Zoom is lifting the 40-minute video call limit on the free version of its videoconferencing app so families can have extended virtual chats over Christmas and the New Year. The US firm behind the hugely popular app, which has seen user numbers soar due increased home working from the current pandemic, is lifting the call limit three times during the festive period. The first window for free calls started at 3pm GMT today, Thursday 17 December, and will last until 11am GMT on Saturday, December 19, to coincide with the final day of Hanukkah. It will then be lifted once again between 3pm on Wednesday, December 23 and 11am on Boxing Day (also GMT) for users worldwide to celebrate Christmas together virtually.