AI to Enhance Customer Experience in Pharma: Accelerating the Commercial Side of the Industry

AI to create precision medicine

Uber venturing into driverless cars, Amazon’s suggestion engine, or AirBNB’s valuation engine, all of them are illustrations of using AI to improve customer experience. These companies have been able to gauge customer preferences and deliver recommendations with minimal customer information. The pharmaceutical industry can do the same with the help of AI to provide a streamlined, more personalized and targeted experience to its customers. 

“AI also plays a huge role in Amazon’s

recommendation engine, which generates

35% of the company’s revenue.” 

• Forbes, July 16, 2018

Companies such as Amazon or Netflix presents you recommendations based on your previous orders or series selections. Sometimes, these recommendations are spot on, other times they are just not. Pharma industry will adopt an outcome-based approach, drawing on the progress of other industries to deliver the “true customer experience”. With AI’s new insights and research targets incorporated from DNA sequences, proteomics and genomics, the healthcare landscape will be a world where the medicine comes to the patient rather than being the other way around. To quote “The Patient Will See You Now” is going to be the new normal.

The commercial side of the industry has rather been slower in the uptake of AI. There are three major reasons behind this:

1. Pharma’s investment and promotional strategy has been largely focused around the interaction between the sales representative and the customer. This approach has not led the companies to think about applying AI technology to identify, automate and simplify deeper customer insights.
2. There is a lack of true personalization in the multi-channel digital engagement and campaign management. The pharma industry has largely been dependent on prescription data and it tends to judge all data based on that standard. Compared to companies like Amazon and Netflix who have limited, inadequate data for information filtering. AI’s Algorithm fills the gap by doing prognosis on that limited data and providing personalized search results based on each user’s search history and preferences. Pharma companies have been largely spoiled by choice because it has access to massive amounts of prescription data. That data can give clarity on creating personalized treatment and prevention strategies for specific groups of people. Still these companies tend to judge all of its patients' data based on a generalized standard. Because of their routined, conventional approach, the predominant part of their investment has not been dedicated to innovative commercial streams. 

Nearly 80% of respondents to a recent Oracle Health Sciences survey says they expect AI and machine learning to improve treatment recommendations, and in a 2017 paper, Dr. Bertalan Meskó, director of the Medical Futurist Institute, suggested that “there is no precision medicine without AI.” His point, albeit forward-looking, acknowledges that without AI to analyze it, patient data will remain severely untapped.

3. The investments that have been done on sophisticated precision medicines is largely stuck in the experimental or pilot stage. The situation is changing and to expedite it, the retail, profit-making side of the business has to change. This has to be done to actively stimulate innovation and achieve hyper personalized experiences and new levels of growth & efficiency. To achieve it, investments need to be done so that AI algorithms can be incorporated into the operational system of the companies to deliver beneficial solutions to patients. The beneficial and  economically feasible outcomes will lead to high ROIs.

Artificial Intelligence Drives Customer Experience: Zeroing Onto the Commercial Side

  

There are four applications of AI in the commercial space that can significantly stimulate sustainability, profitability and growth within the industry.

1. Intelligent Automation - Automating redundant, time intensive tasks to increase profitability.

2. Enhanced Judgement - Boosting growth and enhancing human decision making abilities through employing quality business intelligence (BI) solutions.

3. Improved Interaction - Serve dynamic & interactive customer experiences based on their personal data such as a patient’s daily routine, their recovery and vital signs.

4. Intelligent Insights - Accelerate growth by using AI and machine-learning based tools to manipulate collected data and recommend valuable insights to clinical staff, improving service effectiveness.

The Market Leaders in the life sciences industry are gradually predicting these possibilities. They are letting the intelligent machines have access to the previously siloed data and embracing latest AI technologies and applications, to help stimulate automation.

Based on a report by Accenture , when their industry executives were asked about the utilization of AI, 74 percent of these life sciences executives believe that the capabilities of AI will significantly impact and completely transform the life sciences.

RPA or Robotic Process Automation is an entry level AI technology that adds immense value to data, report processes or to any traditional marketing activity.  It is a type of business process automation technology that allows organizations to emulate and integrate human interactions within digital systems of pharma companies to generate more efficient business processes.  The immense value are the highly impressive outcomes that can lead to 40% acceleration in accuracy and 20% increase in work efficiency. It can also help accelerate the marketing of pharmaceutical drugs or latest information on drugs. This means patients or providers will have access to the right data or information at the right time. 

