Daniel Brans
A successful online event requires not only well thought-out planning, but also an easy-to-use online networking tool that can be operated intuitively by everyone. In this article, we will show you, why SaySom is not the best choice if you value high compatibility with different browsers and devices and the protection of your data. In this case, we have a wonderful alternative for SaySom, which you can use to host a communicative and dynamic event: HyHyve
HyHyve is the SaySom alternative that supports almost any device and browser, that will wow even your skeptical attendees and that is based in the EU.
The prices are currently not visible on the website and therefore not transparent. After our own research, we found out that there are different price models that start at 49€ per hour.
SaySom is browser-based, however, it is recommended by SaySom to use Chrome. No details are given which devices are supported by SaySom. After a few tests of the tool, we found out that SaySom’s platform seems to run best on desktop screens. On smaller devices, such as a smartphone or tablet, the tool fails to fully deliver its true user experience.
Compared to SaySom.app, HyHyve creates an engaging and cozy feeling for participants with its beautiful map – without technical interruptions.
Daniel Brans
In this showdown of online event and networking tools, we compare SaySom.app to HyHyve to help you choosing the right platform. While SaySom and HyHyve may seem similar at first glance, the differences between them are actually quite significant, and you need to know them to make your online event exceptional.
| HyHyve | SaySom.app | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Starts at 0,03€/minute. Per event/month/year pricing on request. | Free, Basic from 49€/h, Premium from 99€/h, Enterprise on request. [1] |
| GDPR | ✅ German company. GDPR compliant. | 🟡 According to privacy policy data may be sent to the USA. [2] |
| Most common browsers supported | ✅ Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge. | 🟡 Recommended is Chrome, but it also worked on Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari and Microsoft Edge for us. [3] |
| Platforms supported | ✅ Desktops (Windows, macOS, Linux), tablets (iPad, Android-based devices), mobile devices (iOS, Android-based devices). | ❌ Desktops (Windows, macOS, Linux). [4] |
| Broadcast to your participants | ✅ Yes, speakers can be invited to the stage flexibly . | ✅ Yes, speakers can be chosen flexibly during the event. |
| Record Broadcast | ❌ No recording feature available. | ❌ No recording feature available. |
| Public access | ✅ Yes, via a public link. | ✅ Yes, via a public link. |
| Restricted access | ✅ Yes, email-based authentication. | ✅Yes, must have access to link. |
| Custom background picture | 🟡 Yes, but not recommended. | ✅ Yes |
| Custom maps | ✅ Yes, fully customizable, including walls and the option to create buildings/places familiar to participants. | ✅ Yes, can be personalized by the organizer with additional bookable interaction tools. |
| Maximum participants per "circle" (ad-hoc conversation) | ✅ Up to 50 people. | 🟡 No information on the website. |
| Maximum participants per room | 🟡 HyHyve spaces/rooms have an organizational soft limit of 250 participants. Multiple Spaces can be linked and can provide space for up to 5000 participants. [5] | 🟡 Depending on the price package from 20 up to any number of participants. No limit is written down on the website. |
| Language | English and German | English |
SaySom is a German-based startup that wants to enable networking like in real life. As an organizer, you have the possibility to personalize your space for 20 or more participants via drag and drop and to give the event a dynamic touch with additional bookable interactables. Using the tool, participants of online events can easily get in touch with each other via video by letting their avatars run towards or chatting with each other. Gimmicks such as the Icebreaker function or Speednetworking are designed to melt the ice between participants quickly. Rooms can be opened and closed for private conversations or group discussions, and the megaphone can be used to announce the next speaker who would like to give a presentation.
Compared to other tools like Zoom, specialized online event tools are able to create a group dynamic between the participants that is otherwise only found in real life. Through the countless design possibilities of the spaces, you can turn any event into an unforgettable experience.
Technically, SaySom.app works very well, but there are some areas you should consider as there are some points that are not directly related to SaySom but to the overall event organization.
The SaySom tool allows participants to move freely around the room and to be engaged in a conversation if they wish to. The operation seems clear and intuitive. SaySom offers the planner of the event the possibility to design his rooms freely in size and shape and to insert his own ideas into the event via a programming interface. On request, it is also be possible to integrate livestreams or videos into the event. With its room and tool design, SaySom does everything it can to motivate participants to engage in lively way with each other, but depending on the browser and device, the numerous functions of SaySom may only unfold their full effect sluggishly. [6]
The mechanism of “bumping together in a virtual venue” is currently not known to everyone. Therefore, it’s helpful to have “practice sessions” with your participants in advance (e. g. online networking and after-work session a couple of days earlier).
For an optimal user experience of their service, SaySom recommends Chrome. Unfortunately, no details are given on the website about the devices that can be used. [7] After testing SaySom ourselves, we found that the tool currently runs smoothly on desktop devices, but not on smartphones or tablets. Since SaySom is a startup, this could change at any time in the future :).
It’s best to ask SaySom before your event, which devices and browsers are suitable for smooth participation in your event. Since such a Startup tool like SaySom is constantly changing, technical compatibilities may have changed by tomorrow. To be on the safe side, you can also test SaySom yourself in advance :).
As “clicking on links” leads to a start of the user’s standard browser, ensure that the browser recommendation is communicated often and clearly. As selecting the right browser and joining the SaySom room can sometimes be tricky, you can implement a support hotline and or team during your event to guarantee a seamless experience.
After taking a look at SaySom’s privacy policy, we noticed that according to the EU Commission’s adequacy decision, data may be sent to the US. [8] The so called EU-US Privacy Shield is not active anymore, therefore its unsure whether your data is send to the US or not. [9]
To be on the safe side, you can ask SaySom whether they are really DSGVO compliant, and additionally discuss with your data protection officer whether you can use the service or not.
[6] After a few tests of the tool, we found out that SaySom’s platform seems to run best on desktop screens. On smaller devices, such as a smartphone or tablet, the tool fails to fully deliver its true user experience.
[7] Recommended in their article is Chrome.
[8] You can find these paragraph in SaySom’s privacy policy under the headline “Drittlandtransfer”.
[9] Article about EU-US Privacy Shield and its rejection.
This section was updated on 13.10.2021.
