Conference tools can be expensive and cumbersome to use. Most of my clients has snazzy meeting tools like Webex or Lync (just to name a few). However, when I want to run a quick meeting on the fly, I love using Google Hangouts. I actually use it when I’m helping other Instructional Designers figure out a task that has stumped them and to demo new tools to teams that I’m working with.
Google Hangouts allows you to share your desktop with the click of a button. There are some limitations such as there can only be 10 concurrent connections (the host and 9 others) and up to 100 viewers. Concurrent connections can interact with each other like sharing webcams and desktops.
How to Get Started with Google Hangouts
You can actually download the app for your phone or computer. All you need to get started is a Google Account and almost everyone has one these days.
iOS – http://goo.gl/h3glR
Android – http://goo.gl/g61QW
Chrome App – http://goo.gl/cr3XE
Once your downloaded the app to your computer, smartphone and/or tablet, you will need to login with your Google Account.
How to Start a Video Call
There are several ways to start a video call. I’ll share the two ways I start a hangout.
1. You can start one by clicking on a contact name and then clicking the video icon.
2. You can start one by clicking the Start Video Hangout button from your Google+ page. 
For more information on using Google Hangouts check out this Youtube video
