It seems not that long ago that webcams and microphones fitted on laptops were an afterthought. Something that was there out of necessity, but never treated as an essential feature. That's all changing in 2022 with a wide variety of new offerings from major brands.
Manufacturers are racing to become leaders in creating the best collaboration experience for users on many platforms usually combining hardware and AI assisted software. Devices are now able to create images and record audio at qualities that were previously not possible without an external webcam and microphone. Usually combining hardware and AI assisted software; devices are now able to create images and record audio that looks cleaner, sharper, and better than ever before.
HP New Dragonfly Series: Remote Work Focused
Let's look at the HP Elite dragonfly as an example. At CES this year, the company unveiled a new product line called Dragonfly that is focused on remote and hybrid workers. The main features are an upgraded AI assisted camera, automatic lighting adjustment, and top edge microphones. The devices in this series promise to deliver a better collaboration experience for workers on the go. Eliminating the need for external devices for those that want a premium conferencing experience.
Image Source HP Elite Dragonfly Notebook
Innovations From Lenovo
Other major manufacturers are also releasing similar products tailored towards remote workers looking for conferencing and collaboration enablement. Lenovo introduced the ThinkPad X1 carbon Gen 10. This device similarly features an advanced FHD IR camera, Dolby Voice with four mics and speakers to improve video conferencing.
Image Source Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10
Lenovo is also adding an all in one conference display called the ThinkVision One-suite Meeting Room. This is an all in one display and video conferencing tool that has a 4k detachable camera and eight array mics with active speaker tracking to provide crystal clear communication.
Image Source Lenovo ThinkVision One-suite Meeting Room
Included are tools for presenting, brainstorming, and collaborating remotely such wireless casting and a digital whiteboard.
All In One Solutions From Dell
Dell also recently introduced the ultra sharp 32 4k video conferencing monitor. It's the world's first 4k video conferencing monitor with an intelligent 4k webcam. A very telling sign of things to come. A monitor that is already equipped with a premium camera for easy collaboration.
Image Source Dell Ultra Sharp 32 4k Video Conferencing Monitor
The world of online collaboration, hybrid, and remote meetings is here to stay. We look forward to the exciting and innovative products that manufacturers will be rolling out in the next year. Going forward it will be interesting to see if built in cameras and microphones will become so popular that they diminish the need for external devices.
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