Cisco is taking its Webex communications platform into the virtual world with the launch of a new augmented reality platform called Webex Hologram. To help colleagues communicate better across remote locations, Webex Hologram creates an immersive 3D experience for videoconferencing using augmented reality headsets.
The new offering plays into the growing trend for hybrid working and will also support teams in need of hands-on collaboration, such as design or training with a physical object. They can get together without having to travel or wait for device shipments, as Webex Hologram’s holographic capabilities allow participants to interact in ways previously possible only in-person. Cisco said the new product is part of its mission to deliver a work experience "so seamless that there is no gap between virtual and in-person collaboration".
Webex Hologram enables a feeling of co-presence by delivering photorealistic, real-time holograms of actual people. For participants, this means an experience that’s more engaging and realistic, as opposed to using avatars.
The meeting presenter can share both physical content and digital content that allows users to co-create and collaborate. With a '1:many' presenter experience, organisations can enable remote participation from multiple users. Each user simultaneously receives a multi-dimensional experience, as opposed to other offerings that limit usage to single angle views.
Webex Hologram is compatible with AR headsets such as Magic Leap and Microsoft HoloLens. It will be available soon as part of the Webex Suite.
Webex One: more new features coming
The new product was unveiled at the Webex One event, where Cisco presented the over 1,000 new features added to the platform in the past year in response to the growing use of videoconferencing. Some of the latest additions include new well-being and collaboration insights, more options for events up to 100,000 people, asynchronous communication options with Vidcast (now in beta) to support greater participation in meetings, and camera enhancements coming in the next few months to improve the focus on individuals and their gestures.
New desktop, whiteboard hardware, B&O headset
New hardware includes Webex Desk Mini to create a video desktop anywhere. This comes with a 15.6-inch interactive 1080p display, 64-degree HD camera, full-range speaker and background noise removal mic array. The Webex Desk Mini and Webex Desk with personalized colour options are expected to be available to order in early 2022 starting at USD 995 and USD 1,249, respectively.
For whiteboarding, the company presented the new Webex Board Pro, with integrated video conferencing, dual 4K cameras, directional audio, two active styluses and a choice of a 55- or 75-inch responsive display. The Webex Board Pro will be available to order in November starting at USD 8,995 (55-inch) or USD 14,995 (75-inch).
Finally, business users can get their own Bang & Olufsen designed Bluetooth headphones to use with Cisco platforms. The Olufsen Cisco 980 headset comes with integrated meeting controls, adaptive active noise cancellation, and IT management capabilities. It will be available in early 2022 for a recommended retail price of USD 549.
