A start-up from the USA has brought a new tool onto the market that is supposed to make video conferences more “fun” and more professional at the same time. The software called mmhmm has just been released for macOS. A beta version for Windows is planned, but not yet available. Behind mmhmm is Phil Libin, co-founder of the popular note-taking app Evernote.

Temporarily stored for better videos The application is a virtual webcam – it slides between iSight (or an externally connected camera) and the operating system. Zoom, Google Meet, GoToMeeting and Facebook Messenger are currently supported – each via their app. Furthermore, services such as Skype, Slack or Discord can be used via their web application. Microsoft Teams only worked via the web in between, but can now also be used in the app again. Furthermore, streaming platforms such as YouTube can be used and presentations can also be recorded directly in mmhmm.

backgrounds and a “Star Wars” hologram The most important function of the app is an intelligent green screen: If you sit in front of a monochrome wall, you can place any background. Mmhmm ​​offers a wide selection here, which also includes animations.

For example, you can build your own news program: Not only the virtual background but also a “news display” with slides is integrated behind the conference participant. The presenter can be displayed in different colors, moved on the screen or optionally acts like a “Star Wars” hologram. Videos and presentations can be run directly in mmhmm.

Against “webcam fatigue” Libin’s theory in all of this is that video conferencing will not go away, but that it should be made more comfortable in order not to suffer from “webcam fatigue”. “We sometimes spend more time in these virtual rooms than in real rooms – so it is logical that one thinks about how to decorate or individualize them,” he recently told the dpa .

mmhmm can be used free of charge in basic functions – at least 60 minutes a day. If you want the “Premium Tools” package, you pay 100 US dollars per year or 10 dollars per month. You can test it for free for seven days.

(bsc)