot of servers and even more apps, and that not every family members need to use the same… but if you are the one going to help them install, setup and upkeep, you may see mulyiplicity as a down side.

  • [R3D4CT3D]@midwest.socialEnglish
    3·
    3 days ago

    it took a long time to get all my important family members & friends on signal, but it’s been worth the effort! don’t give up!

  • Thorry84@feddit.nl
    3·
    3 days ago

    I’ve been looking for an alternative as well. My gaming friends always use Skype when we play together. We started a million years ago when Skype was huge and everyone had it and since it kept working, we kept it around.

    We tried a lot of stuff, but nothing just works the way Skype always did. Why did MS have to be bitches and get rid of it.

    • lemonuri@lemmy.ml
      5·
      3 days ago

      Mumble has a very small footprint and exceptional voice quality. It’s intended to use while gaming as well.

      • Thorry84@feddit.nl
        2·
        3 days ago

        Looks good, but video chat is a must have. We like to give each other the middle finger often.

        • lemonuri@lemmy.ml
          1·
          3 days ago

          I’ve been using jitsi meet for video calls for years now, that should work just fine.

            • lemonuri@lemmy.ml
              2·
              3 days ago

              Yeah I remember it was not that easy to set up, but it’s gotten a lot easier recently. I switched from the native to the docker install last year and was surprised to have it all back up and running in an afternoon…