Video calls: questions and Band 8 answers

Yes, quite frequently actually. I probably hop on a video call three or four times a week, mostly to keep in touch with my sister who lives abroad in Canada. It just feels a lot more personal than a standard phone call because we can see each other's reactions.

It’s mainly family and close friends, especially those who don’t live in my city. For instance, my parents aren't very tech-savvy, but every Sunday evening we have a quick virtual catch-up just to chat about our week and see how everyone is getting on.

It depends on the context, to be honest. If I'm catching up with friends, I definitely prefer video because it's more engaging. But if it's just a quick enquiry or I'm out walking in noisy traffic, a conventional voice call is far more convenient.

Well, first thing in the morning when I've just woken up and look a bit of a mess! Also, if my internet connection is patchy, keeping the camera off helps stop the audio from breaking up, which avoids a lot of frustration.

I reckon so, yes. Remote working has become the norm for so many industries, so work meetings will continue to rely on video. Plus, as the technology gets smoother and more immersive, it’ll feel almost like sitting in the same room.