A Virtual Family Reunion 

Once you have your video-conferencing software downloaded and installed on your home computer or mobile device, and are connected to the Internet, the process is simple. Programs like Skype operate using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. With Skype, you can search for loved ones by name, e-mail, or their user ID. Skype allows users to post profile photos so you can also see their picture, should your loved one have a popular name. Click to connect with them.

Once you have connected with your family member on Skype, starting a video conference is simple. Click on their contact icon and you’ll have the choice between making a regular VoIP phone call (without video) or video conferencing, which allows you to make the encounter more personal.

Video Conferencing on Desktop, Smartphone, or Tablet 

When you are streaming video, remember: bandwidth matters. The strength of the Internet connection your device accesses will determine the quality of the video call. That said, you can use your tablet or smartphone as well as larger desktop computers and laptops to hold video conferences.

Apple’s iOS operating system can access programs like Skype, FaceTime, and other video-conferencing apps with the same success as Android and Windows phones or PCs. Other video-conferencing apps include ooVoo and Tango. However, these programs don’t have the full range of VoIP capabilities as Skype.

Advantages of Skype 

For many years, Skype was the only way for users to connect for free with loved ones overseas. It remains the most popular way to connect with anyone who has an Internet connection to interact via video, device-to-device calling, and instant messaging services. In fact, Skype goes beyond the reach of most platforms, in that it allows you call landlines at reasonable rates. If you want to connect with loved ones but have to call an overseas landline, check Skype’s rates before you buy a phone card or make a pricey call using your smartphone.

Tips for a Perfect Video Connection 

If you set a date and time to connect with family members, you’ll want to make sure to prepare for the call beforehand. 

• Check bandwidth. Video makes a big difference, so check your Internet connection before the scheduled chat. If you are having trouble watching video on your device, you’ll probably have the same issues with video conferencing. Find a location with superior bandwidth before connecting.
• Have battery power. Whether you are at home or somewhere else, you should reserve adequate battery power for the chat. Video conferencing takes more battery life than e-mail and other basic functions, so start with battery power to burn.
• Help family with the technology. Once you have downloaded and set up your program, make sure you see your family members online so you can simply connect at the appointed time. There’s no point in saving it until the last possible moment and missing your chance.

Connecting with family via video conferencing is a great way to make the most of a long-distance situation. Programs like Skype are easy to set up and even easier to use. Who will you connect with first?

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RetailMeNot: RetailMeNot is one of the largest coupon sites and has free mobile apps for Android or iOS. It makes coupon practices easy on consumers by separating printable coupons and online codes in different site tabs. You can open an account to access the full scope of the site’s offerings, or choose from large retailers, such as Kohl’s and Best Buy, without signing up. Upon registering, users have the ability to personalize their home page and browse coupons for over 50,000 stores.

Groupon: Groupon capitalized on consumers’ interest in more personalized deals as well as a user-friendly mobile app. Of the company’s transactions in September, 40 percent took place on tablets and smartphones. Users no longer have to register to get a deal, allowing them to avoid the company’s daily emails. Users can now use codes to get the same deals they previously would have to print and present to merchants.

Hip2Save: Hip2Save.com offers web-savvy users a modern way to use coupons without clipping. The founder, a mother who wanted to cut her family’s costs while utilizing the latest technology, established a site where you can receive a summary of the latest deals and get text alerts when a coupon to a preferred brand becomes available. If you are used to having your smartphone in hand at all times, Hip2Save probably will be your coupon code site of choice. Android and iOS apps are free.

Coupons.com: Coupons.com provides an enormous selection of printable coupons, and the number of coupon codes the site offers is growing by the day, allowing users access to deals at thousands of stores. Download the free app for Android or iOS to grab coupons on the go.

Freeshipping.org: Freeshipping.org began as a site where consumers could find free shipping deals from popular retailers, and the concept expanded to include coupon code deals on top of these bargains. The site—and its free iOS app—has deals from more than 4,000 stores where consumers can shop for fashion, pet supplies, electronics, and other goods. The home page offers you countless codes to get started.

MyCoupons: MyCoupons has few equals in breadth among the top coupon sites. You may encounter a number of banner ads when accessing the site, but the free mobile app for Android and iOS gets you access to thousands of coupon codes. You can check the popularity and data on coupon usage in stats listed next to each deal, allowings= users to find out which deals are most popular—an indicator of how reliable the coupons are.

These six apps are living up to the standards demanded by today’s tech-savvy consumers, who are interested in saving money and time. What are the best coupon sites for you?

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