out of office downtime
TEAM BUILDING
Let’s catch a (virtual) movie As anyone who has been to a showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show will know, watching a film is better in company. A virtual movie night could be just the ticket The DIY approach The simplest form of viewing party is to nominate a film or programme, ask everyone to be ready at the appropriate time with a full glass and nibbles, and set up a WhatsApp group or a video call to take care of the interactive element. To watch something on demand, you could cue up a video and share your screen during the call (if using Zoom, you’ll need to tick ‘Share computer sound’ and ‘Optimise screen sharing for video clip’.) Shortcomings include video quality problems and lag, and beware of sharing material that breaches copyright or platform terms and conditions. If you
use content encoded with Digital Rights Management, the stream may be blacked out.
Streaming platforms Amazon Prime Video (amazon.co.uk) watch parties involve a few clicks to set the event up and invite up to 100 participants, who can swap comments in a text window. Everyone needs to watch on a desktop browser, and you’re limited to films and d shows available on Prime: each participant ipant needs to have bought ght or rented the video you’re watching.
GroupWatch on Disney+ (disneyplus. com) restricts you to six friends, who all need to be subscribers, and you’ll need to use a separate device for chatting along. However, you can stream shows and films from the Disney portfolio via smart TVs as well as browser windows. br
Third-party apps Third-part A platform that th helped jump-start the group-viewing trend was Netflix Party group-viewin
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Kit to work If it’s time to exchange the temporary workstation at the kitchen table for a more permanent arrangement, here’s some equipment worth considering
Double click
Using a trackpad for long periods can leave your hand like a claw; an ergonomically designed mouse can make a big difference. The wireless Logitech MX Master 3 (£99 from logitech.com) has won multiple awards for its comfort and innovation, including an accurate electromagnetic scroll wheel. A more affordable alternative is Logitech’s M280 (£29.99), a two-button model with a rubber grip moulded to fit the hand snugly.
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Lighten n up
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If you’re looking o shiny, shadowy or washed-out at hed video meetings, poor lighting is probably to blame. Lume Cube and Zoom’s video conference lighting kit (£69 from amazon.co.uk) includes a compact LED lamp with adjustable brightness and colour temperature, which can be run off USB power or the internal battery.
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Loud and clear
Not looking your best is one thing, but audio is critical. The Blue Yeti Nano (£99.99 from bluemic.com) is a USB microphone that delivers broadcast-standard sound for calls, podcasts or videos. Its stand takes up little space, and it comes with vocal-effects software to enhance clarity. Those on a budget might consider the Fifine 669B (£39.99 from amazon.co.uk), a simple USB condenser mic with volume control.
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firstvoice.fsb.org.uk
24/05/2021 13:51
