Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

<ul class="summary-list"><li>There are several ways you can play <keyword id="10549002" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="jackbox-games">Jackbox games</keyword> on a TV. </li><li>You can download <keyword id="10549001" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="jackbox">Jackbox</keyword> on <keyword id="6357332" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Gaming">gaming</keyword> consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch, or connect your mobile device or computer to a TV, or stream a game with services like Apple TV.</li><li>You'll need to determine what devices a Jackbox game or party pack is compatible with before you choose how to connect it to your TV for gameplay. </li><li>Additional apps and equipment like Chromecast or an HDMI cord may be necessary to play Jackbox games on your TV. </li></ul><p>Jackbox, a purveyor of party games, is best seen on a TV for the excitement of watching your silly drawings, clever wit, and inside jokes play out on the big screen. And whether you realize it or not, you likely already have access to one of many methods available for playing a <keyword id="10549003" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="jackbox-party-pack">Jackbox party pack</keyword> or standalone game on a TV. </p><p>But before you learn how to play through your TV, you'll want to confirm <a href="https://www.jackboxgames.com/games/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">which games are compatible</a> with your device. This will help you make the best decision setting up play through your big screen. To do this, just click on the game or party pack you want to purchase and scroll to the compatibility section beneath the game or pack's description. If you see your platform or device listed, you're ready to buy. </p><p>Once you've made your purchase, ensure you also have a device like another iPad, computer, or smartphone available to log into <a href="https://jackbox.tv/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jackbox.TV,</a> as that's how you'll enter your answers, make your drawings, and vote on the best of the bunch each round.</p><p>Here's how you can play Jackbox on a TV.</p><h2>How to play Jackbox on a TV with a gaming console</h2><p>If you own a Nintendo Switch, Playstation 3, 4, or 5,  Xbox One, or Xbox Series S/X, these consoles all support hosting some or all of the games in the Jackbox catalog through their respective stores. Download Jackbox games to your console and, if an HDMI cable is required, connect it from your TV to your console to play - just like you would with other games.</p><h2>How to play Jackbox on a TV with a streaming device</h2><p>Jackbox can also be played directly on <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/jackbox-games-inc/id420528651" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apple TV and iPad with the app version</a>. To play the game on your iPad, you want to mirror it to your Apple TV using AirPlay. For iPad users with Google Home, you can also <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-chromecast-from-ipad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cast the game</a> on your TV through the app's built-in mirroring tool. </p><p>Amazon Fire TV users can simply purchase the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jackbox-Games-Apps-Fire-TV/s?k=Jackbox+Games&amp;rh=n%3A2350149011%2Cp_n_feature_sixteen_browse-bin%3A98427390119011" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jackbox app from Amazon</a> and play straight from their TV, while Android TV users can also purchase the <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=Jackbox+Games,+Inc.+N&amp;hl=en_US&amp;gl=USmp;gl=US" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jackbox app in the Google Play Store</a> and start having fun through their compatible TVs.</p><h2>How to play Jackbox on a TV with a computer</h2><p>The <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/search?developer=Jackbox%20Games%2C%20Inc." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steam</a>, <a href="https://www.humblebundle.com/store/search?sort=bestselling&amp;search=jackboxkbox" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Humble</a>, and <a href="https://www.fanatical.com/en/search?search=jackbox" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fanatical</a> gaming platforms all have Jackbox available to download for PC, Mac, and Linux users. <a href="https://www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/collection/jackbox-collection" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Epic Games</a> also offers Jackbox for PC and Mac devices. Once purchased, you'll be able to access the games from your purchase library. </p><p>To play games from these platforms on your TV, you'd just need to connect your computer to your TV <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-connect-pc-to-tv-wirelessly">with an HDMI cord</a>, use screen-mirroring tools from <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-connect-mac-to-tv">AirPlay on your Mac</a>, or <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-chromecast-from-mac">cast from your Mac</a> or <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-cast-from-chrome-to-tv">PC with Chromecast</a>.  </p><h2>Related coverage from <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tech-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tech Reference</a>:</h2><ul><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-turn-on-airplay-on-mac">How to turn on AirPlay on a Mac computer, for screen mirroring on larger displays like an Apple or smart TV</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-connect-mac-to-tv">How to connect your Mac computer to a TV, and use a TV as a mirrored screen or second monitor</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-connect-mac-to-tv"></a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-amazon-fire-tv">'What is Amazon Fire TV?': Everything you need to know about Amazon's media streaming devices</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-google-chromecast">'What is Google Chromecast?': Everything you need to know about Google's smart streaming device</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-epic-games">What is Epic Games? Here's what you need to know about the game developer and distributor behind the success of 'Fortnite'</a></h3></li></ul>

