{"id":104111,"date":"2020-04-10T00:00:50","date_gmt":"2020-04-10T07:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=104111"},"modified":"2026-04-15T00:41:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T07:41:46","slug":"apps-to-keep-in-touch-with-your-loved-ones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/daily-living\/apps-to-keep-in-touch-with-your-loved-ones\/","title":{"rendered":"Apps to Keep in Touch with Your Loved Ones"},"content":{"rendered":"

In times of crisis, most of us have a way of coming back home. Whether it\u2019s to seek advice, find refuge and understanding, or just vent about your day, family and friends are the ones who know you best and will be there in times of need. However, with everything that\u2019s going on in the world right now, being physically close to those who matter most is not an option. As a result, many people are turning to the next best thing: online quality time.<\/p>\n

Below, we at\u00a0RentCafe<\/a> have compiled a list of free apps that make it easier to keep in touch with family, chit chat with friends and even connect with colleagues while working from home.<\/p>\n

1. Marco Polo<\/h3>\n

One of the best names for apps like these is Marco Polo<\/a>. If it\u2019s a challenge to find a time that suits everybody, this is the app for you and your crowd. Best of all, you don\u2019t have to be live to have a video talk. Simply leave a video message for someone and they can reply with their own video message whenever they\u2019re available. This eliminates the difficulty in aligning schedules and adds to the thrill of a spontaneous conversation \u2014 even if the other person isn\u2019t logged into the app at that particular moment.<\/p>\n

\"apps<\/p>\n

2. Telegram<\/h3>\n

If you and your loved ones like your privacy, here\u2019s an app for you. At first glance, you might think Telegram<\/a> is an online messaging app like any other. Granted, it does share characteristics and features with the best of them. But, what sets Telegram apart for the average user are its size and privacy. For example, its channels can accommodate an unlimited number of people, but most intriguing is that it also allows for unlimited size in the files you can share. Plus, you can even store large media files and documents on Telegram\u2019s cloud and access them on any device. What\u2019s more, the app prioritizes privacy and says it will protect your data from third-parties, but what really piqued our interest was the secret chat feature!<\/p>\n

3. Houseparty<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re looking for casual, face-to-face communication that recreates the feeling of just bumping into someone, this one\u2019s for you. You know that feeling of arriving at a gathering and immediately chatting with whoever\u2019s there? Well, Houseparty<\/a> gives you and those close to you a virtual version of that feeling. Specifically, the video app lets you know when your friends are \u201cin the house\u201d so you can immediately start chatting with whomever is available. You can even jump into other people\u2019s conversations, play games together or hop between group chats without having to go through scheduling. The app is already a hit among Gen Z, and for good reason. It\u2019s fun!<\/p>\n

\"apps<\/p>\n

4. GoogleDuo<\/h3>\n

For most of us, GoogleDuo<\/a> needs no introduction. The video and voice call app works across iOS and Android devices, and is already beloved by many for its user-friendly interface and sign-up option. To get started, just download the app to your phone, register and you\u2019re all set. Additionally, if you\u2019re on the go, the app switches between WiFi and data so the call won\u2019t drop as the video quality adjusts. Plus, the knock-knock feature allows you to see a live video preview of the caller before you answer. And, recently, the app increased its maximum number of participants from 8 people on a group call to 12 \u2014 just in time for you to make sure every one of your family members is included!<\/p>\n

5. Garden<\/h3>\n

This app is the relationship manager you never had. The idea behind Garden<\/a> is as simple as it is wholesome: we need to tend to our meaningful relationships like flowers in a garden. For instance, set how often you\u2019d like to catch up with someone or a larger group, and leave notes following your conversations. It works great for business, as well. Plus, the app also encourages you to reach out to those who matter and go beyond \u201clikes\u201d on social media. This will make it great for when things get back to normal \u2014 especially if we forget about what\u2019s important as we get caught up in our hectic daily lives once again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"apps<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Messaging apps help us stay in touch no matter the time zone or location. Nowadays, with all of the hardships following the spread of COVID-19, there is one consolation: you can communicate with your loved ones faster than ever, even when you\u2019re isolated from them. Whether you rent in Phoenix<\/a> while your family is living in Chicago<\/a>, or you all live in the same city but isolate separately, nothing is more comforting than keeping in touch with those who make a difference in your life. So, be there to offer a virtual shoulder to lean on or a smile to whoever needs it, and receive the support and relief from those who care about you most.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In times of crisis, most of us have a way of coming back home. Whether it\u2019s to seek advice, find refuge and understanding, or just vent about your day, family and friends are the ones who know you best and will be there in times of need. 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