Owl Labs has launched the next generation of its flagship hybrid meeting solution, the Meeting Owl4+.
The Meeting Owl 4+ is the latest all-in-one video conferencing device from Owl Labs. It features a 360-degree camera, speaker, and microphone with 4K Ultra HD video for unparalleled clarity. Enhanced by the newest Owl Intelligence System (OIS) Software, it supports wireless pairing of additional devices, allowing organisations to tailor their meeting spaces to changing requirements.
“Non-verbal communication is crucial in the workplace for collaboration and rapport, and studies have even shown that non-verbal communication is at least as important as verbal discussion, if not more,” said Frank Weishaupt, CEO of Owl Labs.
As the hybrid workplace has evolved beyond meetings where everyone is in the same room, we need to do away with outdated video technology that doesn’t allow remote attendees to clearly see and hear during meetings. Meanwhile, today’s enterprise businesses are evolving their offices and processes faster than ever to keep up with the pace of economic and AI-driven transformation.”
The Meeting Owl 4+ expands Owl Labs’ offerings, catering to a broader range of clients, from SMBs to large enterprises. It pairs with additional devices for larger areas and boasts enterprise-friendly features like simplified IT fleet management and customisable startup lighting and sound settings. This makes it a versatile tool for various organisational needs.
The Meeting Owl 4+ is equipped with the latest AI-driven OIS software, allowing it to integrate with Owl Labs’ customisable connected device system for capturing every aspect of the conversation. Owl Labs’ products can be configured in over 25 different ways, including centre-of-room and front-and-centre setups.
For instance, a company could wirelessly link two Meeting Owls for expanded coverage or combine a Meeting Owl with an Owl Bar for comprehensive room coverage, creating a complete room solution.
“At Owl Labs, we’re building easy-to-use meeting technology that’s as nimble as they are, from small businesses to the largest enterprises,” Weishaupt added.
The Meeting Owl 4+ is now available in the US, Canada, and Europe. For customers in the United Kingdom, the device is priced at £1,999, VAT included, and can be bought directly from OwlLabs.com, Amazon, or through various third-party sellers and distribution channels.
More Details On The Meeting Owl And Upgraded OIS Software’s Features
The Meeting Owl 4+ is an adaptable device suitable for corporate environments. It is designed for quick and effortless setup, which takes less than six minutes.
It features an upgraded 64-megapixel camera that streams 4K Ultra HD video within a 10-foot radius, ensuring high-quality video. The audio capabilities are equally impressive, with powerful 360-degree speakers and smart microphones with an 18-foot pickup radius, which can be further extended with an additional Expansion Mic.
For IT admins, the device simplifies the management of Meeting Owl devices through The Nest management tool, which provides functionalities such as bulk registration and setting default configurations for a seamless experience.
The enhanced OIS software now includes a Silent Switching feature that detects the direction people are facing, even when they’re silent, and smoothly transitions to the camera with the best view.
The setup process is quick and straightforward, allowing devices to be paired easily. The software is platform-agnostic, ensuring compatibility with various video conferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Slack, and more.
Additionally, the Front + Centre Experience has been improved to provide more precise, intelligent camera switching, capturing the best angle regardless of whether a participant is speaking or contributing silently.
Owl Labs’ Compelling Hybrid Work Surveys
In recent months, Owl Labs has released several compelling pieces of research on the statement of hybrid work.
In March, an Owl Labs study found that over two-thirds of managers surveyed allowed team members to work from home more regularly than required by company return-to-office (RTO) mandates.
In the UK, 70 percent of managers surveyed have allowed remote work despite company RTO policies, indicating a trend towards “stealth management”—a subtle shift towards flexibility to retain talent amidst strict RTO rules. Owl Labs suggests this reflects a move away from rigid adherence to policies.
New research in April found that almost two-thirds of hybrid workers (61 percent) have felt pressured by a cyclical RTO mandate during specific periods of the year.
Recent research by Owl Labs on hybrid work reveals a trend of seasonal RTO mandates, with employers urging on-site presence during fall and winter, notably in September and January, affecting 17 percent and 13 percent of hybrid workers, respectively. This suggests a strategic pattern in RTO enforcement linked to specific times of the year.