How to play Jackbox games on a TV, whether you're using a gaming console, computer, or streaming device

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="10549002" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="jackbox-games">Jackbox Games</keyword> is a video game developer that makes party games.</li><li>The company is known for the success of its "Party Packs," or collections of word games like "Quiplash," "Fibbage," and the drawing game "Tee K.O."</li><li>Jackbox players can control the game from their smartphones, which means these games are perfect for virtual parties.</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/jackbox-games" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jackbox Games</a> is a video game developer from Chicago known for its colorful and sardonic interactive party games that players can control from their smartphone, tablet, or browser.</p><p>The company describes itself as the child of classic games like charades, specifically "the child who dropped out of college, then earned the family's respect by founding a jam company."</p><p>You don't have to be a gamer to understand how to play Jackbox and, like any party game, the games are as fun as the people you're playing them with. </p><p>In the right crowd, these simple party games bring warmth, laughter, and connection.</p><h2><strong>What you need to know about Jackbox Games</strong></h2><p>Jackbox Games is a small studio from Chicago that started as a children's television production company called Learn Television in 1989. </p><p>In 1996, the company rebranded as Jellyvision Games, which developed several versions of the computer quiz game "You Don't Know Jack," which is still available on its site. The company rebranded again as Jackbox Games in 2013.</p><p>Since then, Jackbox has seen an enormous rise in popularity, first for parties and family gatherings and later at socially distanced video call gatherings. Most Jackbox games are quick to play, easy to understand, and rely on a player's cleverness and humor to win, rather than reflexes.</p><h2><strong>How Jackbox games work</strong></h2><p>You can buy a Party Pack, or a collection of games, for your computer, home console, or streaming stick. Then, as the host, you'll receive a code when starting any Party Pack game. Players use this code to join the "room" through the <a href="https://jackbox.tv/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jackbox TV website</a> and play the game. </p><p>Jackbox Games can be fiercely competitive and often totally irreverent. A few of the franchise's most popular games include:</p><ul><li>"Quiplash," where players compete in a "Mad Libs"-style game by completing prompts like, "A double rainbow doesn't have gold at the end of it. Instead, it has ___." This one is great for fans of "Apples to Apples" or "Cards Against Humanity."</li><li>"Fibbage" is a game where players try to trick their friends into believing fake answers to trivia questions, which the real answer hides in plain sight among a minefield of diversions. You get points both for fooling other players and getting the answer right.</li><li>In "Drawful," players are given a prompt like "Napoleon riding a squirrel" and attempt to draw it. After that, the drawing is presented to the players, who then try to come up with a fake title. Like "Fibbage," you get points when you fool players with your answer, while trying to guess the answer yourself.</li><li>"Tee K.O.," where players create funny T-shirts cobbled together from player-submitted drawings and phrases. The designs then face off in a bracket-style competition. When you're done, you can order your favorite shirt design.</li></ul><p>But this isn't all - Jackbox Games has created robot rap battles, a game based on wacky product pitches, and more.</p><p>Keep in mind that players won't be able to see the game from their phone because it only functions as a controller for the game. So you'll either have to play in person (there are also <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-play-jackbox-on-tv">several ways you can set up Jackbox games to play on a TV</a>), or share your screen and audio over Zoom, Skype, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-stream-on-discord" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Discord</a>, or another video-chatting platform. </p><p>This virtual style of play has become popular for workplaces, friends, and families to stay in touch while living or working remotely. </p><p>In fact, Jackbox Games saw such an explosion in popularity in 2020 that <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2020/08/14/playing-remotely-massive-success-jackbox-games-during-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the company had to seek a new hosting service</a> because the influx in visitors was crashing its website. It even ran out of Steam download codes.</p><p>There are now seven Party Packs to choose from and a handful of games are also available a la carte. You can purchase them from the <a href="https://www.jackboxgames.com/games/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">company's website</a> or on your console.</p><h2><strong>Related coverage from <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tech-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tech Reference</a>:</strong></h2><ul><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-play-jackbox-on-tv">How to play Jackbox games on a TV, whether you're using a gaming console, computer, or streaming device</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-share-screen-on-skype" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to share your screen on Skype on desktop or mobile, and show others what's on your display<br /></a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-share-screen-on-google-hangouts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to share your screen on Google Hangouts, and make your next meeting more efficient</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-share-screen-on-microsoft-teams" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to share your screen on Microsoft Teams during a video conference</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-share-screen-on-zoom" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to share your screen on Zoom in 2 different ways on a computer or mobile device</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-epic-games" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What is Epic Games? Here's what you need to know about the game developer and distributor behind the success of 'Fortnite'</a></h3></li></ul>

