The Future of Video Calls: Beyond Zoom and Towards Deeper Insights

The Future of Video Calls: Beyond Zoom and Towards Deeper Insights

In the age of remote work and virtual meetings, Zoom has become a household name. But what comes after Zoom? Will there be a new player that takes video calls to the next level? In this article, we will explore the future of video calls and how companies like Clubhouse and Snap are asking the right questions to create deeper insights.

One of the founding legends of Dropbox is the story of Drew Houston, who was met with skepticism when he shared his vision for the company. People told him that there were already hundreds of similar products on the market. However, he asked a simple question, "Which one do you use?" This highlighted the importance of user experience and the need to stand out in a crowded market. The same principle applies to video calls. It's not just about offering free computer voice; it's about how you package and present it to users.

Clubhouse, a popular audio-based social networking app, understands this concept well. It is not trying to win the "voice" category but instead focuses on psychology and behavior. This shift in perspective allows Clubhouse to offer a unique user experience that goes beyond traditional VOIP. Similarly, the future of video calls will involve integrating video into various aspects of our lives, just as voice has become ubiquitous. We can expect to see video calls infiltrating industry verticals and becoming a crucial component of the tech stack.

Interestingly, there seem to be few real network effects in a video call alone. The calendar often serves as the aggregation layer, where users only need to know the time of the next call, not the specific service being used. This highlights the artificial distinction between calls based on a "room" and calls based on "people." Google has both Meet (room-based with URLs) and Duo (people-based), while Apple's FaceTime operates solely on the people-based model. The future may see a convergence of these models or the emergence of new approaches altogether.

Drawing parallels to the photo sharing industry, we can gain further insights into the future of video calls. Just like how there have always been numerous photo-sharing platforms, we have seen companies like Snap go beyond the surface-level concept of photos and delve into the psychology behind communication. Snap asked thought-provoking questions such as, "Why are you saving your messages?" and "What is the underlying social purpose?" This led to a deeper understanding of the true essence of communication, rather than simply exchanging pixels on a screen.

Zoom, on the other hand, has done an excellent job of addressing the challenges of joining a call. However, it has yet to explore the social purpose behind each call. What does it mean to be on mute? What value does it bring to the user experience? These are the questions that will shape the future of video calls.

So, what can we expect from the future of video calls? Firstly, we can anticipate a shift towards deeper insights and a focus on the underlying psychology and behavior of users. Companies that ask the right questions and challenge the status quo will lead the way. Secondly, video will become an integral part of various industries and the tech stack, further blurring the lines between different communication channels. Finally, we may see a convergence of room-based and people-based video calls, or the emergence of entirely new models that revolutionize the way we connect.

In conclusion, the future of video calls goes beyond Zoom. The key lies in understanding the psychology and behavior of users, and asking the right questions to unlock deeper insights. As product managers and professionals in the tech industry, we must embrace curiosity and a willingness to learn. With the right core skills and an open attitude, there is a place for everyone in the ever-evolving world of product management.

Actionable Advice:

1. Challenge the status quo: Don't be afraid to ask unconventional questions and explore new perspectives. Look beyond the surface-level features and delve into the underlying psychology and behavior of users.
2. Embrace interdisciplinary learning: As a product manager, having a solid foundation in design, business, and technology is essential. Continuously seek opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills in these areas.
3. Stay updated with industry trends: Keep an eye on emerging technologies and trends in video communication. Look for opportunities to incorporate these advancements into your product roadmap and stay ahead of the competition.

Remember, the future of video calls is not just about the technology itself, but about how we leverage it to create meaningful connections and experiences.