Video conferencing and visual collaboration
Video conferencing and visual collaboration incorporate several elements of hardware and software for conference rooms, desktops and remote workers. Businesses of all sizes need to keep up on the evolving video conferencing market to evaluate the latest trends and innovations to find the systems best suited to their needs.
Top Stories
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Tip
12 Nov 2024
What do huddle rooms look like in a post-pandemic workplace?
Huddle room hype has waned, but it helped promote the concept of simplifying video in the workplace. Now, organizations could consider a video everywhere strategy. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2024
Google readies Gemini for Workspace, adds AI 'Teammate'
Google will roll out new GenAI in Gmail and Docs first and then other apps throughout the year. In 2025, Google plans to introduce an AI-powered assistant named Teammate. Continue Reading
Download: Video Conferencing Evaluation Guide Includes Research, Peer Reviews
Zoom, GoToMeeting, Skype for Business, and two more video conferencing tools are reviewed by your peers in our new 35-page evaluation guide. Get an expert overview of the types of video conferencing tools, as well as bandwidth and interoperability requirements you need to be aware of before you make your purchase.
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News
04 Aug 2021
Zoom settlement of privacy suit covers some businesses
Smaller businesses could benefit from Zoom's recent class-action lawsuit settlement. However, the deal does not cover companies with enterprise licenses. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Aug 2021
3 tips to build a professional home video conferencing setup
As remote work becomes more common, connecting with your teams gets tougher. An effective home video conferencing setup can help bridge the communications gap. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Aug 2021
5 hybrid video conferencing tips for collaboration equity
Experts say the fate of hybrid work may depend on collaboration equity in hybrid video conferencing sessions. Learn how to support in-office and remote meeting participants. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jul 2021
What to consider before buying video conferencing technology
Learn about the different types of modern video conferencing architectures and how enterprises can best implement these products into their current workforce. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jul 2021
AI in video conferencing opens a world of features
AI in video conferencing will result in useful features for businesses. Learn how AI capabilities improve meetings and what to ask conferencing vendors about their products. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jul 2021
Branded, custom video conferencing enhances meetings
Custom video conferencing can make meetings feel more engaging, and third-party tools can take these features even further. But hybrid work can create challenges. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2021
Video conferencing vendors rush to fix meeting fatigue
Video conferencing vendors tackle video fatigue with tools to mitigate the stress caused by the overuse of their products. Experts advise using multiple means of communication. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jul 2021
Zoom adds voice commands to Zoom Rooms
Zoom Rooms voice controls could ease the frustrations of using conference room video hardware. Zoom released the feature in public beta, making it available on select systems. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jul 2021
Cisco takes over hybrid event manager Socio Labs
Cisco will pair Socio Labs' hybrid event product with Webex video and Slido audience polling tools. Cisco believes events with in-person and online participants are the future. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jul 2021
Understanding virtual meetings pros and cons
This chapter excerpt from 'Suddenly Virtual' explores the importance of using video for virtual meetings and the challenges of always being on camera. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jul 2021
Training is key for effective remote meetings
Authors Karin M. Reed and Joseph A. Allen discuss how to support effective remote meetings. The most important factor for virtual meeting success? Training. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jun 2021
How to combat virtual meeting fatigue in 5 steps
By taking a new look at video conferencing, organizations can make their meetings more effective and keep employees from burning out. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jun 2021
Zoom delays hybrid workplace video feature
Zoom had planned to release Smart Gallery in beta this week. The Zoom Rooms feature gives all meeting participants equal placement within a video meeting. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jun 2021
5 best practices to support Microsoft Teams hybrid meetings
To support an effective Microsoft Teams hybrid meetings experience, organizations should follow five best practices, including user training and app integrations. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jun 2021
Apple lets Windows, Android users join Facetime calls
Apple's upcoming improvements to FaceTime would open it up to non-Apple users for the first time and allow for collaborative screen sharing. The feature debuts this fall. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Jun 2021
What is the difference between audio and video conferencing?
Audio and video conferencing each have benefits and drawbacks. Learn the difference between audio and video conferencing to decide which best suits your meeting needs. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Jun 2021
What is the difference between Zoom and Zoom Rooms?
