8x8 Video Conferencing - Detailed Review
Collaboration Tools
8x8 Video Conferencing - Product Overview
Introduction to 8×8 Video Conferencing
8×8 Video Conferencing is a comprehensive solution within the Collaboration Tools and Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) category, offering a range of features to facilitate effective and secure communication.
Primary Function
The primary function of 8×8 Video Conferencing is to enable high-definition video meetings, events, and team collaboration. It integrates seamlessly with other communication tools to provide a unified platform for voice, video, and text-based interactions.
Target Audience
8×8 Video Conferencing caters to a diverse range of customers, including small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and large enterprise organizations. This versatility makes it suitable for businesses of all sizes, from startups to complex enterprises, across various industries.
Key Features
- High-Definition Video Conferencing: Supports up to 500 participants on any device, including desktops, mobile devices, and browsers.
- Large-Scale Event Support: Offers view-only access and YouTube streaming for larger events.
- Content Sharing: Allows flexible sharing of documents, images, and full-motion video, ensuring smooth collaboration.
- Integrated Collaboration: Includes voice, group chat, and whiteboarding features to enhance interaction and productivity.
- Moderator Controls: Features branding, delegation, lock, lobby, and break-out rooms to manage meetings effectively.
- User Controls: Offers virtual backgrounds, mute options, and ad hoc invitations for user convenience.
- Recording and Storage: Provides cloud-based recording, storage, archive, and retrieval of meetings.
- AI-Based Analytics: Includes multi-language transcription, meeting summarization, and AI-driven analytics for insights into meeting engagement and performance.
- Calendar Integration: Integrates with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office 365 for seamless scheduling.
- Security Features: Offers advanced security options such as moderation controls, meeting lock, participant lobby, and optional end-to-end encryption.
Additional Benefits
8×8 Video Conferencing also supports automated event logging into Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics 365, and it allows users to join meetings via phone or SIP device calls from over 50 countries. The platform is highly scalable, secure, and reliable, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking to enhance their communication and collaboration capabilities.
8x8 Video Conferencing - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of 8×8 Video Conferencing is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for individuals to engage in video meetings without significant hassle.Ease of Use
Getting started with 8×8 Video Meetings is straightforward. Users can create an account using their email or log in with Google, and then install the 8×8 browser extension to integrate with Google Calendar or Office 365. This integration allows users to schedule meetings quickly and easily, with just a few clicks.Interface
The interface is entirely browser-based, utilizing WebRTC technology, which means users and guests can join meetings via a compatible browser like Google Chrome without needing to download any plugins or special software. This makes the process seamless and hassle-free.Key Features
Meeting Controls
The interface provides easy access to meeting controls such as mute, audio/video settings, and screen sharing. These operations can typically be executed in just a click or two.Calendar Integrations
8×8 Video Meetings integrates seamlessly with Google Calendar and Microsoft Office 365, allowing users to schedule meetings directly from their calendar. This feature ensures that meeting details are easily accessible and invitations can be sent out quickly.Personalized Meeting Spaces
Each user receives a dedicated virtual meeting space with a personalized URL, eliminating the need to remember meeting IDs. This URL can be shared with participants at any time.Screen Sharing and Recording
Users can share their screens and record meetings, which are stored in the cloud for later reference or to share with those who missed the meeting.User Experience
The overall user experience is streamlined and efficient. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, showing upcoming scheduled meetings and providing links to access them directly. Users can start their own meetings at any time and copy meeting information, including the URL and dial-in number, with a single click to send to others.Additional Features
Live Streaming
Users can live stream meetings to YouTube, allowing them to reach an unlimited audience.Moderator Controls
The platform includes moderator controls such as branding, delegation, lock, lobby, and break-out rooms, which enhance the management of large-scale events.User Controls
Features like virtual backgrounds, mute options, and ad hoc invitations are also available, enhancing the user experience during meetings.Conclusion
In summary, 8×8 Video Conferencing offers a simple, intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to set up, join, and manage video meetings, ensuring a smooth and productive collaboration experience. 8x8 Video Conferencing - Key Features and Functionality
8×8 Video Conferencing Overview
The 8×8 Video Conferencing solution, part of the 8×8 XCaaS (eXperience Communications as a Service) platform, offers a wide range of features that enhance video-based meetings, events, and team collaboration. Here are the main features and how they work:
High-Definition Video Conferencing
- 8×8 Video Conferencing supports high-definition video meetings on any device, accommodating up to 500 participants. This ensures clear and crisp video quality, making remote meetings feel more like in-person interactions.