What is Jackbox Games? Here's what you need to know about the popular party video games

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="972758" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="DLC">DLC</keyword> means "<keyword id="2434924" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="downloadable-content">downloadable content</keyword>," and refers to features in video games that are downloaded separately from the main game.</li><li>DLC can include extra items, characters, levels, costumes, and more.</li><li>Most big games nowadays have DLC, which can be free or cost money, depending on the game.</li></ul><p>Buying a video game isn't strictly a one-time purchase anymore. Once you own a game, it'll typically offer you extra content and features with what's commonly referred to as DLC. </p><h2><strong>What does DLC mean?</strong></h2><p>In gaming, DLC stands for "downloadable content." It refers to add-ons to a game that give it extra features that weren't included with the game's initial release.</p><p>You usually download DLC through whichever online store you bought or run the game through, whether that be Steam, the PlayStation Store, or another platform.</p><div type="image" title="sonic adventure christmas tree" height="496" width="728" msid="83062427" hostid="261"></div><p>Although it's usually associated with modern games, DLC has been around for years. The Sega Dreamcast, one of the first video game consoles that could connect to the <keyword id="6357247" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Internet">internet</keyword>, had DLC for a few of its major games. DLC became more commonplace upon the release of the Xbox 360, which expanded the availability of extra content through its Xbox Live service. PlayStation and Nintendo followed suit with their respective online services. The rise in popularity of <keyword id="6365259" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="PC">PC</keyword> gaming on Steam also helped tremendously.</p><p>Nowadays, as more users buy games digitally instead of on physical discs, DLC is incredibly common. Most big games from major studios (often called AAA games) offer DLC. It's become a major aspect of the gaming industry, and can extend a game's popularity and money-making potential for years.</p><h2><strong>The different types of DLC</strong></h2><p>There are different kinds of DLC available for all types of games. Some of them affect gameplay and take up a lot of space on your console, while others are hardly noticeable. </p><p>DLC can include extra stories and levels, new characters, unlockable weapons, bonus items, and more depending on the type of game. DLC can also be cosmetic, changing a character's appearance with a new outfit or modification (these are often referred to as "skins"). Some DLC might just be bug fixes.</p><div type="image" title="Terry Bogard Super Smash Bros Ultimate DLC Downloadable Content" height="720" width="1280" msid="83062431" hostid="261"></div><p>Some games offer DLC for free, which you can download from your console's <keyword id="11344958" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="online-gaming-store">online gaming store</keyword>. However, it's much more common for companies to charge for DLC, especially if it adds a significant amount of content.</p><p>Games that have a lot of DLC released over time may offer a package deal called a "season pass." Season passes include all current and future DLC for a given game, usually at a discounted price, so you only need to pay for the game's DLC once even if some of it hasn't been released yet.</p><a data-type="5da8ab724af90979fd3ae325">How to download Nintendo Switch games onto your console, or enter a download code to get a game</a><a data-type="5fecc3d466c311574d30f5e4">What is Jackbox Games? Here's what you need to know about the popular party video games</a><a data-type="5faae8045146723b52716dea">What is Epic Games? Here's what you need to know about the game developer and distributor behind the success of 'Fortnite'</a><a data-type="5de82c4ffd9db21a4234a4c4">How to get free games on Steam in 2 ways, including through the official Steam store</a>

What is DLC? Understanding downloadable content, a feature of nearly every new game

