ooVoo

CNET Editors' review

So you Skype; do you OoVoo too? Because OoVoo is a free HD video, voice, and IM chat app that lets you chat with up to 12 friends at once (6 via video and 6 on the phone). It records voice and video on your hard drive, not an online account, so file size is unlimited. You can use OoVoo to share large files (up to 25MB) as well as make phone calls to landlines, text chat, record video messages up to 1 minute long, and do a whole lot of other cool things. Mobile and tablet users have a lot to choose from with OoVoo, too, like Mobile Four Screen, a multiparty mobile video chat app that displays four screens instead of one available for both iOS and Android. You'll need a Webcam to use OoVoo.

We installed OoVoo on a 64-bit Windows 7 desktop and a Netbook running 32-bit Windows 7. We also installed OoVoo Mobile's Android app in a Samsung Galaxy SIII (OoVoo supports a huge number of devices). It's easy to sign up for a free OoVoo account, but by far the quickest and easiest way to start using OoVoo is to sign in automatically via Facebook. Chances are you'd go to Facebook to hook up with friends anyway, so it makes sense to start there. In any case, OoVoo is easy to sign up for and use. OoVoo's basic interface is similar in the standard (desktop) and Mobile versions. The program's Web site opened when we finished setting up, giving us access to our account and describing each of its features; for Mobile apps, too. Settings include Privacy, Video Calls, and Video Quality.

If you can manage Skype (or even a basic IM client) you can handle OoVoo, which cut its i-teeth in videoconferencing for business users. Facebook integration makes it easier still. The first thing we did was add Contacts, which show up in your Account shortly after you add them. Quality is impressive for video chat. It's easy to see why OoVoo is adding users so fast!

oovoo-Be connected with your friends and family.-Download Video Previews:

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All User Reviews

Results 1-10 of 86

  • 1.0 stars

    "There is a newer version already. (3.5.6.45)"

    February 7, 2013  |   By Helle533

    Version: ooVoo 3.5.6.44

    Pros

    NONE as I can see.

    Cons

    When I call somebody: Connection failed.

    Summary

    Because of what I wrote above do I rather use Skype.

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  • 1.0 stars

    "Avoid like the plague"

    November 24, 2012  |   By matthardwick1977

    Version: ooVoo 3.5.3.21

    Pros

    Pros - you can add multiple viewers; but then Fuzebox does that too and doesn't seem to have the privacy issues that ooVoo does.

    Cons

    They send your password details IN CLEAR in the joining confirmation email. Astonishingly stupid and unforgivable.

    The software auto-configures to open automatically on start-up. WHY WOULD I WANT THIS AS STANDARD?

    Summary

    I just can't get past the idea that a company that would send your password in clear then needs to be trusted with anything else you do online.

    Abysmal.

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  • 1.0 stars

    "Sends spam on client behalf"

    October 11, 2012  |   By John2022

    Version: ooVoo 3.5.3.21

    Pros

    Because it put client at risk I personally ignore it's Pros as a video chat program.

    Cons

    Recently me and some of my friends find out at the time we use oovoo some emails are sent on behalf of oovoo user (me and one of my friends) from Outlook account of client. Receiver was not on my contact list and I found the problem when their spam checker asked for verification (A CPanel option they were activated to prevent spamming). Maybe more received emails from me but this one revealed spamming). After investigation I found the email was really sent from my computer and via my Outlook POP3 account but there's no such an email in my SENT folder.
    Maybe that was a simple advertisement email but using my POP3 password for sending spam, by a popular application, is what I have never seen before. I'm worrying what else may it has done with my accounts, passwords...

    For a while, I was wondering why such a useful service doesn't provide a LINUX version. I've got my answer now.

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  • 1.0 stars

    "Adult Advertisement, not good for family"

    April 8, 2012  |   By roughskin

    Version: ooVoo 3.0.11.47

    Pros

    Uninstalled instantly once saw the adult advertisements

    Cons

    Adult Advertisement, not good for family

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  • 1.0 stars

    "Scam to put "Ask.com" on Desktop"

    December 10, 2011  |   By art_patey

    Version: ooVoo 3.0.11.47

    Pros

    Since I never got past being a slave to Ask.com, I could not speak to any "Pros".

    Cons

    ooVoo akes control of your PC when you load it. Will not let you escape loading Ask.com as your default web browser. Then forced a reload of IE9. Rebooted and ooVoo still tries to take ownship my computer. To uninstall, you still have to let the program take control of your PC (to do God knows what)to uninstalll it. Otherwise it tells you that ooVoo is running on PC, even though I stopped it in Task Mgr, Processes, etc.

    Summary

    Don't let this "free" software take control of your PC. I am going to do a full system scan and pray for good results.

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  • 1.0 stars

    "Sad it is a good thing gone bad."

    November 21, 2011  |   By vivevas

    Version: ooVoo 3.0.11.47

    Pros

    nice video

    Cons

    takes about 20 minutes to load up your contacts if you are not a paid member. slow loading up contacts, disconnects you unexpectedly, changes your status all of a sudden to not available.

    Summary

    It really sucks now!

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Used for several years, never had a problem"

    October 16, 2011  |   By dlshow101

    Version: ooVoo 3.0.11.47

    Pros

    Clean Picture, Best Audio, uses less bandwidth than skype

    Cons

    hard to get for droid bionic.
    dont like that they have added ads to the computer version

    Summary

    I understand that there are many people out there that have reviewed this program negativly. while i agree the ads are annoying, i have never had them redirect my browser or anything like that. if that happened to you, then you were probably not paying attention during installation. i have used this servis for 2 years, i have had it on mobile devices, and i have found it much cleaner, than skype. unlike skype, i dont have fake users contacting me to download their products. what i get instead is a really clear picture, and awsome sound quality. i use it when i travel to talk to my wife. we have tried using skype but the video connection is really bad, and the audio doesnt always work. with oovoo, the picture is always clear. i dont have to run my camera in HD mode because the picture is good enough, and if i want to include my wifes family, i can run a 3 way chat and not have to pay for it.

    anyone that says differently clearly has no clue how to run the program. no other service would allow you to have a 12 way chat, and only require one user in the confersation to have the program with out having to pay redicouls monthly or per user fees.

    trust me, if you need a good, clear, reliable connection that works properly with every device ever made, 3G, 4G, LTE and WiFi then you have come to the right place. dont let the bad reviews fool you. and i am not an author or web developer either.

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  • 1.0 stars

    "Terrible! Can not uninstall"

    September 24, 2011  |   By arlnice

    Version: ooVoo 3.0.11.47

    Pros

    My son used to be a fan

    Cons

    Can't uninstall without making changes to your system.

    Summary

    Don't do it. there's no need to talk to that many people at one.

    Reply to this review

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  • 4.0 stars

    "Works beautifully"

    September 4, 2011  |   By awt1n1

    Version: ooVoo 3.0.4.38

    Pros

    Including a group video call for three for free is a nice feature. Most of my conversations are one on one. I don't need to pay extra just to include a third person.

    Cons

    Maybe because I have not had the time to explore all the features and setting, we notice the conversation volume is lower compare to Skype, even after making adjustment.

    Summary

    Once I get more of my contacts to try it, I will be able to explore the product and its features. I like it.

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  • 3.0 stars

    "It's unique."

    July 9, 2011  |   By Peque1920

    Version: ooVoo 3.0.4.38

    Pros

    It's very persistent as Me.

    Cons

    It's just a lazy as Me.

    Reply to this review

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Results 1-10 of 86

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