Large-Scale Event Support
- The platform provides large-scale event support through view-only access or YouTube streaming. This feature is particularly useful for webinars, town hall meetings, and other large events where not all participants need to interact actively.
Content Sharing and Collaboration
- Users can share various types of content, including documents, images, and full-motion video. Integrated collaboration tools such as voice, group chat, and whiteboarding enhance interaction and productivity during meetings.
Moderator and User Controls
- Moderators have several controls at their disposal, including branding options, delegation of roles, lock and lobby features, and the ability to create break-out rooms. Users can also customize their experience with virtual backgrounds, mute options, and ad hoc invitations.
Recording and Storage
- Meetings can be recorded and stored in the cloud, allowing for easy retrieval and sharing. This feature is beneficial for those who missed the meeting or need to reference the discussion later.
AI-Driven Analytics and Transcriptions
- The platform integrates AI capabilities, providing real-time meeting transcriptions, smart summaries, and action items. These features improve productivity by enabling asynchronous information sharing, reducing the need for manual note-taking, and highlighting key points and next steps.
Calendar Integration
- 8×8 Video Conferencing integrates seamlessly with calendar systems such as Google Workspace and Microsoft Office 365. This allows users to schedule meetings with just one click and ensures that all meeting details are synchronized across different platforms.
Security and Accessibility
- The platform uses WebRTC technology, allowing users and guests to join meetings via a Google Chrome browser without the need for downloads or special software. Additional security features include meeting passcodes and randomly generated meeting names.
Automated Event Logging
- Meeting artifacts can be linked directly to CRMs like Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics 365, facilitating easy access, tracking, and reporting. This integration helps in centralizing meeting data and improving follow-up actions.
These features collectively make 8×8 Video Conferencing a comprehensive and efficient tool for enhancing communication, collaboration, and productivity in both hybrid and global work environments.
8x8 Video Conferencing - Performance and Accuracy
When Evaluating 8×8 Video Conferencing
Several key aspects come into focus:
Video Quality and Performance
8×8 Video Conferencing offers reliable video quality, although it is limited to HD resolution and does not support 4K video. Users can manage the video quality during meetings by adjusting the settings to balance between the highest quality and best performance. This can be done through the “Performance Settings” option, allowing users to choose the appropriate video quality level to ensure a smooth meeting experience.
Connection Strength and Stability
The platform allows users to track participant connection strength, which is crucial for maintaining good video and audio quality. By hovering over the Connection indicator on a participant’s tile, users can view the strength of their connection and advise on necessary adjustments.
Audio Quality
8×8 has improved its microphone Automatic Gain Control (AGC) to boost voice levels, particularly helpful for participants who speak quietly or are far from the microphone. This feature can be toggled on in the settings to automatically adjust mic sensitivity.
AI-Driven Features
Recent updates to the 8×8 XCaaS platform include AI-boosted features such as real-time transcriptions, smart summaries, and follow-up action items. These features enhance collaboration by providing intelligent and seamless meeting transcriptions that distinguish between speakers and suggest actionable insights, reducing the need for manual note-taking.
User Experience and Interface
The video conferencing interface is browser-based and streamlined, making it easy to access and manage meetings. Users can start meetings at any time, copy meeting information, and integrate with calendars like Google Calendar and Office 365.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
- Resolution Limitation: The video quality is limited to HD and does not support 4K resolution, which might be a drawback for users requiring higher video quality.
- Mobile App Limitations: Some features, such as managing video quality, are not available via the mobile app, only through the desktop app or browser.
- Whiteboard Feature: Unlike some competitors, 8×8 does not offer a whiteboard feature, which can be a limitation for remote collaboration.
- Security Details: There is a minor complaint about the lack of detailed information regarding the platform’s security measures.
Integrations and Additional Features
8×8 Video Conferencing integrates well with other tools such as Microsoft Teams, allowing for native calling within Teams without additional software. It also supports features like password protection, co-host delegation, and participant permissions, enhancing the security and manageability of meetings.
Conclusion
Overall, 8×8 Video Conferencing performs well in terms of video and audio quality management, connection stability, and AI-driven collaboration features. However, it has some limitations, particularly in terms of video resolution and the absence of certain collaborative tools like whiteboards.
8x8 Video Conferencing - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure of 8×8 Video Conferencing
Free Plan
8×8 Video Meetings offers a completely free plan with no restrictions on the number of meetings or minutes. This free service includes:- Unlimited HD video meetings
- No time limits on meetings
- Calendar integrations with Google Calendar and Office 365
- Screen sharing
- Chat with other participants
- Hand-raising feature to signal questions or to speak up
- Recording and live streaming of meetings without any additional cost.
