BEST OF 2020

App of the Year: Zoom

Where life happened in 2020.

Zoom - One Platform to Connect

Team Chat, Phone, Video & More

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This time last year, you might not have even heard of Zoom. Typically used by businesses, it was a way to conduct video meetings with a few remote colleagues about, say, KPIs or synergistic strategies.

But in 2020, Zoom became the way to communicate with the world. We chatted with family and friends, connected with colleagues. When schools transitioned to learning from home, Zoom became the de facto virtual classroom for many children.

Before long, it was where life just happened – where we held book clubs, therapy sessions and office parties, took piano and pilates lessons, attended living room concerts and Halloween parties. It’s where we graduated, celebrated bar mitzvahs and even got married.

Look familiar? We spent 2020 hanging out on Zoom – and the iPad version was the most satisfying way to use it.

When we all needed an instant way to connect, Zoom came through. With a few taps, you could start a free video call with a group of one or 100, no matter what device anyone was using. Meeting participants didn’t even need to set up an account to join.

Today millions of people “Zoom” each day. The app has elevated its performance to meet that demand, shored up its privacy and upgraded with a flurry of features: virtual backgrounds that make us look like we’re chatting from outer space; improved encryption that keep our conversations and screen shares even more secure; Touch Up My Appearance, which spiffs up our homebound looks.

What started out as a substitute for an in-person experience became the experience. Zoom was exactly what we needed, and we were grateful to have it.

Best Of winners will receive a newly designed award, precision-milled from a recycled aluminium alloy with diamond-cut edges.

Best of 2020 winners