For some users, Zoom Meetings is all they will need; others may opt for Zoom Rooms. Learn about the features each service provides and the supported use cases. Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2021
Microsoft announces developer tools for Teams
Microsoft has introduced tools that let developers manage apps, charge for subscriptions and use audio and video feeds on Teams. Some tools are available today, others in the summer. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 May 2021
Companies must rethink video conferencing usage in 2021
In the coming months, the issue facing organizations is not cutting back video conferencing; it's determining how best to manage its use and minimize video fatigue. Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2021
Otter.ai launches assistant that joins Zoom meetings
Otter.ai released an assistant that attends and transcribes the Zoom meetings on an employee's calendar. The feature keeps everyone up to speed, even when they miss a session. Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2021
Zoom to launch virtual events platform
Zoom will launch an events platform in the coming months. Zoom Events will let businesses create hubs, sell tickets and track attendance at conferences and summits. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2021
Logitech launches video conferencing whiteboard camera
Logitech's Scribe camera levels the playing field for video conferencing meetings, letting both remote and in-person attendees see the writing on a whiteboard. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 May 2021
5 hybrid meeting best practices for a high-quality experience
To get the most out of hybrid meetings, follow these best practices to manage audio and video performance, and ensure a high-quality meeting experience. Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2021
Microsoft launches Teams webinar feature
Microsoft has released a Teams feature that allows event hosts to register, present and keep in touch with thousands of webinar attendees, which is important in the hybrid world. Continue Reading
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News
05 May 2021
Microsoft focuses on reading skills in Teams for Education
The latest Microsoft Teams for Education features will hone student reading skills, let teachers set up assignment groups and centralize student calendars Continue Reading
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Answer
04 May 2021
Will video fatigue drive users back to voice calls?
The strain of being on camera all day is beginning to make its mark. Companies are reevaluating the role telephony may play as workers return to the office. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2021
Enterprise AR a vital component of Microsoft's UC strategy
Enterprise AR is ready for prime time as organizations look for ways to make their remote meetings more productive by combining physical and virtual spaces. Continue Reading
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News
28 Apr 2021
8x8 pushes work collaboration through a browser
8x8 said offering its Work apps through browsers helps companies prepare for the hybrid workplace by allowing workers to use the devices at hand to collaborate. Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2021
Zoom Immersive View fosters worker togetherness
Zoom's Immersive Mode places as many as 25 meeting participants in the same virtual location. The feature reflects the direction of video conferencing platforms. Continue Reading
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News
22 Apr 2021
Business practices that could ease meeting fatigue
Researchers say breaks between meetings and team-building activities that give employees a sense of belonging help combat fatigue in the hybrid workplace. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2021
RingCentral plays catch-up with latest video features
RingCentral has introduced overlay and video background features to its video-conferencing product. Soon, the company will add breakout rooms, a highly requested feature. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2021
Zoom bolsters platform play with App Fund
Zoom will invest $100 million in third-party developers to augment its app store. The company hopes new apps can differentiate it in the market, experts said. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2021
Microsoft update of Teams Rooms for Android falls short
Microsoft has yet to add to Teams Rooms on Android critical features available on the Windows version. Missing features include the ability to join Zoom or Webex meetings. Continue Reading
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News
07 Apr 2021
Consumer, business harmonize with Zoom on Amazon Echo Show
Zoom's integration with Amazon's Echo Show 10 means more people will turn to the consumer device for business video conferencing while working from home. Continue Reading
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News
02 Apr 2021
Cisco tackles 'seismic shift' to the hybrid workplace
Cisco said the switch to the hybrid workplace could create a divide between in-office and remote workers. New Webex features could help counter the problem. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2021
Cisco revamps Webex's People Insights feature