In an effort to streamline business processes, more CIOs are turning to robotic process automation, or RPA. KPMG estimates the value of the global IT robotic automation market to reach roughly $5 billion this year.

The technology shows great potential to save companies time and money by performing repetitive, routine tasks at a quicker pace (mentioned earlier in the article).

The Current Use Cases of RPA in the Pharmaceutical Industry

McKinsey predicts that for a majority of occupations, 30 percent of tasks can be automated; RPA is one way of doing that.

RPA robots are capable of mimicking almost any predictable human interaction, allowing them to log in to applications, move files, fill in forms and more. Leveraging this technology in healthcare presents opportunities that can free up clinicians’ time and enhance care delivery. With RPA optimizing and doing general analytics on vast amounts of patient data, it can navigate the clinical staff to do more accurate diagnoses, direct the appointment request of a patient to the correct medical center based on its defining attributes and help streamline the claims process that will save up a lot of time of the clinical staff. This will aid them to dedicate more of them time to enhance clinical workflows and produce tailored treatments for patients.

Some common use cases of RPA include:

• Improving the healthcare cycle: Providers collect vast amounts of data from their patients each day — from personal information to treatment cycle details. With the help of RPA software, healthcare organizations can extract and optimize patient data more effortlessly. In communicating with other digital systems, RPA software can manipulate collected data to generate analytics that offer clinical staff valuable insights to help them make more accurate diagnoses and offer tailored treatments to patients.

• Scheduling new patient appointments: When a patient fills out a new patient appointment request form online, RPA robots can help to scan the incoming data, build out a concise report and direct the appointment request to the correct medical center or health care department based on its defining attributes — including location, diagnosis and insurance carrier. This presents clinics with a cost-effective method of scheduling new patient appointments, leading to increased satisfaction for both patients and providers.

• Simplifying claims processing: Most claims involve processes such as data input, processing and evaluation. Whether those steps are conducted manually or by generic software, the process is often time-intensive and error prone — sometimes, even having a major impact on cash flow. RPA helps streamline the claims process by speeding up data processing and simultaneously reducing the number of errors. It can also help to address recovery of revenue with increased precision that might have been written off.

These are just a few examples of how this technology can improve accuracy across an organization and fuel profitability. Allowing RPA software to handle business processes will not only enhance clinical workflows but will return coveted time to staff and allow tailored treatments for patients.

Key Takeaways:

• Pharma’s investment and promotional strategy has been largely focused around the interaction between the sales representative and the customer. This approach has to be changed to make way for the application of AI technologies that can identify, automate and simplify deeper insights.

• Investments have to be done to automate the retail side of the industry so that organizations can focus on delivering beneficial solutions to patients. This can enhance their health outcomes in economically feasible ways.

• AI and machine-learning based tools can automate the redundant tasks and recommend valuable insights to clinical staff, improving service effectiveness.

• Allowing RPA software to handle business processes to enhance clinical workflows and return coveted time to staff and allow tailored treatments for patients.

Some Genius iPhone Battery Life-Saving Hacks to Save Your Day

Even though your iPhone’s battery life is struggling and steadily running down, some amazing hacks can improve its health to reach a suitable standard and might save your phone from undergoing an iPhone battery replacement process. We have rounded up some of those for your benefit. 

 Watch out for ‘power-hungry’ apps - If it is not a commonly used app and it's consuming more than 10% of your battery, it implies a power-hungry app. You should check for its version update in App Store or remove/offload it if it is not a frequently used app. You can review that by heading to Settings > Battery and then clicking on the ‘Last 10 Days’ option, which will reveal the battery usage of all the apps from the last week.

Check for updates of the apps - With continuous bug fixes and enhancement of overall experience, almost all apps, especially gaming apps, come up with newer versions now and then. So, if you have some 50 odd apps installed on your iPhone, almost 10 of them will remind you for an update every second or third day. Even if you have the auto-update feature on, it’s better to go to the App Store, check for updates, and do it manually. 

