Brave Launches Browser-based Video Calling Tool: Brave Talk

The popular privacy-focused software company, Wednesday, announced the launch of the video calling tool which is also built directly into the Brave browser.

Brave Talk has been in beta testing since May last year. According to the company, Brave Talk is powered by the Jitsi as a Service open source video meeting platform from 8×8, a leading integrated cloud communications platform provider, using WebRTC open source technology that enables developers to embed HD video directly into the browser.

In a blog post announcing the service, the company wrote

To use Brave Talk, users can initiate a call directly through the Brave desktop browser by opening a new tab and clicking the Brave Talk camera icon, or simply visit talk.brave.com from the Brave browser on desktop or mobile. While calls need to be initiated from Brave, users can invite others to join calls from any modern browser.

Brave Talk is available for free for one-to-one video calls, and unlike other video call service providers, Brave Talk features video groupwatch, YouTube livestreaming, and unlimited call times for free version users. For users who are interested in hosting calls for three or more people, Brave offers a premium version of Brave Talk for $7/month, which provides call recordings, hosting tools like participant muting and entry passcodes, and more for calls with hundreds of people. The Brave Android and iOS apps currently feature Brave Talk Premium, and will have the free version as well in the coming weeks.

CEO and co-founder of Brave, Brendan Eich said that: “Connecting with colleagues and friends through video conferencing channels is now the norm, and as users become increasingly aware of online privacy concerns, there is a growing need for a privacy-first option. Big tech has a firm grip on the market as it exists today, and Brave is determined to offer users an alternative that challenges the giants and puts the power back in the hands of the user."

Brave Talk is the company's latest addition to its suit of anti-tracking and privacy-focused products like its recently launched search engine.