Staying in Touch With Family and Friends Overseas
By Theodore Fischer
December 2007/January 2008
Stay in touch with family and friends in the United States and overseas, at little or no cost. While many virtual meeting technologies already exist—with more coming all the time—here are four systems used by many U.S. Hispanics.
If you don't have a computer, AmigoLatino will set up video reunions between more than 12 U.S. locations and 40 international sites. You'll pay $30 to $40 per half hour for the connections and use of private meeting rooms.
If you have a computer, these options—all free or low-cost—require only an Internet connection, speakers, and a microphone.
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Skype lets anyone who downloads its free software make Internet calls to Skype users worldwide at no charge. To see who you're talking to, purchase a web camera from an electronics retailer for $25 to $300. And if you belong to MySpace, you can open a Skype account that lets you place free calls to other MySpace members' computers or telephones. |
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YackPack functions like a free "global intercom," where one member of a private group, or "pack," clicks and holds the onscreen TALK button to speak. Users can talk in real time and can save audio files. YackPack accommodates non-English speakers by using universally understandable symbols. Subscribers pay (at press time) $4.95 a month, $19.95 for six months, or $34.95 a year for unlimited access. |
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iChat enables groups to set up free private text and audio meetings, and iChat AV lets members with webcams arrange videoconferences. Software for iChat comes free with Mac OS X 10.2 or later computers. Macs can also communicate and video-chat with PCs, but it's easier Mac to Mac. |
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