Korbyt, a Dallas-based SaaS platform, enables enterprises and universities to deliver content intelligently via various devices, enhancing engagement and productivity. Korbyt will present new AI-driven features for its Korbyt Anywhere cloud-based CMS platform at InfoComm 2024, showcasing advancements that enable real-time, personalized content delivery. The company will also demonstrate enhanced integration with BrightSign media players and collaboration tools like Zoom and Webex.
Korbyt is showcasing its latest AI innovations at InfoComm 2024 to demonstrate how their Korbyt Anywhere platform can help organizations tailor digital content in real-time to specific audiences, automate personalized content delivery, and streamline content deployment with new hardware and app integrations. This aligns with their goal to enhance workplace communications and engagement across various screens and platforms.
Korbyt, the leader in enterprise-grade omnichannel workplace communications solutions, will offer InfoComm 2024 attendees an early look at some exciting new AI innovations coming to its Korbyt Anywhere cloud-based CMS platform. Visit Korbyt at booth #C6615 for a sneak peek at powerful new AI-driven features to help businesses, universities, and other organizations captivate audiences with unified, on-brand messages on any screen, anywhere.
“Tailoring digital content to specific audiences in real time has traditionally been unattainable for most organizations, but mainstream adoption of AI promises to bring this within easy reach,” said George Clopp, CTO at Korbyt. “We look forward to sharing with InfoComm attendees how our Korbyt Anywhere platform will evolve in the months ahead with new AI-powered features to help our customers automate the delivery of personalized content that resonates more deeply with their targeted audiences.”
Korbyt will also demonstrate new solutions developed in tandem with key AV leaders to make it easier for businesses to deploy Korbyt Anywhere throughout their organizations. This includes enhanced hardware support for BrightSign’s latest Series 5 media players, and new app-based integration with leading office collaboration solutions, including Zoom and Webex by Cisco.
Visit Korbyt at InfoComm 2024 at booth #C6615 and find us in one of our many partners’ booths, including Barco (C5309), Bluefin (W1377), BrightSign (W2101), Cisco (C6311), Crestron (C8100), iBASE (W3659), Screenfeed (W2276), and Sony (W2201). For a personalized consultation, schedule a one-on-one meeting to explore how the Korbyt Anywhere platform can streamline content delivery throughout your organization.
Boom Collaboration, founded in 2020, develops conferencing and collaboration hardware solutions for various meeting environments, focusing on smooth video and clear audio to enhance collaboration and productivity.
Boom Collaboration has launched the HALO Business Edition videobar, which includes expandable audio capabilities. This version features a high-performance videobar and an additional microphone/speaker to extend audio reach in larger rooms. It builds on the standard HALO, offering crystal-clear audio, 4K video, and advanced AI features. The new edition allows for multiple microphones/speakers to be daisy-chained, enhancing its use for larger and more flexible meeting spaces.
The HALO Business Edition addresses the acoustic limitations of traditional videobars, providing extended audio coverage for larger rooms and diverse use cases such as legal depositions and large boardrooms. This innovation enhances the overall meeting experience by ensuring all participants are heard clearly, regardless of their position in the room. The launch aims to accelerate demand by offering a convenient dual combo package, supporting Boom Collaboration’s vision of creating better meeting solutions.
Fast-growing video conferencing manufacturer, Boom Collaboration, has launched a new version of its innovative HALO videobar that features expandable audio.
The Boom HALO Business Edition includes a high performance videobar plus an additional microphone/speaker to dramatically increase the audio range in larger rooms.
Launched earlier this year, the standard HALO delivers crystal-clear audio and 4K video with enhanced AI facial framing and speaker tracking. Multiple additional microphones/speakers can be daisy-chained too.
Now to accelerate further demand the company has created a dedicated dual combo package, for added value and convenience.
Co-Founder Fredrik Hörnkvist says the Business Edition overcomes traditional acoustic limitations of standard videobars. It is ideally suited to a wide range of use cases where extra audio reach is required, such as flexible rooms, dedicated tasks and growing teams.
Game-Changer
“Our flagship Boom HALO videobar already features a 4K UHD camera, six beamforming mics and high fidelity speakers for a seamless collaboration experience,” he emphasized. “But as videobars are generally installed at the front of room there’s often limited flexibility for additional audio pick-up especially on a large scale.
“With the additional speaker/microphone, audio can easily be extended by a further three meters for each device. This is useful in many ways such as for legal depositions which are already proving very popular, or a quietly-spoken CEO who often sits at the far end of a boardroom and struggles to be heard. It’s a bit of a game-changer in terms of total audio capacity.”
Available in white and black colors, the HALO boasts many advanced features such as intelligent noise reduction, according to fellow founder Holli Hulett.
“There’s little doubt the popularity of videobars will continue to grow this year and the Boom HALO Business Edition will add more fuel to the fire,” she explained.
“With 120° wide angle field of view, 10x zoom and smart mic array, the HALO detects both participants and speakers in real time locking in on attendees. Six array MEMS microphones and a superior 4K lens with an eight megapixel CMOS sensor combine to create a superior solution for a variety of spaces. The additional speaker enables much greater audio pick-up for a truly exceptional and optimized meeting experience across a wider range of meeting spaces.”