Paid Plan
For additional features, 8×8 Video Meetings offers a paid plan at $9.99 per user per month. This plan includes:- Speech-to-text technology for real-time closed captioning and meeting transcripts
- 60 days of cloud storage for meeting recordings.
Key Features Across Plans
Here are some of the features available in both the free and paid plans:- Calendar Integrations: Custom browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, and plugins for Google Calendar and Office 365.
- Screen Sharing: The ability to share your screen during meetings.
- Chat and Hand-Raising: Chat functionality and a hand-raising feature to signal participation.
- Recording and Live Streaming: The ability to record and live stream meetings, even on the free plan.
Summary
8×8 Video Conferencing is highly accessible with its free plan offering most of the essential features, making it a great option for those looking for a no-cost video conferencing solution. The paid plan adds advanced features like speech-to-text technology and cloud storage, but the free version is quite comprehensive for basic needs. 8x8 Video Conferencing - Integration and Compatibility
8×8 Video Conferencing Overview
As part of the 8×8 collaboration tools, 8×8 Video Conferencing integrates seamlessly with a variety of platforms and devices, enhancing user experience and communication efficiency.
Platform Integrations
8×8 Video Conferencing is highly integrable with several popular platforms:
- Microsoft Teams: Users can amplify their Microsoft Teams experience with 8×8 communication capabilities, including voice, video, and contact center integrations. This allows for seamless communication and collaboration within the Teams environment.
- Microsoft Office 365: The service integrates with Office 365, enabling users to schedule, start, or join meetings directly from their Outlook calendars.
- Google Calendar and Gmail: Integration with Google Calendar and Gmail allows users to click-to-dial and click-to-join meetings, as well as auto-sort emails for incoming calls.
- Salesforce and Zendesk: 8×8 features are embedded into the UI of these CRM and customer service platforms, enabling click-to-dial, window pop for caller records, and auto logging.
- Azure VDI: For users working in an Azure Virtual Desktop environment, 8×8 Work is integrated with Azure VDI to improve the quality of audio calls through multimedia redirection.
Device Compatibility
The 8×8 Video Conferencing solution is compatible with a wide range of devices:
- Mobile Devices: The service can be used on compatible mobile devices, ensuring consistent communication experiences across different platforms.
- Desktop and Laptop PCs: 8×8 software is available for desktop and laptop PCs, providing rich functionality for voice, messaging, and collaboration.
- IP Handsets and IP Conference Phones: Users can utilize IP handsets and IP conference phones for high-quality voice and video communications.
Real-Time Interoperability
8×8 Video Conferencing supports real-time interoperability with third-party chat applications such as Slack, Chatter, and over 20 other messaging apps. This allows users to communicate seamlessly across different platforms within and across companies.
Additional Features
- Presence Detection: Users can see the availability status of their colleagues, including busy, away, or in DND mode, and set their own status to offline using invisible mode.
- One-Click Meetings: Users can start or join meetings on any device with a single click, and easily transfer between call, chat, and video conferencing modes.
- HD Video and Audio Conferencing: The service supports high-definition video and audio conferencing, allowing up to 100 participants in meetings.
Overall, 8×8 Video Conferencing is designed to provide a unified and consistent communication experience across various platforms and devices, making it a versatile tool for different business needs.
