I often am asked the question…..
“I understand that the best vehicle to use video conferencing is on a PC, mac or laptop. However, I would like to know if I can engage in a video conference with my 4G device as you demonstrated? If so, how can I try it ?”
This is an interesting issue because it gets to the heart of what one expects to happen within a video conference. The advanced tools that enable complex screen share, multiple participants, recording, two way interactions among a group, etc are MUCH better done on a larger screen and a true computing device, not just for video, but because of value of having mouse, larger screen and a more controlled audio environment. Its the difference between participating in a conference call when sitting at a desk or table and when driving in a car distracted with other things.
One of the two tools for virtual meetings within NowDox that I use alot is Citrix GoToMeeting with HDFaces which probably will have full mobile integration by mid fall. When citrix finally does that with this tool it will likely be absolutely phenomenal without glitches (ala citrix receiver for gateway apps on the droid and tablet, which is incredible). Cisco/Webex already has a nicely developed tablet app at least for the aspects of meetings without two way video..and that will evolve also
The other tool that I and colleagues in the NowDox virtual network use is Vidyo and it has a beta version that currently works nicely on the xoom tablet and droid phones, and will be out soon in the ipad/iphone also….and probably by late fall will be fully featured on all mobile devices and types, which will be a big breakthrough for those interested in always having access to high quality video-audio sessions.
However, that is not suggesting that participating in a meeting with complex information sharing and collaboration workflow is optimal from a tablet or smartphone. It all depends on the purpose of the “meeting” and group dynamic.
Then there is the multitude of personal/small group video chat apps…tango, oovoo, google talk on xoom, that are variations on a theme.
As someone who does a huge amount of video conferencing for meaningful personal or group interactions, my prediction is that alot of people might “connect via a tablet or smartphone” initially, but rapidly realize how nice it will be when, say in 15 minutes they can get themselves to a real computer with large monitor and controlled audio setup..and really have a meaningful interaction. Or, if they have to leave a meeting early and go mobile, but dont want to miss the last part of it. The more one plans to shift one’s workday to be on video interactions with people, the less one should be travelling around being forced to use smartphones and tablets for all this stuff anyway!!! (THAT is the real transformation in workflow, in my opinion….it is when people literally stop moving around in order to meet effectively with many different people in different settings!)
Lastly, I would suggest that carrying around a $45 microsoft lifecam that can be plugged into ANY computer in any location–laptop, pc, netbook, etc….enables any individual to always participate effectively in the powerful tools like vidyo/citrix/webex/livemeeting, wherever they are and can locate any decent computer with an internet connection.
That is ALSO mobile video conferencing in my opinion.
This whole arena is a moving target with advances in the devices, the connectivity and the applications themselves. But it is the cultural change among people and how they work (especially those who still travel all over the place just to make presentations to others) that will likely lag the technology!
Your thoughts and comments appreciated.
