TechCrunch did a story on Tango's latest release, which highlighted video calling from the PC. I decided to download the app and see what it can do.
After a pretty quick download and installation process, I was asked to provide my telephone number, name, and email address. Because I had been a Tango user in the past, it found a couple of my friends who are also using the service.
Once complete, it dawned on me that the interface looks like a big iPhone (see above).
Making Telephone Calls
Making a telephone call was easy. I simply search through my list of friends, click on their name, and the app starts dialing.
When the other person picks up the call, I have an option to turn on my camera, which I did.
First Impression
My first impression was not a good one. I'm not a fan of the iPhone, or any phone for that matter, as the user interface for a PC app. Just give me a box with a screen and let's call it a day.
Video Quality
The video quality from PC to PC was not good either. On my video, it was pixelated. I could understand lower quality video if I were calling to a mobile device on 3G, but with huge bandwidth and an HD video camera, it should have been much cleaner.
Confusing UI
Additionally, I found the rotating screen a bit odd. In order to get my other caller to sit upright, I had to click on the rotating icon (seen in the upper right hand corner) 3 to 4 times before we both were looking at each other correctly.
Alternatives
I appreciate the effort Tango is making, but I get all the video calling I need from Google Hangouts, Google Chat, and Skype. Not to mention, in all three cases the video is much cleaner.
If you're interested in trying it out, follow this link. Once you do, let me know what you think in the comment section below.
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