Work methods are changing, with the rise of hybrid work, and work tools must do the same. That’s why companies like Cisco are introducing new hardware and software designed specifically for this way of working. Cisco officially launched the new Webex Room Bar this Thursday, as well as a new Cisco videophone.
The Room Bar is designed for video conferencing at work, especially for small to medium sized spaces. The feature looks like a small meeting room and uses Webex AI capabilities for optimal audio and video quality by ensuring that people in the room are well framed and automatically removing background noise.
This platform, which could prove to be very practical, is based on the observation that a majority of employees do not like to make video calls at work with a simple laptop. According to a company study conducted with Dimensional Research, 95% of workers are tired of video and want key technologies to change at work. Users of Webex collaboration devices reported 30% less frustration than laptop-only users.
Eliminate extraneous noise
As for the new Cisco Video Phone 8875, it is designed to allow those who work in isolated offices to benefit from a high quality audio and video experience during their calls. Since the device only focuses on communication, there is no need to fight to conserve battery life or other laptop resources.
When a user sits at a desk equipped with a videophone, they can use a QR code to log into their Webex account and make calls or join meetings. The device uses artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce background noise, and its screen has a definition of 1080 pixels.
Cisco is also improving its cloud calling product, Webex Calling, so users don’t have to worry about dropped calls, even in the event of a network outage or bandwidth issues. Businesses using Webex Calling will be able to deploy site survivability through the Webex Control Hub to ensure they can make and receive calls over the public switched telephone network (PSTN) during a network outage.
Webex Calling also adds AI-powered background noise cancellation technology for PSTN calls with outside parties. This means that users will be able to eliminate background noise from an external caller with a single click in the Webex app or on supported devices.
Source: ZDNet.com