Video conferencing continues to evolve from a conference room tool to a pervasive collaboration platform powered by advanced technologies.
The adoption of remote and hybrid work models changed the overall culture in most organizations and, in the process, pushed video conferencing technologies into the mainstream. With the technology now firmly entrenched in the business communication ecosystem, a number of enhancements will help drive even more innovative uses for the technology in 2025 and beyond.
Here are five video conferencing trends likely to benefit users in the near term:
AI-Enabled Collaboration
Artificial intelligence tools such as machine learning, natural language processing and text analytics are making video conferencing a more intuitive experience. For example, integrated digital assistants enable users to start or join meetings, call colleagues, access reports, manage calendars or share files with simple voice commands. AI-enabled multi-camera direction adjusts camera angles to give every participant a consistent image whether they’re working remotely or in an onsite meeting room.
Generative AI can produce meeting summaries so that participants don’t have to take notes. Some tools even provide in-meeting summaries so that latecomers or those who need to step away can catch up. These tools can tell if someone suggests a follow-up meeting and check the calendars of all participants for availability.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) adds computer-generated elements to real-world environments. The use of AR filters and virtual backgrounds for team video conferences is perhaps the best-known use of this technology. While this may seem a somewhat frivolous use, it can actually be important for making video meetings more enjoyable and helping participants remain engaged and attentive. AI-enabled AR can create backgrounds that improve the user’s surroundings by virtually “redecorating” the room.
More organizations are starting to expand their use of AR to offer remote assistance through enhanced video. For example, IT technicians can use the technology to guide remote users through repair and maintenance. A user can point a smartphone camera at a device, and the technician can use AR to demonstrate a series of actions to resolve the issue.
The Evolving Huddle Room
As organizations began to adopt remote and hybrid work strategies, many transitioned away from room-sized video conferencing systems to smaller huddle rooms. These spaces typically accommodate about a half-dozen people with high-quality A/V systems that can be used for impromptu meetings and rapid collaboration.
Although the huddle room hype has died down, its legacy continues to drive video conferencing strategy. The huddle room concept shifted the idea of video conferencing as part of a dedicated space to make it accessible anywhere from any device. While huddle rooms remain valuable as dedicated space for remote workers to use while they’re in the office, any space in the office can support video collaboration.
5G Networks
The greater speeds and capacity of 5G mobile networks are making it easier to connect with colleagues, customers and partners via video. 5G also improves the quality and reliability of those connections. With speeds 20 times greater than the 4G standard and significantly more bandwidth, 5G networks can support high-definition (HD) video and greater numbers of participants without delays, interruptions or latency.
Such performance enhancements are particularly impactful for telemedicine use cases. In the past, healthcare organizations had to rely on wired networks to gain the high-quality video necessary to deliver clinical care at a distance. With 5G, they can use mobile networks to handle video appointments.
Simplicity and Platform Integration
In the past, platform incompatibility often impeded effective real-time video collaboration. Because legacy platforms were built with proprietary technology, users operating on different platforms weren’t able to connect through a single interface. That forced people to use multiple apps to communicate with different audiences. Video conferencing systems were also difficult to set up and configure and didn’t always work with users’ devices.
Now, major cloud-based video conferencing providers, including Zoom, Cisco and Microsoft Teams, have APIs that enable frictionless transitions between platforms. Organizations that have standardized on Cisco video conferencing, for example, can integrate it with Teams, enabling users to switch between the two easily. These platforms also integrate with a wide range of cameras and audio kits and are simple to configure so users can be productive right away.
How to Choose the Right Video Conferencing Solution
Adopting a cloud-based video conferencing platform can be as easy as clicking a few buttons. As with any other technology, however, it pays to do due diligence and select the platform that will provide the most value long term. This requires an analysis of features, capabilities, integrations and licensing options.
Qualified managed services providers (MSPs) have expertise in both video conferencing systems and the networking technologies required to support them. The right MSP can help you implement a solution that leverages the latest advances to help you connect and communicate.
