Global innovator of immersive solutions for enterprise communication, Lifesize, recently announced some new updates to its cloud video and collaboration platform. New features make it easier to set up and join meetings through refreshed connections with leaders like Google and Microsoft. The updates also elevate the meeting experience, with a new whiteboard application powered by Kaptivo technology, and upgrades to security and control.
Recently, Gartner research suggested that almost half of all employees will be continuing to work remotely at least some of the time after COVID-19’s pandemic subsides. This means that organizations need to provide ongoing support and tech solutions to enable employees to work from anywhere, while bridging gaps for collaboration and communication to workers who may be returning to the physical office.
According to CTO of Lifesize, Bobby Beckmann, virtual collaboration and video conferencing are essential productivity tools for today’s knowledge workers. As organizations make the shift to the hybrid workplace, Lifesize has decided to upgrade it’s roadmap accordingly.
Delivering New Solutions for Collaboration
The updated solutions from Lifesize will help users to work more effectively from home, the office, or anywhere else that may be necessary in these difficult times. Enhancements in the platform simplify starting, scheduling, and accessing meetings through a web browser, or an app. Features include:
- Unified login: A streamlined joining experience for guests and paid users accessing the service on any device
- Refreshed add-ons for Google and Microsoft: Updated add-ons are now available for Google G Suite apps and Microsoft Outlook
- Improved directory support: Now flexibility for bringing more visibility into directories, helping participants to join meetings and more is now available
- Call Me links: New personalised “call me” links are now accessible through the dashboard for Lifesize, allowing users to share their video extensions directly
Improving the Meeting Experience
Lifesize will also be providing new features to continue enhancing the meetings when hosts and participants join a conversation. New meeting layouts will give users the choice between active speaker, panel, and gallery views, alongside a new interface. Digital whiteboarding application access will be available through Kaptivo and raise hand capabilities will boost engagement.
Meeting hosts can search and sort through the participant list to see who has a raised hand to more easily identify and recognise in-office or remote participants. Group chat in all meetings will also be available, regarding of meeting type.
To ensure more peace of mind during meetings, Lifesize also added waiting rooms to the mix, so moderators can easily decide who should be able to enter a meeting and when. There’s also new moderator controls, like the option to stop presentations and remove participants from apps.
User permission changes allow admins to restrict the activities a user can engage in, while remote room system management allows for easy rebooting and password resets for all Lifesize meeting rooms.
Make the Most of Your Meetings
Lifesize’s latest updates are all about helping companies to discover the next generation of amazing meeting experiences. Whether you’re interested in branded Lifesize live streams, or you want to access system firmware for your users from a distance, there’s something in the update for everyone.
Users can learn more about how Lifesize is enhancing remote work on the company’s “What’s New” website section.