8x8 Video Conferencing - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support for 8×8 Video Conferencing
When you are looking for customer support and additional resources for 8×8 Video Conferencing, you have several options available to ensure you get the help you need promptly.Contact Methods
8×8 offers multiple channels to contact their technical support team, which is available 24 hours a day. You can reach them via:Phone
For support within the United States, call 888-898-8733. If you are calling from outside the U.S., use 408-687-4120. There are also specific numbers for other regions, such as Australia at 61 1300 088 088.Live Chat
Accessible through the 8×8 support page, where you will initially interact with the chatbot Otto before being connected to a live representative. You do not need an 8×8 phone number to use this service; simply enter “N/A” if you don’t have one.Web Case
You can create a support case through the 8×8 Support portal, which allows you to submit your issue and receive assistance via the web.Support Resources
8×8 provides a comprehensive support system that includes:Support Pages
The 8×8 support page (support.8×8.com) is organized by topics such as business phone, team messaging, contact center integrations, headsets, CPaaS resources, billing, and account management. This helps you find specific information quickly.Knowledge Base
A detailed knowledge base is available, which includes guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting tips to help you resolve common issues on your own.Support Portal
This portal allows you to manage your support cases, access documentation, and find other resources to help you with your 8×8 services.Global Support
8×8 has a global footprint with eight separate contact centers around the world, operating on a “follow-the-sun” schedule. This ensures that support is always available, regardless of your location or the time of day.Additional Features and Integrations
While not directly related to support, it’s worth noting that 8×8 Video Conferencing is part of the Unified Communications services offered through 8×8’s X Series user plans. These services include features like high-definition video conferencing for up to 500 participants, large-scale event support, flexible content sharing, integrated collaboration tools, and AI-based analytics. These features are integrated with various platforms such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce, and Microsoft Dynamics 365. By leveraging these support options and resources, you can ensure that any issues or questions you have about 8×8 Video Conferencing are addressed efficiently and effectively. 8x8 Video Conferencing - Pros and Cons
Advantages
Free Unlimited Video Meetings
One of the standout features of 8×8 Video Meetings is that it offers free unlimited video meetings without any time limits, making it a valuable option for continuous collaboration.
Calendar Integrations and Browser Extensions
The platform includes simple browser extensions and calendar plugins, which streamline the process of scheduling and joining meetings.
AI-Powered Features
8×8 has recently introduced AI-powered video meeting capabilities, including real-time transcriptions, smart summaries, and actionable follow-up items. These features enhance collaboration by providing intelligent meeting transcriptions that distinguish between speakers and suggest actionable insights, reducing the need for manual note-taking.
Scalability and Large Meetings
The platform supports high-definition videoconferencing for up to 500 participants and can even handle large events with up to 10,000 participants, making it suitable for various types of meetings and events.
Security and Compliance
8×8 offers top-tier security features, including end-to-end encryption, call recording, and cloud storage, ensuring that your meetings are secure and compliant with industry standards.
Integration with CRM Systems
The platform allows users to link meeting artifacts directly to CRM systems like Salesforce, facilitating centralized access, efficient tracking, and comprehensive reporting.
Disadvantages
Limited Security Details and Support
While 8×8 provides strong security features, there have been concerns about limited security details and technical support, particularly in the free version.
No Survey Tools
Even in the paid versions, 8×8 does not offer survey tools, which might be a drawback for some users.
Complex Setup and Deployment
Setting up and deploying 8×8 can be complex, which may be challenging for smaller businesses or those without extensive IT support.
Unclear Pricing
The pricing for 8×8 plans is not transparent on their website, requiring users to contact an account executive for detailed pricing information, which can be inconvenient.
Limited Integrations
Compared to other providers, 8×8 has limited integrations, which might restrict its versatility for some users.
Overall, 8×8 Video Conferencing offers a strong set of features, especially with its recent AI-driven enhancements, but it also comes with some drawbacks that users should consider based on their specific needs.
8x8 Video Conferencing - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of 8×8 Video Conferencing
- Unlimited Global Calling: 8×8 offers unlimited calling in 48 countries, which is a significant advantage for global teams.
- Advanced Integrations: 8×8 integrates with various third-party apps such as GSuite, Salesforce, Microsoft 365, and more, enhancing its utility in a multi-tool environment.
- Video Conferencing Capabilities: 8×8 supports up to 100 participants in video calls, which is more than some of its competitors like Dialpad.
- Call Management: Features include HD voice, call history, voicemail-to-email, shared line appearance, and call groups, making it a comprehensive communication solution.
Alternatives and Their Key Features
Microsoft Teams
- Real-Time Translation and Transcription: Teams offers real-time translation, transcription, and meeting insights, which are crucial for global teams and effective communication.
- Meeting Summaries and Action Items: Teams can generate meeting summaries and action items, making follow-ups more manageable.
Cisco Webex
- Real-Time Translation and Automated Summaries: Webex provides real-time translation, virtual backgrounds, and automated meeting summaries. It also offers insights into meeting dynamics such as speaking time and engagement levels.
- Smart Meeting Management: Webex includes features like agenda management and action item tracking, ensuring meetings stay focused and productive.
Dialpad
- Advanced AI Capabilities: Dialpad includes features like automated post-call action items, call summaries, and call purpose analysis. It also offers real-time call transcription and voicemail transcription, which are not available in all 8×8 plans.
- Limitations: However, Dialpad limits video conferencing participants to 10 (or up to 150 with an upgrade) and has limited pre-built third-party integrations compared to 8×8.
