You might think Zoom is the best choice for easy, spontaneous video group chats because it lets anyone join a chat session without an account.

But Zoom isn't the only service that lets you send web links to all your friends and relatives - regardless of what services they're signed up for.

Skype now also allows video conferences with up to 50 participants and with no sign-in necessary. You won't even need to install anything, so long as you have Chrome or Edge as your browser, according to Skype owner Microsoft.

If you want to start a group video chat, click on "Create a free meeting" on the Skype website: skype.com/en/free-conference-call.

You'll then get a video chat link, valid for 24 hours, which you can share with anyone.

Microsoft is also trying to sell itself as a more work-friendly alternative to Zoom, as it allows you to blur your background. While the result might not always look great, that's not quite the point.

Microsoft wants to make sure you're not self-conscious about your messy sitting room or anything personal in the background that might be seen by colleagues.

Another handy function for schools and universities, you can also record group video sessions and rewatch them for up to 30 days before Microsoft deletes them.

 - dpa