Make way for abundant storage space - iPhone storage is the built-in local storage of your device. So, an iPhone 32GB, 64GB, or any higher variant signifies it to be the local storage capacity of the device. iPhone users are gifted with 5GB free iCloud space, which they can upgrade to 50GB, by paying just Rs 72 monthly. The battery health will diminish if they do not have a decent amount of iPhone storage space left. Also, it will affect the iOS upgrades. Henceforth, it is essential to clear clutter and make sure to have at least 20% of free storage space. To check your iPhone Storage, go to Settings > General > iPhone storage. If you are running out of iPhone storage space, you may choose the option of “Enable” to upload photos or any other media or files to iCloud and save your local iPhone storage. 

Use the ‘Offload’ option for unused apps - Another way to increase your iPhone storage is to check for the amount of storage each app is taking to offload, especially the heavy apps that have not been used for more than three months or so. It’s always better to use the offload option rather than to delete it because all your data will be saved in case you decide to use the app again in the future. Re-install the app, and it will reinstate your saved progress and data. This will help protect your iPhone’s storage space to a great extent. You can go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and check for apps consuming the amount of space from its last used date/time.  Then offload specific apps by clicking on them.

 

                          

 

Stop ‘quitting’ your apps frequently - iPhone users are somehow addicted to swiping up and quitting apps now and then. Also, there is a myth around quitting apps that the apps continue to work in the background and consume battery life. 

 

This is not true, and according to Apple, restarting an app after quitting takes up more processing power, which exerts a strain on the battery. The apps are in silent or standby mode in the background. So, don’t quit your frequently used apps to save the battery life of your iPhone. 

 Check for your iPhone Location Service - Most of the apps, when you download them for the first time, make the Location Services as “always on” by default. You should check such apps and change their Location Services Setting to “while using the app” OR “never”, depending on your usage. Only “System Services” should be by default set as “always on”. Location Service uses a tremendous amount of battery, and if you don’t need this service, you should turn it off. This will help you to save your iPhone’s battery health.

To turn the location services off, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.

To change the settings of apps using location services, you can do it by clicking on Location Services:

Charging your iPhone - This is one basic and vital step to help improve your battery life. iOS 13 comes with an optimized battery charging feature that keeps the battery at 80% charge until the time a full charge is required. This reduces unnecessary battery aging.

 Don’t charge your iPhone overnight, and you should always plug out when it reaches 100%. Also, refrain from buying aftermarket chargers to prevent degrading your iPhone’s battery further. Non-Genuine chargers don’t just degrade the battery but also spoil the charging jack of your iPhone resulting in severe damage to Tristar IC. 

 There are several other commonly used tips and tricks to improve your iPhone’s battery life, such as:

·         Turning off Bluetooth when not required 

·         Using Wi-Fi more than Cellular data or otherwise the Airplane mode when not connected to any network

·         Turning on Auto-Brightness 

·         Activating the Low Power mode 

·         Use Dark Mode 

 

The bottom line is that your experience with your iPhone will depend on the model, your usage pattern, and to what extent you can commit to extending the battery’s power to improve your iPhone’s performance. 

 If you want to know how to review the battery health of your iPhone and check if it requires replacement, check out my other blog. 

 

Website Content for Aviators Technic

Website Page Screenshot

Aviators Technic Company Profile

 

Technical Record and Planning – Maintaining records of QC data checks, and documents associated with maintenance management, operations, and engineering reports.

 

Technical Due Diligence – Analyzing and auditing the technical aspects of Aircraft operations for regular evaluation and airworthiness.

 

Structural Inspection – Providing complicated damage inspection services in structural components like Ultra Sonic Inspections, ramp and Maintenance Damage Inspections, Eddy current inspection, and Dye Penetrate Inspection.

 

Aircraft Helicopter Leasing – Executing Dry and Wet Aircraft/Helicopter Leasing worldwide on best market terms and rates to generate new business solutions and fuel growth opportunities for clients.

 

Charter Flight Arrangements – Organizing charter, business, and personal flight arrangements for the Hospitality, Entertainment, Consumer industries, and sectors. 

 

Helipad and Hanger Construction – Providing leading-edge hanger and helipad construction in Hilly/Plain Terrains all within feasible timelines and investment.

