In today’s increasingly connected world, video calls have become an integral part of our daily lives. Whether it’s for work, catching up with friends and family, or collaborating with teammates across the globe, video conferencing apps have made communication seamless. However, there’s often a need to convey additional information during these calls, such as your location, time, and weather. This is where Boom, a Mac app developed by former Shopify employees Robleh Jama and Krishna Satya, comes in.
Boom is a bootstrapped company that aims to enhance the video call experience. It works seamlessly with all major video conferencing apps like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams, allowing users to personalize their appearances during calls. Once installed, users can add customized themes that display their name, designation, location, time, and weather information. This makes it easier to convey important details to participants in different time zones.
Furthermore, Boom offers a range of on-screen effects, stickers, and GIFs that users can use to react during calls. This adds a touch of fun and engagement to the conversation, making video calls more interactive. Users also have the option to adjust their appearance using controls for brightness, contrast, saturation, shadow, hue, and exposure. Different presets are available to cater to various aesthetics.
Additionally, Boom allows users to design an off-camera screen that can display a customized design instead of a blank screen. This feature allows users to personalize their video call backgrounds, providing a more polished and professional look. This is especially useful for those who frequently present during calls or conduct virtual meetings.
One of the latest features introduced by Boom is the ability to track meeting times. This functionality assists users in managing their time effectively during calls and ensures that discussions stay on track. It helps to prevent meetings from running longer than necessary, promoting efficiency and productivity.
According to the co-founders, the idea for Boom stemmed from their own experiences working remotely at Shopify. They realized that while they had all the necessary hardware, including high-quality cameras and microphones, the software available for video calls was lacking. This frustration with existing tools led them to develop Boom, with the goal of making video calls more enjoyable and engaging across different apps.
Boom has undergone extensive testing over the past year, with its public release in April. Initially, the app was only available as a paid product, but the company has recently shifted to a freemium model. This means that users can access basic features like the virtual camera, themes, and reactions for free. However, advanced camera controls, premium themes, custom branding, and additional screen share features are available as part of a premium subscription, priced at $7 per month, $70 per year, or $199 for a lifetime license.
Looking ahead, Boom has plans to launch a timeboxing feature that will allow users to limit specific discussion topics. This feature will be particularly valuable during meetings, ensuring that time is allocated appropriately to different agenda items. Additionally, the company is working on other features like an agenda tracker, dynamic polls, and quizzes to further enhance the video call experience.
Despite the potential for growth, the co-founders have expressed their desire to take an independent path and avoid venture backing. They believe that by creating a product that is truly useful and valuable, Boom can grow organically and profitably for years to come. Their goal is to establish Boom as the go-to app for enhancing video calls, all while remaining an independent and sustainable business.
In conclusion, Boom is an innovative Mac app that aims to revolutionize the video call experience. By providing users with the ability to personalize their appearances, add on-screen effects, and customize their backgrounds, Boom makes video calls more engaging and enjoyable. With a range of features designed to enhance communication, Boom has the potential to become a staple tool for individuals and businesses alike.
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