Video calls have become an essential part of our daily lives, especially for those who work with people in different time zones. The struggle to convey basic information like location, time, and weather during video calls can be quite real. This is where Boom, a Mac app developed by former Shopify employees Robleh Jama and Krishna Satya, comes in to simplify the process.
Boom is designed to work seamlessly with all major video conferencing apps, such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. The app allows users to personalize their video call appearances with customized themes that display their name, designation, location, time, and even weather. Additionally, Boom offers on-screen effects, stickers, and GIFs for users to react during calls, making the conversations more engaging.
According to the co-founders, the idea for Boom was born out of their own frustration with the lack of customization and engagement options in existing video conferencing tools. They realized that in the age of remote work, we are all becoming content creators in our own right, utilizing high-quality hardware for video calls but lacking innovative software options. This realization prompted them to create a tool that makes video calls more fun and interactive across various platforms.
Initially, Boom offered a paid-only product, but the company has recently shifted to a freemium model. Users can access basic features like virtual camera, themes, and reactions for free. However, advanced camera controls, premium themes, custom branding, and screen share features are available as part of a premium package priced at $7 per month, $70 per year, or $199 for a lifetime license.
The company is continuously working on enhancing the user experience with new features. In the upcoming releases, Boom plans to introduce a timeboxing feature to limit specific discussion topics, as well as an agenda tracker, dynamic polls, and quizzes. The co-founders are confident in the product’s ability to grow organically without the need for venture capital backing, emphasizing their desire to maintain independence and profitability for years to come.
Boom is set to revolutionize the way we approach video calls, making them more personalized, engaging, and interactive. With a user-friendly interface and a commitment to continuous improvement, Boom has the potential to become a staple tool for remote workers and content creators alike. Whether you’re looking to spice up your next virtual meeting or simply add a touch of fun to your video calls, Boom has you covered.