RingCentral and GoTo Connect
- Scalability and Features: RingCentral and GoTo Connect offer similar features like unlimited meeting duration, smart call routing, and automated meeting summaries. GoTo Connect, for instance, supports up to 250 meeting participants and integrates with Miro Whiteboard.
- Integration and Analytics: These platforms provide interactive analytics, smart call routing, and extensive integration capabilities, making them strong alternatives for teams needing scalable solutions.
AI-Driven Video Conferencing Solutions
General AI Features
- Noise Suppression and Voice Enhancement: Tools like Krisp use AI to eradicate background noise, ensuring clear audio during meetings.
- Automated Transcription and Summaries: Platforms like Fireflies.ai offer real-time transcription, meeting highlights, and action items, which can be valuable for any video conferencing solution.
- Real-Time Translation and Captioning: AI-driven video conferencing solutions often include real-time translation, captioning, and smart analytics to track participant engagement and generate meeting summaries.
Taskade and Other Project Management Tools
- Project Management with AI: Tools like Taskade integrate AI into project management, automating routine tasks, generating actionable insights, and enhancing real-time collaboration. While not specifically video conferencing tools, they complement these solutions by streamlining project workflows.
In summary, while 8×8 Video Conferencing offers strong features like unlimited global calling and extensive integrations, alternatives like Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Dialpad, RingCentral, and GoTo Connect provide unique AI-driven features that can enhance collaboration, meeting efficiency, and productivity. Each platform has its strengths and limitations, making it important to choose the one that best fits the specific needs of your team.
8x8 Video Conferencing - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about 8×8 Video Conferencing
Q: What are the key features of 8×8 Video Conferencing?
8×8 Video Conferencing, part of 8×8’s Unified Communications services, offers several key features. These include high-definition video conferencing for up to 500 participants, large-scale event support via view-only access or YouTube streaming, flexible content sharing (documents, images, full-motion video), integrated collaboration tools (voice, group chat, whiteboarding), and moderator controls (branding, delegation, lock, lobby, break-out rooms).
Q: How do I join an 8×8 video meeting?
Participants can join an 8×8 meeting using a desktop browser, iOS or Android mobile app, or through the 8×8 platform. There is also an option to dial in from over 50 countries, and users can be sent toll-free numbers for dial-in purposes.
Q: What security features are available in 8×8 Video Conferencing?
8×8 Video Conferencing includes advanced security features such as moderation controls, meeting lock, participant lobby, and participant permissions. Additionally, optional end-to-end encryption is available for any meeting, ensuring that only participants with a shared key can join.
Q: Can I record and store 8×8 video meetings?
Yes, 8×8 allows users to record meetings on-demand and save the recordings. The platform also supports cloud-based recording, storage, archive, and retrieval of meetings.
Q: Are there any analytics and reporting tools available for 8×8 Video Conferencing?
8×8 provides meeting analytics that offer insights into connection issues, participant information, and engagement levels. Additionally, the platform includes AI-based analytics, multi-language transcription, and meeting summarization.
Q: How does 8×8 Video Conferencing integrate with other tools and platforms?
8×8 Video Conferencing integrates with various tools and platforms, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce, and Microsoft Dynamics 365. It also supports integrations with Microsoft Teams and other third-party platforms.
Q: What are the pricing plans for 8×8 Video Conferencing?
8×8 offers several pricing plans, starting from the X2 plan at $24 per user, per month (billed annually), and going up to the X8 plan at $140 per user, per month. Each plan includes different levels of features and support, with higher-tier plans offering more advanced functionalities.
Q: Can I use 8×8 Video Conferencing for large-scale events?
Yes, 8×8 supports large-scale events through view-only access or YouTube streaming. This makes it suitable for webinars and other large gatherings.
Q: Are there any additional collaboration tools available with 8×8 Video Conferencing?
Yes, 8×8 includes a native team chat platform that connects employees across the organization. Features include one-click video and audio calls, instant messaging, private and public channels, file sharing, and chat history search.
Q: Does 8×8 Video Conferencing support international calls and participants?
8×8 plans include free international calls to various countries, depending on the plan. For example, the X2 plan includes free calls to 13 countries, while the X4 plan extends this to 47 countries.
Q: How does 8×8 Video Conferencing handle user controls and permissions?
Users have several controls, including virtual backgrounds, mute options, and ad hoc invitations. Meeting hosts can also delegate co-hosts, lock meetings, add a participant lobby, and set permissions for each participant.