Even with my Intel Core i5–powered 2019 MacBook Pro, I don’t have sufficient processing power for Zoom to differentiate my face from the white wall behind me. The caveat is that you need a strong processor or an actual green screen to make this technology work. Need an example? Here’s Wirecutter lead engineer Courtney Wilburn on the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln. One of Zoom’s coolest, most underutilized features is its Virtual Backgrounds-basically green-screen technology for your boring office meetings.

Pretend you’re on the moon or cosplay as George W. That way, you can catch any stains on your shirt or spinach in your teeth. Regardless of whether you’re properly put together, we think it’s a good idea to set Zoom to disable your camera and mic by default when joining meetings, and to enable the option to always see a video preview before you join. That way, you’ll always look perfect-and look like you’re paying attention.

Here’s a dirty little trick: If you’d prefer not to be seen at all (and you’re not planning to speak in the meeting you’re attending) you can use a screenshot of yourself in a Zoom meeting as your profile picture. It basically functions like a soft-focus lens, adding a slight blur to skin tones and smoothing out wrinkles, blemishes, and other little imperfections.

If you’ve just rolled out of bed and right into a company meeting, sans coffee or makeup, check the Touch up my appearance box in Zoom’s video settings menu. Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of the service, even if you’re using only the free, basic version. At Wirecutter, we’ve been using Zoom daily for years, and we’ve learned a few tricks along the way. We’re not the only ones who like it: Zoom has added millions of users over the past few months as teams shift to remote work in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.īut although it’s easy to get up and running with Zoom, you may not be aware of some of its best, most useful features (many of which are buried in advanced setting menus). If you’re new to working from home, there’s a pretty good chance that you’re also new to using Zoom-our pick for the best videoconferencing service.

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