Microsoft Teams

[David Goldman]

I just researched and then downloaded Microsoft Teams (I'm using a MAC). It seamlessly gathered my Skype contacts information. The free version of Teams allows 30 hours (I presume per call) one to one communication. I suspect this will be an adequate replacement of Skype for VASL play but has no ability to include additional parties unless you get a paid version (not me!).

 

[Kijug]

Reminder for Mac folks. Using FaceTime you can do audio or video...and can invite other folks. If you don't have a Mac but an iPad or iPhone, you can use FaceTime there as well while VASLing on your [ahem] Windows computer.

 

[PresterJohn]

In Teams Free on a Windows PC you can run a group meeting for an hour. That's a step down from free Skype, but not terrible for two player games.

 

[Vic Provost]

Me and Tom Morin are trying Google Meet for our weekly VASL game today as SKYPE is going away in a couple weeks. I will let you guys know how it worked for us, Vic.

 

[Vic Provost]

Me and Tom Morin are trying Google Meet for our weekly VASL game today as SKYPE is going away in a couple weeks. I will let you guys know how it worked for us, Vic.

Me and Tom just finished our session and Google Meet worked just fine, no money needed, you can have more than 2 in a meeting and you can do video/audio or audio only. Worked great for us along with VASL, I hope it does for you, Vic.

 

[Houlie]

In Teams Free on a Windows PC you can run a group meeting for an hour. That's a step down from free Skype, but not terrible for two player games.

So are you implying that a two-person Teams Free meeting gives you more than an hour? Just wanting to understand as I am looking for a replacement like many other ASLers.

 

[haggis]

Just finished a VASL/Teams session - 2.5 hours uninterrupted..
Worked fine for us.

 

[zgrose]

Discord is also a good, free option for 2+ users in a channel. And there is direct connection as well.

 

[PresterJohn]

So are you implying that a two-person Teams Free meeting gives you more than an hour? Just wanting to understand as I am looking for a replacement like many other ASLers.

It's already been said that Teams Free is good for a 30 hour two person "meeting". I only wanted to emphasize the time limit for a group (more than two).

 

[zcrater]

My VASL partner (who runs Linux) and I switched from Skype to desktop Signal. Signal is working wonderfully for us.

 

[Philippe D.]

Up to these days, I've been using Skype on an old iPad ('cause it has Bluetooth and I can connect a small headset to it), so I was ready to install Teams on it to keep using the iPad.

Unfortunately, it seems that I cannot: when I try to install Teams, it tells me I need a more recent version of the OS, and when I try to update the OS, it tells me I'm up to date. Is there a limit to which versions of the hardware can use which version of the OS?

(I realize this is not very relevant to playing ASL, but VASL is the only reason I have Skype installed on my tablet, and maybe someone else will know. On principle, I'd like to not buy a new iPad just because the old one won't update - it works fine otherwise)

 

[Michael R]

Can’t you run the communication software on the same machine as VASL? That will give you more choices.

 

[Vic Provost]

Up to these days, I've been using Skype on an old iPad ('cause it has Bluetooth and I can connect a small headset to it), so I was ready to install Teams on it to keep using the iPad.

Unfortunately, it seems that I cannot: when I try to install Teams, it tells me I need a more recent version of the OS, and when I try to update the OS, it tells me I'm up to date. Is there a limit to which versions of the hardware can use which version of the OS?

(I realize this is not very relevant to playing ASL, but VASL is the only reason I have Skype installed on my tablet, and maybe someone else will know. On principle, I'd like to not buy a new iPad just because the old one won't update - it works fine otherwise)

Me and Tom Morin have migrated to Google Meet for our audio during VASL, it can do audio only or audio/video and you can have more than 2 in a call. We found it easy to use and a no brainer for us going forward, Vic at Dispatches.

 

[PresterJohn]

The old iPad hardware probably has reached its support limit with regard to new software. Can you use your phone instead?

 

[Philippe D.]

The old iPad hardware probably has reached its support limit with regard to new software. Can you use your phone instead?

Yes that's probable the "right" solution. It's just I like to not change my habits so much (changing software and device at the same time, that's too much).

(For Michael R.'s suggestion: no Bluetooth on my desktop, so I don't think it's an option)

 

[Michael R]

(For Michael R.'s suggestion: no Bluetooth on my desktop, so I don't think it's an option)

a pair of cheap wired ear buds or headphones would work then.

 

[aiabx]

A lot of mobile phone plans include free long distance. One could shudder make an old-fashioned phone call.

 

[Philippe D.]

Naah, won't work. I really want my non-phone call...

@michael: I use a bluetooth bone conduction headset (which includes a microphone) that I really like (very light and comfortable), so at least this part is serious - I would really prefer not having to move to a different setup.

 

[footsteps]

One could shudder make an old-fashioned phone call.

Rotary phone?

 

[PresterJohn]

USB Bluetooth adapter for your PC for maybe five Euro.