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)
Beeper is a good, easy solution. And it has a few platforms that might entice your family (FB, x, Whatsapp, signal, etc). It’s basically matrix with a bunch of bridges preset up… it can be self hosted if you really want to be privacy focused… I like it as it makes the login experience much easier than a traditional matrix app (like it just email them a code each login)
wire
Threema is a one time payment, then it’s “free” forever. You can get some google play gift cards and offer them to your family. It looks reliable and it has group calls.
Nope, this forces you to use their service. This is called service as a software substitute.
I personally use signal. Never had problems with video calls or anything really.
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.
deleted by creator
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.
Mumble has a very small footprint and exceptional voice quality. It’s intended to use while gaming as well.
Looks good, but video chat is a must have. We like to give each other the middle finger often.
I’ve been using jitsi meet for video calls for years now, that should work just fine.
Thanks, I’ll look into it. It doesn’t seem that easy but might be an option
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…
You already have your family using an encrypted service WhatsApp. Better to make them verify encryption keys with each other. And set group to auto delete messages after 30 days.
We hate what’s app because of all the metadata leakage. But it’s metadata of your family being a family. “They” already know you are a family.
If you can cinch the win though, then get them onto signal. If not, harden WhatsApp for the whole group by showing them how to use settings.
Wrong, WhatsApp bans us verifying it. We do not control it, anti-libre software. Do not fall for their blantant scam, lmao.
OP mentions that his family already uses WhatsApp. It’s a far bigger jump from Skypes encryption. I’m telling them to not be discouraged because they’ve already gotten pretty far.
I don’t think their normie family is going to be dragged any further than corporate end-end encryption, with dedicated servers in every country. But I like being pleasantly surprised.
And frankly, no government is going to be able to hack meeting up with your family for a face to face talk of sensitive info.
Very insulting, how retarded do they think our families are? From one malware to another, well done.
Signal should work, at least through my experience. It would also serve as a chat and stories alternative.
Signal is the way to go, been successful in moving my family, two friend groups and girlfriend. Any other closed source non encrypted messagers will collect all your family informations, news, pictures. This should be convincing enough for them
I host a Nextcloud for my family and it came with Nextcloud Talk which works fine
I moved my family successfully to Signal a few years ago, and so far I’ve only very rarely encountered issues with video calls
That’s what I wanted to say as well. Not only national video calls but also regularly calling across the globe in video group calls, no problem whatsoever.
It wasn’t easy to establish back in the day, but since Skype is no alternative anymore, it should be a very good argument in favor of signal.
Only downside I had today: can’t have the same account on two Android devices. Desktop (Linux in my case) no problem to Link to my signal app on my android phone, but I was not able to use it on my android tablet today. Or was it just me, and there is a way?
Matrix. Self-hostable, and basically everything you’re looking for. Just can be a real PITA to setup TURN/STUN.
Signal has worked fine for me
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!