Cisco says the 'always-on' nature of remote work exhausts workers. It believes information from the revamped People Insights feature in Webex will help. Continue Reading
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News
25 Mar 2021
Microsoft adds live transcription to Teams
The Teams live transcription feature bolsters collaboration and lets workers quickly catch up on meetings they've missed. Microsoft includes the capability with a 365 subscription. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2021
How to assess video endpoint security for remote workers
For remote workers, video endpoint security is a big consideration for corporate IT staffs. But the dangers might not be as big as feared. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Feb 2021
Addressing remote video conferencing security issues
Many organizations have implemented video conferencing security policies that mandate passwords and waiting rooms. But keeping meetings secure focuses on more than just access. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Feb 2021
The pros and cons of custom home collaboration devices
Home collaboration devices can help employees remain more productive. But make sure to carefully consider the drawbacks before buying dedicated hardware. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jan 2021
AR and VR in video conferencing offer post-pandemic benefits
In a post-COVID-19 world, understanding the differences between AR and VR video conferencing will help companies determine which technology might be best for them. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jan 2021
Dell adds Microsoft Teams to video conferencing monitors
Dell introduced three video conferencing monitors with Microsoft Teams integration this week, as part of its emphasis on a hybrid work model. It also announced new laptops. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Nov 2020
Slack's growth strategy faces the hurdle of paid users
In this roundup of UC blogs, analysts discuss challenges to Slack's growth, enhancements to Avaya Spaces video and the drivers for UCC vendor consolidation. Continue Reading
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News
10 Nov 2020
Zoom settles FTC suit alleging 'deceptive' security practices
Zoom has agreed to implement a comprehensive program for user security and abide by a government-imposed prohibition against privacy misrepresentations. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Oct 2020
What will touchless collaboration in meeting rooms look like?
Touchless collaboration will determine how employees use meeting room equipment in the future. Learn about three options -- one of which represents the worst alternative. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2020
Rollout of Google Meet attendance report paused
G Suite Enterprise for Education will soon allow teachers to track who is in class and who is absent with an attendance report on its video conferencing app Google Meet. Continue Reading
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News
18 Sep 2020
Google utilizes AI for Series One Meet hardware
Google partners with Lenovo in developing video conferencing hardware for the Google Meet service. The Series One device uses Google silicon to boost its AI capabilities. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Sep 2020
What are use cases for business live event streaming services?
Business live event streaming services can transform webinars and virtual events to be more interactive and create engaging experiences for customers. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2020
Reimagining the future of conference rooms, post-COVID-19
Before employees are comfortable going back into conference rooms, companies will need technology to help them rethink the future of conference room design. Continue Reading
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News
03 Sep 2020
Zoom quarterly earnings show sharp rise in paying customers
Zoom reports a massive expansion in small and big businesses, as the company's revenue and income increase exponentially. Continue Reading
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News
28 Aug 2020
Lifesize to buy Kaptivo, eyes other acquisitions
Lifesize's Kaptivo acquisition would expand its collaboration capabilities. The video conferencing company said IP telephony or messaging could be a part of future deals. Continue Reading
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News
27 Aug 2020
Cisco seeks better voice quality with BabbleLabs buy
Cisco acquires California-based BabbleLabs to enhance Webex voice quality through better noise suppression, a feature already used by competitors Google and Microsoft. Continue Reading
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News
25 Aug 2020
Zoom outage blamed on application bug
In a statement released late Monday night, Zoom apologized to customers and said it was focused on scaling the cloud technology behind the video conferencing service. Continue Reading
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News
20 Aug 2020
Ex-TiVo head Shull may be the fresh face Poly needs
Poly chooses ex-TiVo exec Dave Shull for CEO, a move some UC analysts say will bring a fresh perspective to the company. Others are less enthusiastic. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Aug 2020
How should companies manage huddle room size amid COVID?