<p class="source"><span>Jackbox Games</span></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>In 1995, Jellyvision Games released "You Don't Know Jack," a comedic trivia game designed for personal computers. The game led to a hit franchise, with fans celebrating its humor and accessibility for casual gamers.</strong></li><li><strong>But the sudden shift to digital distribution and online gaming left Jellyvision on the verge of collapse in 2001, and the game development studio went dormant for more than five years.</strong></li><li><strong>In 2008, a small team returned to revive "You Don't Know Jack," hoping to capitalize on the growing popularity of games built for smartphones and social media.</strong></li><li><strong>Led by CEO Mike Bilder, the revived Jellyvision was rebranded as Jackbox Games in 2013 and successfully launched a hit new series of party games - "The Jackbox Party Pack."</strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://jackboxgames.com/party-pack-six/">"The Jackbox Party Pack"</a> has thrived by adapting to constant changes in technology and embracing a comedic style that makes the games fun for everyday gamers and casual players alike.</strong></li><li><strong>Here's how the team changed its approach and turned a dormant company into one of gaming's most successful.</strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.</a></strong></li></ul><p>In 1995, the video game industry was a much different place. Windows 95 was just starting to make PC gaming accessible for casual consumers and video game consoles were hardly capable of 3D visuals, let alone online play.</p><p>Enter "You Don't Know Jack" - a trivia game that boasted impressive art and design, a comedic, conversational style that drew players in, and common sense solutions that let up to three players enjoy the game with a single keyboard. With its irreverent humor and non-stop pop-culture references, Jellyvision's "You Don't Know Jack" became one of the most popular games of its time.</p><p>But while Jellyvision worked to make its hit product into a franchise, rapid advancements in technology quickly made "You Don't Know Jack" into another relic of 90s nostalgia. By 2001, Jellyvision had shuttered its video game business, moved its staff to other software projects, and left the "You Don't Know Jack" franchise untouched to gather dust.</p><p class="source"><span>"You Don't Know Jack Vol. 1 XL" / Jackbox Games</span></p><p class="caption">"You Don't Know Jack" was a</p><p>Eventually a new development team at Jellyvision would revive the series, invigorated by the growing demand for smartphone and social media games. After rebranding as Jackbox Games in 2013, the studio has found new success creating packs of party games that can be played on smartphones, smart TVs, computers, video game consoles, and just about any other device that can connect to the internet.</p><p>Like "You Don't Know Jack," the "Jackbox Party Pack" games all carry a comedic spirit and are easy for groups to enjoy together. With about 30 employees, Jackbox Games has found a healthy niche providing funny, accessible games for non-gamers and dedicated players alike.</p><p>"It's had many different lives and so some of these have worked out well and some of them have been perilous roads," Jackbox Games CEO Mike Bilder told Business Insider. ""It's been interesting to participate in these different pivots,. Like anything there's a bit of luck involved - and there's definitely a lot of hard work, gumption, and ambition."</p><p><strong>Here's how Chicago-based Jackbox Games was able to adapt to the video game industry's constant changes and carve out a unique niche:</strong></p><p class="tagline"><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/intelligence/brand-investment-esports?IR=T&amp;itm_source=businessinsider&amp;itm_medium=ctgr_bii&amp;itm_term=ctgr_leadgen&amp;itm_content=videogames&amp;itm_campaign=brand-investment-esports"></a></p>

After collapsing in 2001, this small Chicago video game studio adapted to radical changes in the industry for a stunning revival. Here's how it did it.

<ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>In 2018, a <keyword id="2803176" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="YouTuber">YouTuber</keyword> replied to a streamer's selfie with the tweet, "the face of allah."</strong></li><li><strong>Some Twitter users are accusing the gaming YouTuber and streamer of Islamophobia for the tweet.</strong></li><li><strong>The YouTuber, known as <keyword id="11538962" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="schlatt">Schlatt</keyword> or Jschlatt, has been involved in numerous controversies in the past.</strong></li></ul><p>The YouTuber "jschlatt," also known as Schlatt or jschlattLIVE, is being accused of Islamophobia by some Twitter users over a resurfaced tweet from 2018.</p><p>In the April 22, 2018 tweet, which is a reply to a close-up selfie posted by the YouTuber and <keyword id="1754577" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Twitch">Twitch</keyword> streamer Scott Fisher, <a href="https://twitter.com/jschlatt/status/988244500312133632">Schlatt </a>wrote, "the face of allah."</p><p>The 21-year-old American creator, who has not shared his real name online, currently sits at 2.75 million subscribers on YouTube and 2.2 million followers on Twitter. He is known for playing and streaming video games such as <keyword id="858537" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Minecraft">Minecraft</keyword>, Among Us, and Jackbox Party Pack with other YouTubers and Twitch streamers like <keyword id="20696" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="dream">Dream</keyword> and <keyword id="10554540" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="callmecarson">CallMeCarson</keyword>, though <a href="https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/youtuber-jschlatt-says-he-cut-ties-with-callmecarson-amid-grooming-controversy-1490667/">Schlatt said</a> he cut ties with CallMeCarson, whose real name is Carson King, earlier this year after King was <a href="https://www.insider.com/carson-callmecarson-king-accusations-of-grooming-underage-fans-youtube-2021-1">accused of sexual misconduct</a>. </p><div type="image" title="A reply to a close-up Twitter selfie that says, &quot;the face of allah.&quot;" height="1134" width="1084" msid="83971621" hostid="261"></div><p>The controversy surrounding Schlatt's 2018 tweet began to pick up steam on Monday, over three years later. Fans and detractors began to reply to and quote-tweet Schlatt's original post. Many said they found the comment Islamophobic for joking about the appearance of Allah, who is God in the Islamic faith. <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30814555">According to The BBC</a>, depictions of Allah have long been taboo for the Muslim community, so as to avoid idol worship.</p><p>"I cant [sic] believe this even has any likes, like do people not realize how disrespectful this is?" the user<a href="https://twitter.com/isleofgeorge/status/1409618088845189123"> @isleofgeorge tweeted</a>. "Schlatt is gross."</p><p>Twitter user <a href="https://twitter.com/scenedrm/status/1409613682192044036">@scenedrm</a> said the tweet was "disrespectful," as "speculating how Allah looks" is forbidden in Islam.</p><p>More people discovered the 2018 tweet when the social-media drama account<a href="https://twitter.com/defnoodles/status/1409636174713393153"> Def Noodles shared</a> a series of screenshots of the original tweet and quote tweets on Twitter with the text, "THIS SHOULD'VE STAYED IN YOUR DRAFTS," on Monday. </p><p>Still, many fans also came to the YouTuber's defense and argued that critics were blowing the comment out of proportion. <a href="https://twitter.com/lezybian/status/1409770205321043968">@lezybian</a>, who said in a tweet that they were Muslim, tweeted that there was "no humanly possible way this is offensive." </p><h2>Being 'canceled' has become part of the streamer's brand</h2><p>On March 21, the creator sparked outrage after he uploaded a YouTube video with a thumbnail of a poorly-drawn face with black paint scribbled all over it and the word "<a href="https://www.insider.com/celebrities-who-wore-blackface-2018-10">blackface</a>" written above it. Many <a href="https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/youtuber-jschlatt-changes-blackface-thumbnail-after-racism-accusations-1538033/">commenters</a> called the image racist and accused Schlatt of minimizing a serious issue. He has also <a href="https://twitter.com/crumbIRL/status/1374051909242384384">joked</a> about mental-health issues before in videos, <a href="https://twitter.com/signalswaps/status/1373702064333680640">leading some</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/sunpled/status/1373686383185965056?lang=en">accuse him of ableism</a>.</p><p>But fans defend him by saying the crude remarks are part of his <a href="https://twitter.com/Jociis_/status/1347121622461927425">"persona,"</a> and that everything he says is a joke.</p><p>Schlatt has been "canceled" for so many reasons over the past few years that the idea that he's "uncancellable" has evolved into an aspect of his own brand and even spiraled into a viral meme. There are YouTube compilation videos documenting mock <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P7C7usAspI">"controversial"</a> actions of his, <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/jschlatt/comments/ma8eyx/im_really_disappointed/">numerous Reddit threads</a> detailing his misdeeds, and even a <a href="https://twitter.com/schlattisover">Twitter account</a> with over 16,000 followers - named "Time since jschlatt has been cancelled" - that is dedicated to tracking Schlatt's myriad scandals.</p><p>Still, his fanbase continues to grow: He's gained 120,000 new subscribers in just the last 30 days, according to data from SocialBlade, a social-media analytics website. </p><p>Schlatt did not respond to a request for comment.</p>

A streamer whose frequent 'cancellations' sparked a meme is accused of Islamophobia for 2018 Allah tweet

