From the past few weeks, gamers, professionals, students, friends, family members, and everyone else is meeting virtually. Well, we don’t need to tell you the reason.
It’s the novel coronavirus due to which we need to self-quarantine ourselves and jump between video calling apps like Facebook, Zoom, Facetime, Skype, Houseparty, etc.
All this is complicating things. However, with Skype’s new Meet Now feature, things will change. It seems Skype is upping its game and has come up with the new feature when it is needed.
As Zoom is making news headlines for security reasons Skype is focusing on privacy and user ease.
To use this feature, users don’t need a Skype account. By simply copy-pasting the link shared by the host, participants can join the meeting. Moreover, the link does not expire and can be used anytime.
Introducing a simple, hassle-free way to connect with the important people in your life on #Skype, no sign-ups or downloads required. Learn about Meet Now: https://t.co/yOw6oBlFxx
— Skype (@Skype) April 3, 2020
What is this feature, and how will it help?
The Meet Now feature is perfect for those who are paranoid about their security. Not only this, if you are unwilling to share your Skype ID, but you can also use the link to meet the person. This will help take interviews and make conference calls with those who don’t use Skype.
To create a free Skype conferencing link, visit the official website. Once you’re there, click create the unique link. This will generate a link that can be shared with anyone. In addition to this, you get options to share the link via Outlook and Gmail.
Sounds great.
Let’s read further to know more about Skype’s Meet Now feature.
How to Setup Meet Now in Skype as a Host
- To use this feature, you will need to install Skype or can use the web-based version.
- Once the app is installed and sign in, and click the Meet Now button, which is hard to miss.
- This will open a new window, click Continue.
- You’ll now see a window with a link. Copy it and share it with the people with whom you want to initiate the call.
Note: Anyone with the link can join the meeting.
Indeed, this is a great way to connect. But what about security?
Skype understands it; hence, for each meeting, a new link is generated. This means a single link is valid for the duration of the session and is different from a private room.
Not only this, but you can also even mute or remove a participant from the meeting. As a host, you’ll have all the right to do that. To hold a call, turn off incoming video during the meeting or perform different tasks, click the lower right corner for more options.
How to Join a Meet Now in Skype as a Participant
To join a Meet Now meeting, you need to copy-paste the meeting’s link in either the app or the browser.
How is this feature different from Zoom’s Meeting ID?
Technically, Skype’s Meet Now is like Zoom’s Meeting ID, but its security measures are more robust. Without sharing much information, you can connect with those who have the meeting ID.
Along with Meet Now, users can also use picture-in-picture, blur background, split-view mode, record meetings, and save them for up to 30 days.
These features come in handy when a user is working from home. As users can review a conversation, take notes, and do a lot more. Not only this, but you can also share screens, presentations, documents, work material, etc. during a conference call. Using these features, you can work in sync and review every task.
Is it all?
Wait, there’s more to Meet Now features.
Using this feature during the call, you can perform more activities like:
- Accessing recent chats
- View participants in the current call
- Share Meet Now link
- Record a call
- Enable to disable video
- Share screen
- Send reactions, etc.
That’s all using this new feature. You can do a lot more than you think. Moreover, since it is more secure, you can use it without worrying about privacy. Remember, Meet Now is different from Group Chats.
You can set up quick chats using Meet Now; however, Group Chats are customized here, you select the participants and name the group.
I hope you will give this feature a try as Zoom is not going to come up with any new features in the coming 90 days. If you use the Meet Now share your experience, it will help understand why you prefer using Meet Now.
