In today’s globalized world, the way we communicate has drastically evolved, especially in the realm of video calls. One common struggle for individuals across different time zones is conveying their location, time, and weather during virtual meetings. However, a Mac app called Boom is changing the game by offering a unique solution to this problem. Created by former Shopify employees Robleh Jama and Krishna Satya, Boom aims to make video calls more engaging and fun for users.
Jama and Satya conceptualized the idea for Boom during their remote work days at Shopify when they realized the limitations of existing video conferencing tools. They saw an opportunity to transform the way people interact during virtual meetings by introducing customizable themes, reactions, and advanced camera controls. This frustration with the status quo sparked the creation of Boom, a tool designed to enhance the user experience across major video conferencing apps such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.
Upon installation, Boom allows users to personalize their video call appearances by adding their name, designation, location, time, and even weather information. Additionally, users can express themselves through on-screen effects, stickers, and GIFs, making calls more dynamic and engaging. The app offers a range of camera controls, including brightness, contrast, and saturation settings, to help users optimize their visuals. Furthermore, Boom enables users to design an off-camera screen with customized content, adding a layer of personalization to their calls.
Initially, Boom offered a paid-only product, but the company recently transitioned to a freemium model to make the app more accessible to users. With the freemium version, users can enjoy virtual camera functionality, themes, and reactions for free. However, advanced features such as premium themes, custom branding, and screen share capabilities come at a cost of $7 per month, $70 per year, or $199 for a lifetime license. This pricing strategy aims to strike a balance between offering essential features for free while providing additional value to paid subscribers.
Looking ahead, Boom is continuously innovating to enhance the user experience and stay ahead of the competition. The company is set to launch a timeboxing feature to streamline discussions and is working on incorporating features such as an agenda tracker, dynamic polls, and quizzes in future releases. Despite the potential for venture capital investment, the co-founders of Boom remain committed to growing the product organically and independently. Their long-term vision is to establish Boom as a valuable and sustainable tool for users, ensuring profitability for years to come.
Boom represents a new frontier in the world of video calls, offering a fresh and exciting approach to virtual communication. With its innovative features, user-centric design, and commitment to organic growth, Boom is poised to revolutionize the way we connect and engage during virtual meetings. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, tools like Boom are shaping the future of remote communication and collaboration.