Companies are being forced to rethink huddle room size guidelines as they begin to plan how employees will be able to work together. Find out how technology can help. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jul 2020
Zoom and DTEN to release home video conferencing device
DTEN plans to release an all-in-one device for Zoom video conferencing at home. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jul 2020
New enterprise video strategy must go beyond meetings
Workflows have grown increasingly digital, and video is necessary to support these changes. Learn how organizations are retooling video strategies to support new use cases. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jul 2020
Microsoft Teams to get 7x7 video layout by late August
Following months of user uproar, Microsoft Teams will get a 7x7 video layout by the end of August. Continue Reading
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News
02 Jul 2020
Microsoft-Cisco video interoperability delayed until later in 2020
Microsoft and Cisco said a long-awaited integration between their video conferencing room systems, originally slated to launch in early 2020, is still on track for release this year. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Jul 2020
Businesses replacing phone calls with video meeting platforms
Organizations are dropping their audio conferencing services in favor of video meeting platforms as they consolidate overlapping features and seek integrated communications. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jun 2020
Compare 11 leading cloud-based video conferencing tools
Discover the top video conferencing tools with this detailed download that compares and contrasts the leading contenders in the cloud-based market today. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jun 2020
AV integrators resolute amid changing market trends
The AV market is undergoing a transformation due to COVID-19 and growing UC adoption. AV integrators still have an important role to play in a changing workplace. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jun 2020
Free end-to-end Zoom encryption alters competitive climate
Zoom's impending release of end-to-end encryption will pressure competitors to follow suit. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2020
Webex to get virtual backgrounds, video breakouts this summer
Cisco will soon add virtual backgrounds on the desktop version of Webex, along with other features that will bring the platform more on par with Zoom. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jun 2020
Post-pandemic world calls for new video conferencing strategy
The physical room may no longer be where business meetings take place, even post-pandemic. A new video conferencing strategy is required if companies are to remain productive. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jun 2020
Large group WebRTC meetings require managing CPU usage
In this roundup of UC blogs, analysts discuss how to address CPU challenges with large group WebRTC meetings, lessons learned from remote collaboration and changing business models. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jun 2020
Crestron, Logitech release Zoom video system for home
Crestron and Logitech have launched a new product for Zoom video conferencing at home. Continue Reading
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News
29 May 2020
Zoom faces challenges in implementing end-to-end encryption
Zoom has released a draft plan to enable end-to-end encryption in four phases. The company has not said when it will launch. Continue Reading
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News
28 May 2020
Microsoft, Cisco chase Zoom on virtual breakout rooms
Zoom is once again out ahead on features with its support for virtual breakout rooms. Microsoft and Cisco are trying to catch up. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 May 2020
Do you really need 4K video resolution in the enterprise?
Organizations may not need 4K video resolution today, but it might be a good idea to prepare your infrastructure to support the higher-resolution format for tomorrow's demands. Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2020
Facebook to launch Workplace Rooms in challenge to Zoom
Workplace Rooms, a new video conferencing service for Facebook's business customers, falls short of competitors on features. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 May 2020
Microsoft Teams vs. Zoom: Can Teams replace Zoom?
Organizations weighing Microsoft Teams vs. Zoom conferencing must consider the long-term licensing costs, collaboration features and UX of the services. Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2020
Microsoft acquisition of Metaswitch aimed at carrier UCaaS
Microsoft's acquisition of Metaswitch will provide carriers with the option of offering Metaswitch UCaaS through Azure. Metaswitch complements the recent Affirmed acquisition. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 May 2020
Slack and Zoom integration drives Skype's decline
In this roundup of UC blogs, analysts discuss how the Slack and Zoom integration are pushing Skype's decline, why vendors must look beyond video and team collaboration success factors. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2020
Cisco looks to close gaps in Webex Teams video conferencing
Cisco Webex Teams still does not have all the same video conferencing features as Webex Meetings. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 May 2020
Increased remote work requires evaluating collaboration costs
Organizations taking advantage of free collaboration offerings during the pandemic must consider how collaboration costs will change as remote work continues. Continue Reading
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News
08 May 2020
Pandemic sparks new ideas for home collaboration devices
Vendors are looking to create new kinds of collaboration devices as businesses look to equip home workers with better communications gear. Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2020
Google fights back against Zoom with a free version of Meet
Google Meet is now free to all. But the video conferencing service still lacks essential features for business users. Continue Reading