<ul class="summary-list"><li>People who have been forced to work from home due to COVID-19 may not know what apps are best for collaborating with their remote teams.</li><li>These tools are recommended by CEOs and executives who've been working remotely and managing remote teams for years.</li><li>Apps for aligning priorities and workflows, like Asana and Trello, keep coworkers on track, and collaboration tools like Slack, Zoom, and Confluence make group projects easier to work on.</li><li>Incorporating fun opportunities for bonding virtually, like taking a break to play Jackbox Games, is also important.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/prime">Click here for more BI Prime stories</a>.</li></ul><p>Amid concerns of the COVID-19 <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-virus-everything-we-know-deadly-2019-ncov-wuhan-spread-2020-1">coronavirus</a> spreading rapidly across the population, companies worldwide are recommending that employees work from home. </p><p>I've spent most of the last decade working remotely, so these closures don't affect me - except for the flurry of text messages I've received this week from friends:</p><p><em>Any tips for working remotely?</em></p><p><em>What's the best app for a team video call?</em></p><p><em>Sooo - how exactly do you stay productive working from home?</em></p><p>First things first: Make sure your internet speed can handle your working needs. I thought mine was sufficient, but realized I needed a bump up when my husband - who normally never works from home - and I tried to hold video calls simultaneously. </p><p>A site like <a href="https://www.speedcheck.org/">Speedcheck</a> can check your connection's upload and download speeds. Not sure what you need? <a href="https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA1417/how-much-bandwidth-does-skype-need">Skype has outlined recommended speeds</a> based on the type of call you're trying to do (voice vs. low- or high-quality video) and the number of people involved. </p><p>At this point, no one knows how long we'll be working from home, so you may also want to consider a workspace that involves more than your kitchen table and your laptop. </p><p>"Most experienced remote workers find that some additional equipment helps them be more comfortable and productive during the day: a separate, larger <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-computer-monitor">monitor</a> or dual monitors, a full-sized <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-keyboard">keyboard</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-computer-mouse">mouse</a> (wireless is a top choice for both), and a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-cheap-headphones">headset</a> that works with your computer and/or cell phone," said Sara Sutton, founder and CEO of <a href="https://www.flexjobs.com/">FlexJobs</a>, a job board featuring exclusively work-from-home gigs. </p><p>If you don't have this setup, Sutton added, "Check with your company for possible technology reimbursements or stipends, or the ability to take some of your in-office equipment home with you."</p><p>If your office doesn't have specific tools for you to use while remote, such as instant-messaging apps or screen-sharing and web-conferencing programs - or doesn't have particularly effective ones - now's a great time to suggest the tech that will help everyone work more effectively. </p><p>To help you out as you set up your home office, I've rounded up the best tips and tech for your work-from-home life, courtesy of people who've done it for years. </p><h1><strong>Apps for aligning priorities and workflows: </strong><a href="https://trello.com/en-US/pricing"><strong>Trello</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira"><strong>Jira</strong></a><strong>, and </strong><a href="https://asana.com/pricing"><strong>Asana</strong></a></h1><p>"Managers need to take the time with their teams to set clear objectives and define the results they're trying to achieve as a team," noted Deidre Paknad, CEO and cofounder of <a href="https://www.workboard.com/okr-align-grow/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=Brand&amp;utm_term=workboard&amp;utm_content=WorkBoard&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwmKLzBRBeEiwACCVihhpYerkgkEDEIEvkB_igOaeFPr640lVU_5q2yMEbVkH8a6byYJAt-xoCuGMQAvD_BwE">WorkBoard, Inc.</a>, which has 150 people distributed across 15 locations in the US and India. "When everyone's clear on the outcomes they're driving, they can more easily work independently from their own locations on work that really matters."  </p><p>She also emphasized the need for process transparency, which she said enables managers and teammates to see how everyone is making progress toward key results without having to ask constantly.