Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Zoom Phone App Uses Less Data Than Desktop

Recently I had to join a Zoom conference from the roadside, for which I used the Android phone app. To my surprise this used less data than the desktop computer application. Without video it ran at about 30 kbps and with 80 kbps. The desktop application uses 50 to 150kbps. Also it takes some discipline to keep the data rate down on the desktop, by not making the window too big, whereas the phone doesn't have a window sizing feature so you can't get it wrong. Those on slow links, or limited data plans might consider using the mobile app. Of course there is an even smaller data option: use Zoom's dial-in option, but then you get no chat or video.

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