HP’s Poly has introduced Bluetooth direct technology to ease connectivity for virtual meetings on Zoom.
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Bluetooth direct technology was previously announced at HP Imagine in the autumn of last year, enabling Poly Voyager headsets to pair with certain HP notebooks.
Now, the leader in video and voice solutions is showcasing this connectivity upgrade for Zoom at Enterprise Connect 2024, which is running from March 25 – 28.
In a company blog post, Helen Sheirbon, SVP and Division President of HP Hybrid Systems, explained how its Bluetooth technology could improve user experiences: “People crave authentic connections, whether through eye contact, body language, or engaging conversations.
“As the hybrid work landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to integrate technology that keeps people at the forefront of virtual meetings. Our goal is to make hybrid work feel as effortless as possible.
Imagine the convenience of having your headset seamlessly connect to your PC without the hassle of adapters or manual setting adjustments as you start your Zoom meeting.”
Experience Upgrade
The Poly Lens Desktop App comes pre-installed on some HP laptops, which can automatically detect and pair to a Poly Voyager headset. A picture of the headset model will appear to provide users with confirmation that the pairing was successful.
Poly believes this Bluetooth capability will give users total control over call and meeting experiences, with the option to set preferences, use voice prompts, accept calls, access volume and mute controls, and initiate updates with a single click.
Hybrid work transitions can also be managed more efficiently without needing to add and remove dongles or USB adapters.
IT teams will also benefit from gaining centralised software controls for remote and mobile workforces.
They can effectively manage multiple devices using policy-based provisioning, actively monitoring device health for enhanced operations, and collecting usage trends to improve device settings.
Bluetooth direct technology for Zoom will be made available in July 2024 via an update to the Poly Lens Desktop App, and it will be available on Poly Voyager headsets, including the Voyager Surround UC Series and the Voyager Free 60 UC Series.
Smita Hashim, Chief Product Officer at Zoom, commented on the hybrid working innovation: “Zoom is committed to fostering innovation and improving the overall collaboration experience, and the introduction of Poly’s Bluetooth direct technology for Zoom signifies an important step towards seamless connectivity for hybrid workers.
Our growing portfolio of native experiences and Zoom-certified solutions with Poly is a testament to this dedication, which will enable teams to do their best work.”
HP and Poly are also enjoying an expanded portfolio of Zoom-certified devices, such as the HP EliteBook 840 and 845 G11 Notebook PCs that are now certified in Zoom’s premium laptop category.
The laptops come with HP Wolf Security and AI performance enhancements that add a layer of powerful security no matter where they are being used.
Sheirbon and Eric Krapf will discuss collaboration innovation, AI technology, and essential hybrid tools at a Keynote Fireside Chat at Enterprise Connect on March 26 and The Future of Meetings and Meeting Rooms on March 27.
