A review of the ISE trade show in Barcelona

We all know what it’s like—a terrible internet connection leads to all kinds of communication issues. Hybrid conferences depend on good communication, but the levels of frustration can quickly rise when the audio quality isn’t up to scratch. At this year’s ISE, Shure (well-known for its high-quality audio solutions) presented its new Microflex Wireless sets and room kits, underscoring the company’s efforts to develop intuitive solutions for hybrid conference rooms.

One example is a wireless microphone set that integrates into Microsoft Teams Rooms (via USB) and is always ready for use. The battery is always charged and the mic automatically establishes a wireless connection while the built-in signal processor ensures optimal microphone mixing and echo cancellation for crystal-clear and natural audio.

In larger rooms, these microphones can be easily expanded with Shure’s ceiling mics for an invisible and professional audio solution that means everyone is heard clearly.

What’s more, Shure introduced its room kits, which are complete AV solutions for all kinds of meeting spaces that come with Microsoft Teams Rooms certification. This demonstrates that Shure is no longer solely focused on audio, but increasingly concerning itself with complete and integrated meeting solutions.

Epson also had some interesting developments to present in their new, powerful 4K-enhanced laser projectors, which make large-scale projections more accessible and deliver much higher levels of brightness and flexibility for meeting spaces that need large projections.

A welcome addition to the portfolio is the short-throw model, which can be positioned close to the projection surface without causing shadowing or glare, and which are an interesting choice for hybrid workstations and classrooms that need a large screen without all the disadvantages of a standard projector.

The new flagship model offers 8,000 lumens of brightness and 4K enhancement and is an affordable option, not least because of its fixed lens. I’d say this is a good choice for businesses that want to make the switch from traditional displays to affordable and flexible projection solutions.

The best thing about these projectors is that they are much gentler on the eyes thanks to indirect light, but still deliver the same picture quality, and are perfect for businesses that hold a lot of presentations or long meetings.

The most impressive aspect of the fair was the integration of intelligent algorithms, machine learning, computer vision and AI. These technologies are rapidly advancing and are also helping meetings become more efficient while allowing users and administrators to focus on what’s most important.

Want minutes to be automatically taken during your meeting? Microsoft Teams Rooms has the AI agent, Microsoft Copilot built in to handle that for you, keeping track of everything, including questions, who said what and even linking action points. This means it’s more important than ever to ensure excellent audio quality in meetings—not just so that everyone understands each other, but so that the AI tool can use the audio data to create transcriptions, translation, summary or meeting minutes.

Logitech was also at the ISE, presenting its Rally Board 65 that stands out from the crowd with its impressive camera quality and versatile system. The all-in-one video conference system comes with a 65-inch touchscreen for an intuitive conference experience. AI-controlled camera technology ensures everyone taking part can be clearly seen with everything else blurred, while built-in microphones help keep attention focused on those speaking.

The camera can be mounted above or below the display to support natural eye contact and onboard AI makes sure it automatically focuses on the speaker or the group. This might seem like a small detail, but it has a huge impact on making meetings more realistic and pleasant.

One of the biggest things that stood out at ISE, was that sensors are playing an ever-greater role in the modern workplace. Logitech presented Spot and the Rally Board, both of which have sensors built right into them to detect room occupancy and measure environmental factors such as temperature and air quality. This technology will help businesses better manage their workplaces, boost efficiency and increase productivity.

Alongside AI, sustainability is increasingly important when it comes to choosing technology. Samsung is taking a huge step with its Color E-Paper displays, which have been developed to be energy-efficient alternatives to standard digital signage devices, using an extremely low amount of power.

The Samsung screens are available as 13 to 75-inch models and can even be used outdoors. They also boast a long battery life, wireless connectivity and can be managed remotely via an app to offer not only a whole raft of advanced technologies, but also support the more sustainable use of office space. What’s more, the displays are made from more than 50% recycled plastics to support a sustainable future.

Hybrid working should be an option for all businesses and that’s precisely what the Microsoft Teams Rooms Express Install aims to achieve—a new version in the Teams Rooms portfolio. This streamlined version of Microsoft Teams Rooms is a fast and affordable option to set up hybrid meeting spaces.

A set includes a 43-55-inch display, a desk stand and, for example, the Logitech Huddle or the Jabra Panacast 40 VBS Camera and can be used to quickly upgrade your rooms without impacting meeting quality. This new system makes integrating hybrid meetings much easier.

Platforms such as Microsoft Places and Logitech View make hybrid conferencing and room management easy as pie. These platforms:

• Combine intuitive software with advanced hardware, such as video conferencing equipment, room reservation displays at meeting room doors and occupancy and air quality sensors, among other things.
• Allow users to easily reserve desks or meeting rooms using an interactive floor plan.
• Ensure more efficient working and use of the office environment thanks to integration with Microsoft 365, real-time updates and data analysis of, for example, occupancy and usage.
• Also smooth the return to the office.

You might be thinking “this all sounds great, but it’s a far cry from reality in my company”, and that’s understandable, but it’s still worth thinking about how to integrate these developments at your organisation. Hybrid working and conferencing is not a fad, but a fundamental shift in how businesses collaborate with colleagues and external parties, so you should consider equipping your meeting rooms with solutions that are both intuitive and innovative. Whatever your organisation, there are solutions out there.

These include Microsoft Teams Rooms with Microsoft Copilot and smart cameras and mics. Not only will they ensure that employees have an enjoyable meeting experience, they also enable them to work together more productively and efficiently, leaving more time for tasks that really matter.