 

Auditing and Legal Arbitration – Administering expert handling of legal disputes in the International Court of Laws, served by our Legal Team with 25 years of experience to settle disputes and issues in India and worldwide.

 

Aircraft Scrapping Support – Executing Aircraft teardown and scrapping services of the complete aircraft as well as the individual components such as engine QEC, interior assemblies, and more.

 

Boroscopic Inspections – Performing 24*7 on-site boroscopic inspections through our Power-plant Professionals, Engineers & Technicians on Engine related issues in aircrafts.

 

WE ARE REDEFINING AVIATION SERVICES

At Aviators Technic, we are continually evolving to adapt to the modernizations in customer servicing, to tackle the toughest challenges within the industry. We want to make our skies and spaces feel amazing, smarter, and safer than ever. With enhanced intelligent capabilities, improved collaboration with optimizing workloads, we will attain efficiencies from our operators, and deliver rewarding travel experiences to our passengers. We aim to reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation industry, maintenance and operating expenditures, noise pollutions through employing a more connected and robust commercial aviation ecosystem that will tie key partners with compelling data to generate comprehensive insights. 

 

Our topmost priority is you, our customers, your security, and safety maintained through our rigorous and continuous protection and quality checks. Our Team Includes Aircraft Engineers, Auditors, Planners, Legal Experts, Cabin Experts, Aviation Consultants, and Finance Professionals.

At Aviators Technic, we are redefining the aviation industry by creating a future that is more connected and more intelligent than ever, and we can’t wait to show you more...

 

Skilled Professionals

We have a team of experts and World-class trained professionals with more than 25 years of experience in the industry.

 

Diversified Exposure

We have a diverse and distinct aviation background offering a more extensive range of services and experience at par with the best enterprises in the industry.

 

End-To-End Support

We provide end-to-end advisory and technical support services to any airline/operator facing Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situations due to unspecified technical or legal issues.

 

Timely Delivery

We serve prompt and convenient delivery services to redelivery or acceptance of aircrafts. We provide knowledgeable assistance during redelivery or acquisition to lease conditions.

 

Our Mission

Our mission is to serve our clients with impeccable products and services that meet the first-rate industry standards. Our aim is to consider the security and safety of our employees and clients throughout all our operations and services, to understand and provide leadership on policy issues that are of interest to the industry.

 

Our Vision

Our Vision is to become a the leader in providing business aviation services to the Indian industry and worldwide.

 

Aviators Technic

Aviators Technic has the most unprecedented portfolio of aviation products and services that ensure superior standards of security, quality, and customer satisfaction. Formed by experienced Aviation professionals having more than 25years of aviation experience, it guarantees to deliver the best in Indian Aviation and Worldwide.

 

FAQs

 

·        Can Aviators Technic experts assist with an AOG issue?

We will also make arrangements for the supplemental lift for Commercial Airlines at any time facing an Aircraft On Ground or AOG. If the necessary types of equipment and parts are not readily available at certain times, the personnel, equipments, and parts will be flown to the aircraft’s location for repairing the plane in order to return it to service. We can also arrange quick access to a charter flight in case you need to transport mechanics and material on-site for maintenance of the aircraft. 

 

·        Can your employees help me to Acquire and then Manage my own Aircraft?

Of course! Our brokers are proficient to be working with every kind of aircraft in the private aviation industry. They will serve you with their invaluable expertise and knowledge if you are looking to purchase your own corporate and private aircraft. AT has assisted a wide range of clients interested in buying their own private jet, for personal and leisure purposes. We have partnered with corporate logistics and travel departments to acquire the most suitable jet for their needs and have also helped to sell and lease their planes and helicopters.

 

·        How will I benefit from having a personal Aviators Technic Advisor?

Starting from the very takeoff to landing, the dedicated advisor will assist you with every detail and answer all of your concerns in a timely fashion.

 

·        What separates Aviators Technic from its competitors?

We love doing what we do. We serve you to make sure that your experience is second to none. While working with you and your esteemed team, your zealous advisor will do their best to meet all of your requirements and more at rates best in the industry. We are here for you to answer all of your queries and concerns with live flight support specialists 24*7/365. 

 

·        Who are your clients?

