Yesterday, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) launched a video conference call service, called Amazon Chime. The company said that the service delivers “frustration-free meetings” with excellent video and audio quality.
What is Chime and how much does it cost?
Chime is an online video conferencing solution and a file sharing tool. Users can access it through a browser or its iOS, OS X, Windows and Android apps. Chime has a free version, but to access screen-sharing features and admin tools, purchase the Plus version, which costs $2.5 per user monthly.
The most comprehensive version of the service is the Pro version. It supports 100 meeting attendees, instead of two, allows members to join meetings via phone, and supports conference room video systems. It costs $15 per user monthly.
What are the exciting features of Chime?
To start with, users only have to download the app and start using it. There are no upfront fees or complicated installation procedures. Once an administrator launches a video conference call, the service calls all participants and allows them to join the call at the push of a button rather than using a PIN.
Amazon Chime integrates with third party corporate directories. Therefore, administrators have an easy time granting members of an organization access to the conference call.
Members who are running late only have to push the “running late button,” and all other members will be notified. A visual roster is displayed on the screen informing all members who are at the meeting and those who are yet to join the meeting.
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Noise is a great distraction during video conference calls. Amazon Chime comes with noise cancellation technology so that it can provide high-quality audio. Members can see the source of the noise, and disconnect the culprit instantaneously.
During the meeting, all members have the ability to share their screen, without having to request the permission from the admin. Also, the service allows offline collaboration through chat rooms.
The service, like most Amazon Cloud software, uses 256-bit encryption- meaning it is very secure.
The competition is well established
Amazon Chime has been introduced to a market with already established services such as Microsoft’s Skype for Business and Cisco’s WebEx. Both of these services are cheaper than Chime- Skype for Business is part of Office 365 Professional, which costs $12.50 per month and WebEx charges $69 per month for each host of a meeting.
However, Chime offers great features.
