2021 will be the year of adaptability, after 2020 created a seismic shift in the global economy and the way businesses operate. The world changed drastically in 2020 for many companies and organizations alike with the spread of COVID-19. While many businesses had to cancel or change their modus operandi – especially those pertaining to live events, hospitality, and tourism – those in the AV industry had to suddenly pivot and figure out ways to adapt to the sudden shift in the professional and personal landscape. As it does, the AV industry used innovation to provide safer ways to implement services, installations, and solutions in a highly uncertain time.
With almost a full year under a pandemic, AV integrators enter 2021 with new operational standards and will use the strategies and innovations created in 2020 into the new year. Collaboration has always been key when it comes to the workplace, and with many workers having to work from home, Audio Visual solutions expanded both within and outside the traditional office. Digital communication no longer was a nice to have, rather, it was a need to have as social distancing became mandatory. Industry technology and its advancements allowed people to remain connected during a time when working together was unsafe in a physical sense. The ability to connect anywhere and anytime means that businesses will continue to look at new and innovative AV set ups in the workplace to ensure that employees can remain safe during the changing world landscape while working.
Established AV Trends From 2020
Crestron ONE App For BYOD Workplace Control
Touchless AV
Touchless AV refers to technologies operated without physically touching surfaces, remotes, switches, or any public device that may have come in contact with another person. These are often light switches, TV remote controls, touch panel interfaces, and door handles. An excellent example of how the world has adopted Touchless AV solutions is by artificial intelligence like Siri, Alexa & Google Assistant to have small tasks completed, such as increasing music volume or accessing current weather forecasts. Similarly, and in an even more advanced manner, Touchless AV can take many forms and can be extremely useful for promoting productivity and collaboration, especially in these wildly uncertain times.
Motion Over Touch
In the workplace, consider using gestures for access control. – An exciting and more radical use of motions in the workplace is the replacement of touch in big collaborative screens such as digital whiteboards. With the right design language and intuitive interactions, employees can quickly get accustomed to a Touchless AV system at work.
Motion Over Touch
IoT and devices like Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Cortana have made voice control a regular part of our lives. – This technology is here now, and it is readily accessible. Logitech Solutions for Zoom Rooms is an innovative collaboration between Logitech, Zoom, and Amazon Alexa, which has made it possible for businesses to control their meeting rooms through voice for a completely contactless experience.
Personal Devices as a Tool
One of the more useful solutions in limiting the virus’s spread is the use of personal devices such as phones, tablets and laptops to control and present within shared spaces. For the sake of a safe workspace, it is now optimal to enable employees to use their own personal devices. Technologies like QR Codes are rapidly replacing physical paperwork and instruction manuals. Now, QR Codes can even be utilized to enable employees to access room and office AV controls on their own personal devices. This all but eliminates the need for shared room devices. Companies like Mersive Technologies are at the forefront of collaborative solutions that allow for seamless wireless content sharing, video conferencing and digital whiteboarding and annotating designed for shared meeting spaces.
Mersive Solstice Pod Gen3 | Wireless Collaboration Platform
Sanitization
Keeping all screens and shared devices clean and germ-free is a necessity. Investing in sanitizing wipes is a necessity. If every staff member develops a habit of sanitizing screens before and after use, safety will drastically increase in the workspace. Another innovative way to increase safety is the installation of a sanitary digital kiosk in commonly used shared spaces. This device can measure staff and customers’ temperature from a distance and has touchless sanitizing gel dispensers. Studies have shown that a lack of touchless gel dispensers in the workspace increases employees’ chance of forgetting to wash their hands.
The Future of Touchless AV
A return to the workplace will happen. When employees do return, leaders will face a wide array of complex challenges. Touchless AV solutions optimize workspace health and safety, while promoting communication, collaboration and forward movement.
Video Conferencing
As we learn to adapt to these uncomfortable and challenging times, it is critically important for each of us to remain connected and productive. Video conferencing solutions are assisting us to manage in a variety of capacities.
Remote Work
The use of digital and mobile technologies to support remote workers practicing social distancing is enabling employees to stay connected with their peers, while allowing businesses to continue to support their clients. Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet are favorable and extremely competent software based platform solutions which are simple and easy for all to use – no matter, age, demographic and or location. As more of us become conversant with remote conferencing technology, we will discover new creative means of being generative and efficient anywhere and anytime. There is no better time than now to empower remote team members and take the opportunity to become proficient with this available technology. Logitech Video Collaboration solutions are leading the way with new and exciting technology releases for 2021 including the Rally Bar & Rally Bar Mini, to compliment their excellent existing portfolio which includes Meetup, BRIO & Zone Wireless Headsets. These innovative and powerful hardware pieces meet the needs of all remote business communication and collaboration.
Connecting with Friends and Family
Prolonged isolation can leave us feeling alone and has proven adverse effects on mental health. Video conferencing platforms such as Zoom are now being heavily used to enable friends and families to check in, share stories, play games and be face to face in real time. The added benefits of video allows one to feel human engagement, highlighting body language, tone and unique nuances of the individuals present.
Telemedicine
Healthcare providers are leveraging the power of video communications to link patients, physicians, and clinicians and extend the reach of healthcare. Shorter wait times and less travel as patients receive medical care are two major benefits. There is constant pressure to increase quality of patient care and the desire to provide new services, while at the same time controlling costs. Conferencing solutions, like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, are not only assisting the medical industry to flatten the curve but to streamline and simplify the way we seek support and care from practitioners.
Virtual Entertainment
With all restaurants, bars, sporting arenas, museums, theatres and social events cancelled, postponed and/or closed, we are really starting to feel the separation. It is glaringly obvious that music, sports, art, entertainment, and food really is the catalyst for bringing most of us together on a regular basis. As a result, there is a heavy reliance on entertainment that can be experienced while at home. There are many options to help distract, inform and ride out the isolation to help flatten that curve.
2020 was a year of volatility, with focused trends emerging towards touchless solutions and an emphasis on the switch to remote video communication in the workplace. Heading into 2021, no doubt more questions and uncertainties will present themselves, but the previous year has helped provide a blueprint for what may be needed in the AV industry in the year ahead.
Limitless AV provides custom collaborative technology solutions for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Our team of experts is here to help you make the transition to the new normal and navigate these uncertain times with confidence and safety. Don’t hesitate to connect with us for any questions you may have about audiovisual integrated solutions for your business’ specific needs. Continue to stay safe, and be well!
