Video calling app Houseparty has emerged as a rival for Zoom, the most popular app in the teleconferencing category. The app, available for free on Android, iOS, macOS and Chrome is aimed at smartphone and desktop users.

Here is a look at the App and its various aspects:

Rise to prominence

With the coronavirus pandemic induced lockdowns forcing companies to opt for work from home, many video conferencing apps have found a sudden increase in demand. While initially, the flag bearer of this growth was the Chinese app Zoom, it also has had its share of controversies.

The Chinese app that has got into trouble after concerns about data safety emerged among the users. With various reports stating that around half a million Zoom accounts have been stolen, people are slowly turning their back towards the app.

This has led users to consider other options, such as Houseparty. This app, however, is significantly different from Zoom. Here's how.

Features

Launched in 2016, Houseparty is much more informal than Zoom and gives a personalized experience to users. Adding friends into chat groups are made easy and can be done with the push of a single button.

It also comes with several features such as record option, wave option, alert when you join a chat group involving an unknown person and Facemail option. Users can also text others while being on and off the call.

Drawbacks

One big issue with the app is the fact that unlike Zoom it can only induct eight members into a chat group. This is a drawback when compared to Zoom which can handle numerous users at once.

Further, questions have also been raised about app's security. However, the owners have challenged this claim and even offered a $1 million 'bounty' for individuals that will show legitimate proof.