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News
30 Apr 2020
Zoom could have far fewer users than previously reported
Zoom clarified its tally of 300 million participants counts users multiple times in some cases. The company also fixed a blog post that wrongly referred to participants as 'users.' Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2020
Zoom looks to give some users control of encryption keys
Zoom could soon give some customers control of encryption keys. The company is expected to announce more details in the coming weeks. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Apr 2020
Video conferencing encryption comes into focus
With more people working from home and collaborating via online meetings, video conferencing security among vendors and users has been thrust into the spotlight. Continue Reading
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News
22 Apr 2020
Webex chases Zoom, Microsoft Teams on virtual backgrounds
Cisco has promised users virtual backgrounds are coming to the Webex desktop app. Customers are calling for the feature that's already in the desktop versions of Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2020
Verizon to buy Zoom competitor BlueJeans
Verizon plans to acquire Zoom competitor BlueJeans for less than $500 million. The carrier wants to use the video conferencing technology to support telemedicine and remote learning. Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2020
With Zoom under fire, Microsoft rushes to boost Teams security
Microsoft is accelerating the launch of features meant to enhance Teams meeting security on the heels of widespread criticism of rival video conferencing provider Zoom. Continue Reading
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Video
14 Apr 2020
5 tips to get started with Zoom meetings for beginners
While online conferencing services can't fully replicate a face-to-face meeting, these Zoom tips can help employees make the most of their remote meetings. Continue Reading
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News
14 Apr 2020
Microsoft Teams to display 9 video panels, but users want more
Microsoft Teams will display as many as nine video feeds at once by early May. But some users say the change doesn't go far enough. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Apr 2020
How to approach livestreaming bandwidth management
Livestreaming bandwidth management requirements will differ depending on whether organizations use a managed video service or take a DIY approach. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2020
Lawsuits: Zoom misled users, investors on video encryption
New lawsuits allege Zoom misled users and investors by falsely claiming to use a more secure method of video encryption than it does. The suits also raise numerous other security and privacy concerns. Continue Reading
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News
08 Apr 2020
Microsoft Teams users want parity between webinars, meetings
The coronavirus pandemic appears to be increasing demands for feature parity between live events and meetings in Microsoft Teams. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2020
RingCentral dials back Zoom partnership with video app launch
The launch of RingCentral's new video app, called RingCentral Video, is a sign the vendor's long-standing partnership with Zoom is winding down. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Apr 2020
Video conferencing adoption surge highlights market trends
Amid the throes of coronavirus, organizations have relied on video collaboration. But, after the pandemic subsides, will businesses still use video as a fundamental workflow? Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2020
Zoom privacy: Vendor faces lawsuits over Facebook data-sharing
Two Zoom users are accusing the video conferencing company of sharing data with Facebook without permission. Zoom's privacy practices have come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2020
Businesses rethink conference room upgrades amid coronavirus
Conference room upgrades are largely on hold for now. Tech buyers say the coronavirus outbreak will change their priorities once employees return to the office. Continue Reading
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News
25 Mar 2020
Logitech webcams in short supply amid coronavirus pandemic
Logitech webcams and other cheap work-at-home devices are largely sold-out or on back order worldwide amid the coronavirus pandemic. Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2020
Coronavirus: Surge in remote work strains Zoom services
Some Zoom services are faltering under the pressure from a huge influx in remote workers. Service disruptions are up significantly so far in March. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2020
Amid coronavirus, Microsoft Teams users balk at video stream limit
Users working from home due to the coronavirus outbreak are complaining that Microsoft Teams can't display more than four video feeds simultaneously. Continue Reading
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News
10 Mar 2020
Lifesize and Serenova merge to create expanded portfolio
Video conferencing hardware and software vendor Lifesize is merging with contact-center-as-a-service provider Serenova. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2020
Evaluating video conference options: BYOC, kits, appliances
The varieties of video conferencing tools can be confusing. Let our expert help you gain clarity on how kits, appliances and bring-your-own-compute options work. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Mar 2020
Video key to coronavirus business continuity planning
Coronavirus business continuity calls for video to support remote work mandates. Learn the benefits of video conferencing and best practices for video meetings among remote employees. Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2020
Coronavirus impact: Businesses forced to rely on video conferencing
Companies are missing opportunities to connect on a more personal level with customers and partners as the coronavirus outbreak forces them to rely more heavily on video conferencing. Continue Reading