We are catering to a wide range of clientele throughout the country, all having a distinctive set of travel needs. Our specialties are many such as charter flight arrangements, private jets for corporate travel and leisure, professional sports team and celebrity transportation, emergency relocation and evacuation assistance, medical charter aircraft, and such. There are a lot more services available, do not feel any hesitance to ask!

Services:

Aircraft Helicopter Leasing

Aircraft Helicopter Leasing – Both Dry and Wet for both Short Term and Long Term

We offer both new and used commercial aircraft from our existing fleet on operating lease and our order book of Airbus and Boeing Aircraft. We provide the aircraft to owners, financiers and investors with all our asset services that will help our customers to manage an aircraft portfolio. We take over the complete process from assessing marketing opportunities to negotiating lease documentation, preparing the aircraft for delivery and managing the lease during the contract period.

One of our main features is the purchase of fuel-efficient, in production, aircraft equipments for our fleet development strategy.

Aviators Technic is focussed on acquiring new, or close to new, single aisle and select wide-body aircraft. We are continuously seeking attractive opportunities to keep our fleet young through direct purchases from manufacturers, purchases from other aircraft owners and investors, sale and leaseback transactions with airlines. We provide and help in executing Dry and wet lease Aircraft/Helicopter leasing on best market rates and terms. We help airlines worldwide to modernize and grow their fleets, consults with OEMs as they develop subsequent generation of fuel-efficient aircraft, and explore new business solutions for clients to support their growth and success.

Overview

Sale and leasebacks of both our new and used aircrafts provides our customers with more flexible and agile fleet planning options, as well as the release of liquidity and equity. Also operating leases provides certain major benefits to our airline customers:

•  Providing flexibility to customers to adjust their fleet in response to the changing and wavering market conditions.
• No exposure to the aircraft residual value risk.
• No requirement to make substantial capital investments for aircraft acquisition.
• Concentration on the core business, the operation of a fleet, rather than on aircraft ownership.

Charter Flights Arrangements

Executive Charter Flight Arrangements with Luxury, Comfort & Privacy

When you fly with Aviators Technic, you can expect nothing less than a safe and flawless flight. Our pilots and aircraft adhere to the highest safety standards in the industry. Every private charter meets the IOTA recommendation. Before your flight, we inspect the aircraft from top to bottom to ensure it passes our strict safety requirements. We trust our pilots and aircraft to fly our own family and friends, so you can trust us to safely fly yours, too.

Aviators Technic offers helicopters, private jets, executive airliner charters, air ambulance as well for safe and quick travel of patients, as well as huge range of small specialist aircrafts for all leisure and business purposes.

Our acclaimed cargo department offers a full range of cargo aircraft and helicopters from arranging charters for dangerous and sensitive goods, humanitarian and relief efforts, charters for remote, difficult to reach regions, and for the shipment of small, urgent packages to large, heavy outsize consignments.

Aviators Technic can also arrange charters for larger groups of passengers on aircraft including regional jet airliners and turboprops, for tours and road shows that require flexible charter solutions around demanding schedules, for events, for personnel logistics to give industries and their workers a helping hand, and also for emergency responses that require fast and timely charter flight arrangement ensuring that help gets to those in need. We have our own VIP & executive airliners as well as narrow and wide-body airlines to meet the abovementioned requirements.

Overview

In overall we arrange Charter/Personal/Business flight arrangements for Business groups, ambulance services, Aerial survey, cargo charter, passenger charters, business   charters, Film shoots, Joy rides, pilgrim charters and such. All of our flight arrangements are met with complete support to our customers starting from the take off to its landing.

•   We furnish arrangement for all types of aircrafts as per the customer’s requirement, giving them complete support.
• We taking landing permissions for aircrafts
• We take care of technical /over-fly permissions
• Clearing fragile cargo effortlessly
• Ground handling is provided at all designated airports in India to the aircrafts, their crews etc.
• We arrange for the replacement of A.O.G aircrafts on an urgent basis.

 

 Helipad and Hanger Construction

 

Aviator's experienced project engineers can design a steel aircraft hangar to meet your needs. Our proprietary design software is integrated with the systems of the major hanger door manufacturers so we can get you an accurate quote quickly. Let our project engineers help you design the perfect steel aircraft hangar to store your plane or helicopter.