</p><p>Tech tools can help. "We keep a public roadmap on <a href="https://trello.com/en-US/pricing">Trello</a>, which helps us have a single source of truth for what we're planning to do," said Sten Pittet, cofounder and CEO of <a href="https://tability.io/">Tability</a>, a plan-tracking platform that helps teams stay focused and accountable. "We also use <a href="https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira">Jira</a> internally to split big roadmap items into smaller pieces." </p><p>Michelle Penczak, CEO of virtual-assistant company <a href="https://gosquaredaway.com/">Squared Away</a>, said her top two favorites are Trello and <a href="https://asana.com/pricing">Asana</a>. </p><p>"Both are easy to use for collaboration on teams, so it just comes down to which platform you prefer," she added. </p><p>If you're not sure, give them all a try - each has a free plan, then goes up to $14 to $31 per user, per month.</p><h1><strong>Apps for collaborating on projects: </strong><a href="https://www.google.com/drive/"><strong>Google Drive</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.atlassian.com/software/confluence?&amp;aceid=&amp;adposition=&amp;adgroup=99595999889&amp;campaign=9518255230&amp;creative=421333705574&amp;device=c&amp;keyword=confluence&amp;matchtype=e&amp;network=g&amp;placement=&amp;ds_kids=p51982324819&amp;ds_e=GOOGLE&amp;ds_eid=700000001542923&amp;ds_e1=GOOGLE&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwu6fzBRC6ARIsAJUwa2TUKfhZv2rKSphyY7cSJ2qzwqUH44Pj_cp1fAxDCGJbFn8wQjnxNbgaAvINEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds"><strong>Confluence</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://milanote.com/"><strong>Milanote</strong></a><strong>, and </strong><a href="https://www.figma.com/"><strong>Figma</strong></a></h1><p>As for actually getting those priorities accomplished, using collaborative online tools is an easy way to work together in real time, whether you're creating a meeting agenda or designing a new product. </p><p>"We like Google Suite since you can see what people are typing and use it during remote collaboration meetings," said Anita Anthonj, CEO and cofounder of <a href="http://www.talaera.com">Talaera</a>, a platform for personalized professional English training, who runs a remote team spread across different countries. "Milanote is great for flowcharts (similar to <a href="https://mural.co/">Mural</a> and <a href="https://miro.com/">Miro</a>) and brainstorming. We also use <a href="https://www.figma.com/">Figma</a> (our design tool of choice) to draw together." (<a href="https://www.figma.com/pricing/">Figma's Starter plan</a> is free and larger plans go up to $45 per user per month.)</p><p>Pittet's team plans to switch to Figma as well (they currently use <a href="https://www.sketch.com/">Sketch</a> and <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/h">Dropbox</a> together for design work). "You want to make it as easy as possible for devs and designers to collaborate," he said of the tools.</p><p>His company also uses <a href="https://www.atlassian.com/software/confluence/features">Confluence</a>, which has templates for shared projects, like marketing plans or project timelines. "It makes it super easy to share feedback and iterate on specific items," he added. <a href="https://www.atlassian.com/licensing/confluence">Pricing</a> starts at $100 for one to 10 users and goes up from there.</p><h1><strong>Video chat apps: </strong><a href="https://zoom.us/ent?zcid=2582"><strong>Zoom</strong></a></h1><p>Yes, the ability to work in pajamas and not see anyone all day<em> is</em> appealing, but actually getting face-to-face time with your coworkers and boss can go a long way in making solo work feel less isolating.</p><p>For larger team meetings, Zoom gets the votes of many longtime remote workers I spoke with. </p><p>"It's like being in person without the hand sanitizer," Jennifer LeBlanc, CEO and founder of <a href="https://thinkresultsmarketing.com/">ThinkResults Marketing</a>, an agency she's headed up completely remotely since 2003. In the free mode, you can host up to 100 participants for meetings up to 40 minutes and access features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and whiteboarding. (Business plans range from $14.99 to $19.99 per month, per host.) </p><p>"It's an incredible platform and so user friendly," said Penczak, who uses the platform regularly for meetings with her virtual team of 89. She structures meetings so that they feel as close to in-person events as possible. </p><p>"We catch up for a few minutes before officially starting and then we have volunteers share highs/lows for the week," she shared. "And we always end our team calls with high-fives." </p><p>(One really fun feature: If you don't want your manager to see piles of laundry in your apartment, check out <a href="https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/210707503-Virtual-Background">Zoom's Virtual Background</a>, which can make you appear like you're working in a completely different space.)</p><h1><strong>Group messaging apps: </strong><a href="https://slack.com/"><strong>Slack</strong></a><strong> or </strong><a href="https://products.office.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software?