Around

About

Around is a United States-based video conferencing and collaboration platform designed to offer radically unique video calls that help hybrid-remote teams create, collaborate, and celebrate together, aiming to make meetings less "soul-crushing." The service, which operates on a freemium and proprietary license, provides a comprehensive suite of features including video calling, video conferencing, screen sharing, noise reduction, and robust team collaboration tools. It distinguishes itself with a friendlier application experience, incorporating fun elements like GIF integration and emojis, and is praised for its ability to sit seamlessly over other applications, making it suitable for both work contexts and informal group activities like D&D. Around supports a wide array of platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, web browsers, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad. While a review from early 2020 indicated the service was in a concept or beta stage, it has since evolved into a functional and user-friendly tool, positioning itself as an engaging alternative to more traditional, "stuffy" meeting solutions.