We can ship your metal airplane hangar to the location of your aircraft and can also provide you with Pro-Select Erecting™ services. In addition to housing your aircraft, we can create a hanger large enough for you to keep other equipment handy for repairs and maintenance or your aircraft. Our customer service department is ready to assist with your questions during the construction process.

Helipads are usually constructed out of concrete and are marked with a circle and/or a letter “H”, so as to be visible from the air. However, they are not always constructed out of concrete; sometimes forest fire fighters will construct a temporary helipad out of wood to receive supplies in remote areas. Rig mats may be used to build helipads. Landing pads may also be constructed in extreme conditions such as on ice.

A hangar is a closed structure to hold aircraft or spacecraft in protective storage. Most hangars are built of metal, but other materials such as wood and concrete are also used. Hangars are used for protection from weather, protection from direct sunlight, maintenance, repair, manufacture, assembly and storage of aircraft on airfields aircraft carriers and ships. Pavement of hangar floors must be designed to support aircraft loads (rigid floor). Clearance must be provided between the aircraft and the door opening, walls and ceiling of the hangar.

Tectonic has designed and built both cross-draft and down-draft aircraft paint booths in a variety of environments throughout India and worldwide including large cabin business aircraft. We understand the painting sequence and operations, air flows, filtering, environmental conditioning and support spaces required for successful aircraft paint facilities.

Overview

We have team of experts to conduct Helipad and Hangar construction in Hilly/Plain terrains. We also provide Modern Hanger construction within feasible timelines and investments. Our civil engineers and teams are expert in these functions. They have a proven track record in delivering fast, flexible and cost effective aircraft hangars to aviation and military organisations to protect their planes and helicopters.

• Our high-quality membrane materials and post-production galvanized welded frames deliver durability over time, making the cost of maintaining Aviators Technic’s aircraft hangars more economical compared to conventional aviation buildings.
•      Translucent membranes allow natural daylight to illuminate the hangar workspace while the white roof surface reflects heat.
• Aviators Technic offers a variety of different hangar door solutions. They can be selected and designed to suit multiple size and opening requirements. This flexibility ensures that our aviation clients get the best option for their selected aviation building type, depending on their operational needs.
•    Our aircraft hangars can be quickly erected, dismantled and relocated due to module pre-fabrication. We can provide site supervisors or fully dedicated construction teams to complete any custom aviation project. Aircraft hangars are transportable by land, sea and air.
•       Aviators Technic’s aircraft buildings can accommodate many foundation options such as concrete up-stand, ballast weights, and ground anchors into an existing surface. Our co-ordination with the groundwork contractor is key for the client to reach the most cost effective solution.
•      Our established supply chain streamlines coordination of delivery and installation. Pre-fabricated elements and the ability to construct our hangars in a variety of weather conditions speeds up the construction process.
• Aviation buildings can accommodate all types of door, ventilation and other systems and safely support high loads imposed by overhead cranes, ceiling-mounted HVAC and fire-suppression systems, fall-protection equipment and other superimposed loads.
•     Aviator Technic’s personnel are on hand to provide help and support, from initial contact to quotation, installation and beyond. Our commitment to customer service continues after hangar project completion and forms the basis for long-term customer satisfaction.   

The Best Group Video Calling and Meeting Apps for Self Isolation

It is no news that the whole world is currently battling a pandemic of staggering magnitude, and various businesses, schools, institutions, pubs, and restaurants are being closed to ensure social distancing and slow down the spread of coronavirus. Millions of people are now working from their homes, and this has led to digital work meetings and online conferences, remote playdates, and virtual chat parties. And all of these are being facilitated with the help of a variety of video meeting platforms. Then again, not all platforms meet all the necessary parameters of efficiency. Whether you are attempting to socialize from a distance, prep for a crucial conference call with a prospective client, or check in on your family members, there are specific virtual meeting services for all of that.

Here, I have listed some of the services that will help you choose the most suitable platform and stay comfortably connected from the safety of your home. 