&amp;ef_id=Cj0KCQjwu6fzBRC6ARIsAJUwa2TuPm0jXJFiabgB7lqBpupGhYC4RQo6xsM5ebZOPv-fTHZ82UnY1f4aAjTUEALw_wcB:G:s&amp;OCID=AID2000955_SEM_Cj0KCQjwu6fzBRC6ARIsAJUwa2TuPm0jXJFiabgB7lqBpupGhYC4RQo6xsM5ebZOPv-fTHZ82UnY1f4aAjTUEALw_wcB:G:s&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwu6fzBRC6ARIsAJUwa2TuPm0jXJFiabgB7lqBpupGhYC4RQo6xsM5ebZOPv-fTHZ82UnY1f4aAjTUEALw_wcB"><strong>Microsoft Teams</strong></a></h1><p>LeBlanc, Anthonj, and Penczak's teams all use <a href="https://slack.com/">Slack</a> for group messaging, the app <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-business-messaging-apps">PC Mag names</a> the editor's choice for the best business messaging apps for 2020, citing its features and integrations as being better than competitors like <a href="https://gsuite.google.com/products/chat/">Google Hangouts Chat</a> and <a href="https://products.office.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software">Microsoft Teams</a>.</p><p>Penczak said that her employees are broken into Slack channels of eight to 10, spearheaded by a manager.</p><p>"This allows for our team to get to know a smaller group of folks on a more personal level," she explained. "Of course, we have our larger channels that allow for building community with everyone at Squared Away. It also allows for a manager to dive in with a team member and be a phenomenal level of support."</p><p>With that said, Paknad cautioned that it's important to know when to jump from text-based chat to face-to-face. "If the chat is longer than three lines, click the video call option on Slack or Microsoft Teams instead," she said.</p><h1><strong>Calendaring apps: </strong><a href="https://meetingbird.com/"><strong>Meetingbird</strong></a><strong> </strong></h1><p>When you're in an office, people can pop by to ask you a quick question, but when everyone's at home, they might feel the need to schedule a call or meeting. Anthonj's team uses open <a href="https://calendar.google.com/calendar/r">Google Calendars</a>, so everyone can see each others' schedules, while Pittet recommended <a href="https://meetingbird.com/">Meetingbird</a>, which integrates with Google or Office calendars to let others see when you're available for meetings. </p><p>"Only some parts of my days are available for meetings," he added. "It helps me block good chunks of time for focused work."</p><h1><strong>Just-for-fun apps: </strong><a href="http://jackboxgames.com"><strong>Jackbox Games</strong></a></h1><p>Just like your week at the office is interspersed with jokes and happy hours, make sure you add some fun into your work-from-home time, too. </p><p>"For many, work is a highly social function," said LeBlanc. As such, she encourages her team to meet weekly, <em>without</em> her, for a "virtual water cooler session." </p><p>Maxeme (Max) Tuchman's company, <a href="https://caribu.com/">Caribu</a>, an app that lets families read and draw together via video, takes it a step further. Every other Friday, the remote team from the US, Canada, and Brazil get together for a virtual happy hour. </p><p>"We all get on Google Hangout, screen-share <a href="http://www.jackboxgames.com/">jackboxgames.com</a>, and then we play trivia, drawing, and spy games on our phones and tablets," she explained. "We consciously take an hour out to get creative and get to know our teammates better, which inherently builds trust." </p><p>Speaking of trust, remember that what's behind all these tech tools is people - people who may have never worked remotely before. </p><p>"For team members that normally spend a lot of time with customers and in high engagement roles - often because that's how they're wired - a week of work from home will be hard and a longer run even harder," said Paknad. "Managers need to think beyond the obvious Zoom-and-Slack response to the human aspects that keep our teams happily and purposefully engaged." </p><p>In other words, make sure you're going out of your way to strengthen relationships with your coworkers. A few things the WorkBoard team has implemented: A Slack channel for office views, where people post photos of where they're working, all-hands meetings designed to "keep silos down and create more pathways for conversation," and a weekly "Ask me anything" call where Paknad answers questions while walking and encourages employees to do the same.</p><p>And perhaps the most low-tech, high-happiness touch of all: "We're sending spring flowers to people's houses to bring the outside in and brighten whatever it is they're using for a desk," added Paknad  "They're $7 on Amazon - a ridiculously simple way to refresh moods and rooms." </p>

You Searched For "jackbox games" and got 6 results

How to play Jackbox games on a TV, whether you're using a gaming console, computer, or streaming device

Emma Witman

What is Jackbox Games? Here's what you need to know about the popular party video games

Vivian McCall

What is DLC? Understanding downloadable content, a feature of nearly every new game

Chrissy Montelli

After collapsing in 2001, this small Chicago video game studio adapted to radical changes in the industry for a stunning revival. Here's how it did it.

Kevin Webb

A streamer whose frequent 'cancellations' sparked a meme is accused of Islamophobia for 2018 Allah tweet

Kieran Press-Reynolds

6 CEOs and executives who've been managing remote teams for years share the tools they use to keep their employees motivated and happy

Adrian Granzella Larssen

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides