Logitech's New Video Calling Booths Transport You to Another World - Without Leaving Your Home Office!
Logitech and Steelcase have teamed up to create a next-generation video-calling booth designed to make one-on-one video chats feel more personal.
Written by HYER NEWSROOM
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Logitech and Steelcase have teamed up to create a next-generation video-calling booth designed to make one-on-one video chats feel more personal. The booths use a centuries-old technique called Pepper's Ghost to create the illusion of being in the same place.
The pandemic has upended the way we work, learn, and communicate, with videoconferencing becoming a daily staple for millions around the world. But let's face it - as convenient as these tools are, they can often feel impersonal, awkward, and downright boring. That's where Logitech and Steelcase come in. The two companies have joined forces to create an innovative new video calling booth that promises to revolutionise the way we think about remote collaboration. Using a centuries-old technique called Pepper's Ghost, the booths create the illusion of being in the same room, even when you're thousands of miles apart. Say goodbye to pixelated screens and awkward pauses - with Logitech's immersive video calling booths, you'll feel like you're sitting right next to your colleagues, friends, or loved ones, no matter where you are in the world.
"We've been trying to solve the problem for a while of how do you make videoconferencing more human," says Scott Wharton, VP and general manager for B2B at Logitech. The booths are compatible with existing videoconferencing tools, including Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet.
Logitech plans to gather feedback on the existing prototype at the ESE conference and at a Steelcase showroom in New York within a few months. Then, the two companies intend to continue iterating the design, with an eye toward releasing a purchasable product sometime next year. Price points will depend on the exact design and form factors, but the companies say they want the system to be fairly affordable.
The system is designed to create a more immersive calling experience that could be turned into a product using existing equipment, rather than relying on future advances in virtual reality or other speculative areas of technology. Pepper's Ghost, in particular, first saw popularity in Victorian-era British theater productions.
Logitech anticipates the tool will be especially useful for sensitive one-on-one conversations, such as with supervisors and mentors, as well as potentially for job interviews, health consultations, and educational purposes.
"While the pandemic has led to a boom in videoconferencing, it's clear that people are still craving the personal touch of face-to-face communication," says Christina Vernon, director of distributed collaboration solutions and technology partnerships at Steelcase. "Our hope is that the video calling booth can help bridge that gap and create a more human connection, even when we can't be in the same room together."
The potential for Logitech's video calling booths extends beyond just improving the experience of video conferencing. These booths could also revolutionise the way we approach sensitive one-on-one conversations. Whether it's a job interview, a mentorship session, or a health consultation, these conversations often require a high degree of intimacy and trust between participants. The video calling booth creates a more personal and natural environment for these interactions, making it easier to establish that trust and build a deeper connection between participants. With the use of Pepper's Ghost technology, participants can feel like they are in the same room, even when they are physically separated by great distances. The booths' comfortable chairs and natural surroundings can help to create a more relaxed and supportive atmosphere for these conversations, which could ultimately lead to more positive outcomes and stronger relationships between participants. By creating a more human and authentic connection, Logitech's video calling booths have the potential to transform the way we approach these important conversations, both in personal and professional settings.
With its sleek design and innovative use of technology, the video calling booth is poised to revolutionise the way we think about remote communication. Whether you're looking to create a more intimate connection with colleagues or simply want to make your video calls feel more personal, the booth has the potential to transform the way we work, learn, and communicate. So why not try it out for yourself and see what all the fuss is about?
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