FaceTime – Best for checking in on loved ones

 

It is the simplest app to use for face-to-face communication, whether you want a long family meeting or make a quick call to your loved ones. To get started, go to the relevant individual’s contact and press the FaceTime button and voila! If you are using Mac, you can keep a track record of those calls, much like Hangouts or Zoom. This platform has also got many fun features. Like, it allows you to change your face into an Animoji or create live photos from your FaceTime calls. It is slick and intuitive, and being a native Apple feature, all of this is free. The only drawback is that these features make it ideal for socializing and not for business use. And, it lacks collaboration tools.
Pros:

• Easy and straightforward to use
• Lots of fun features like Animojis, filters, and stickers, which can be used during video calls
• Supports up to 64 participants in a group video call
• End to end encryption of calls

Cons:

• You need to have an Apple device
• Not suitable for business use, and lacks virtual background support and collaboration tools

Google Hangouts – Has something for both professionals and socializers

You will find two versions of this app in the app store, which can make it slightly confusing. To clear it up, Hangouts Meet is the video calling version for businesses and enterprises, and Hangouts Chat is for text messaging purposes. Hangouts might not be as impressive as Zoom, but, it does have ample features to host large collaborative meetings. With a G-Suite

subscription, you can connect with a maximum of 250 people at the same time. One of its perks is that it can connect seamlessly with the G-Suite, meaning that the calendar invites will come straight to your Gmail inbox with a link for joining the meeting. This feature of large meeting sizes and other advanced paid features like recording and live streaming video meetings have been made available for free to all G-Suite users till July 1^st, to help enterprises work better despite the COVID-19 situation.

The original free version has limited features though, as it allows up to 100 participants and only has the call-in option in a group video call. Then again, it is fun and interactive to use, as it has GIFs, emojis, and stickers. 

Pros:

• Has screen sharing and other vital collaborative tools
• Integration possible with Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Drive
• Works across all platforms – iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows
• End to end encryption of calls

Cons:

• Lacks virtual background support
• You need to have a Google account
• UI might be a bit confusing

Facebook Messenger – Like Text Messaging, super fast & easy

The mobile app of Facebook lets you access the timeline, by just clicking the icon on your phone. Facebook Messenger is the messaging system of Facebook that you can access without needing to access the social networking site or app. You can instantly communicate with other Facebook users as the messaging app works faster than the actual Facebook app. You can also send files, links, and images that make it easier for collaboration. If you have Facebook you need to install the messenger app as you cannot read or send personal messages to someone else through the Facebook app.

Pros:

• Makes easier and faster to chat than the main app or mobile browser
• It’s similar to texting but without the SMS and MMS charges
• Can send files, images, and links making it easier for office employees to collaborate
• User can make phone calls

Cons:

• The terms and conditions include that recording of audio can be done at any time without permission and calling someone without intervention, which is a major privacy breach
• It’s distractive and intrusive with the constant message notifications
• Once activated the Messenger is continuously functioning in the background, that can drain the battery faster than expected
• Users using the Facebook app cannot send or even read messages unless they download the Messenger App
• The Facebook Messenger and Facebook App take up a combined storage space of 100+ MB which is a severe problem if you have limited space on your device

WhatsApp – The most accessible, everyone and anyone has it

Used by more than a billion people worldwide, WhatsApp is the most popular messaging service out there. The video calling feature is baked right into the app and is straightforward to use. However, the video calling feature works best for personal and casual use and is not meant for business meetings or virtual conferences, and it lacks the necessary collaboration tools.

Pros:

• Almost everyone uses this app
• The video calling process is extremely easy
• Calls are enabled with end-to-end encryption

Cons:

• Group video calls allow a maximum of four participants
• Video calls can only be done from Android or iPhone and not from PC
• Lacks virtual background support

Apart from the ones mentioned above, the other popular video calling and meeting apps are Microsoft Teams, WebEx and Houseparty, each with its own set of strengths and limitations. What you choose will depend on your needs and tastes, whether it is to host virtual meetings or to connect with your loved ones. So, which service have you been using or will use from now on during this COVID 19 pandemic? 

(Note: Many readers might wonder why Zoom was not included in the list. Here’s the reason: Zoom as an App has a lot of features and enhancements, but we have deliberately not included it due to rising security concerns and the recent warning by Cyber Coordination Centre against using Zoom for personal or business use.)