Lossless Audio
She highlighted the videobar’s in-built audio quality. “High-fidelity audio with a 48kHz sampling rate and dual 10W speakers provide lossless audio and full spectrum sound for meeting participants. Acoustic Echo Cancellation and Automatic Gain Control further enhance the meeting experience and work to ensure full duplex quality at a distance of six meters.”
Bluetooth 5.0 allows for easy pairing with mobile phones and other devices. A user-friendly remote control is included too whilst an automatic privacy shutter is combined with the ability to disengage wireless connectivity for added security.
Hörnkvist concluded: “Our whole ethos is to create better meetings. Simply. This latest addition is another example of that continual vision.”
At Enterprise Connect 2024, Tim Albright from AVNation caught up with Dan Root from Barco to unveil the latest innovation: the ClickShare Bar. This revolutionary product integrates the ClickShare Conference core capabilities, allowing users to seamlessly control microphones, cameras, and speakers from their devices.
The ClickShare Bar comes in two variations: Core and Pro, with the latter supporting features like dual displays and wired room fallback. What’s more, each unit is equipped with a QR code for easy registration and a 5-year warranty.
Dan explained how Barco has evolved from traditional ClickShare to ClickShare Conference, catering to the demands of modern meeting spaces. With interoperability across various platforms and codecs, Barco ensures seamless integration for all users.
Curious to learn more about Barco and their innovative solutions? Visit Barco. Stay tuned for more insights from Enterprise Connect 2024!
In recent years, the audiovisual (AV) industry has witnessed a growing trend that is blurring the lines between residential and commercial solutions. I’ve written about it and argued with various industry pundits. Including industry associations. Resimercial is for real. But that term has sparked both enthusiasm and controversy among professionals. Resimercial, a combination of residential and commercial, refers to the convergence of AV technologies and design elements typically associated with homes and light commercial spaces such as bars, restaurants, and small offices. A
Home and away
Colin Clark, VP of Product at Russound, defines resimercial as an industry technical term used to describe products that could be deployed in both residential and light commercial applications. While the term may not be familiar to homeowners, it serves as a valuable tool for dealers and installers, indicating that a product’s capabilities extend beyond the residential realm.
“Resimercial can be a helpful education term for dealers, especially new dealers,” Clark explains. “When they see a product labeled as ‘resimercial,’ it helps them identify that it isn’t a product that is purely residential in scope and could be used for a commercial job. It opens up job opportunities when used with the dealer/installer audience.”
WFA with Resimercial
One of the most significant opportunities in light commercial is in conferencing. Video conferencing, UC, whatever you call it, is being installed in homes as well as offices. For those of you who work at home and in an office, don’t you want the same quality in both places? Having it be obvious you are WFH isn’t ideal. Whether that is audio or video, both should be high-quality regardless where you’re working that day. Commercial AV gear can be, and is being, installed in homes and the office.
On the other hand, using residential products in commercial settings is less common but not unheard of. Installers often rely on their relationships with clients and their familiarity with specific products when deploying them in light commercial projects.
Pro AV in Residential
Small Video Confernece
Tim Stevens, Territory Sales Manager at the Nutech Group, views resimercial as the blending of technologies typically used in residential installations with those used in light commercial installations. He points out that small businesses are enhancing their services and defining spaces with AV solutions such as video walls, videoconferencing, and improved audio systems.
“Homes boast an array of displays, cameras, and audio zones, all supported by a secure and robust networking infrastructure akin to what’s found in commercial projects,” Stevens says. “This crossover of residential and commercial technologies has created a rapidly growing resimercial market where residential installers can use their AV expertise.”
DIY or Resimercial
Entering the light commercial market comes with its own set of challenges. Installers must consider factors such as access, network administration, and the varying needs of unknown users in commercial environments.
Taft Stricklin, Sales Team Manager at Just Add Power, suggests that some in the industry view the term resimercial as describing basic commercial projects done by residential installers with mostly residential products. “I recently saw a retail store install and the products the integrator installed were mostly DIY products for networking and music. My first thought was the word, ‘resimercial,’” Stricklin shares.
Despite the debates surrounding the term, the resimercial trend continues to gain momentum. Integrators are increasingly taking on light commercial projects, leveraging their expertise in residential AV to create inviting and functional spaces in businesses.
Performance Considerations
Restaurant AV
Seth Johnson, Software Development Manager at Blackwire Designs, highlights the opportunities for both residential and commercial integrators in the resimercial space. “We’ve seen countless residential companies bring on board enterprise-grade networking and video products into homes. While these products may cost more and provide fewer cutting-edge features, their reliability and performance over time saves the integrator and homeowner,” Johnson explains.
Bill Hensley from RTI emphasizes that the focus should be on specifying a system that addresses the customer’s needs, regardless of whether a product is typically used in residential or commercial settings. “Whatever the project, whatever the vertical, the successful integrator is specifying products that best fit the need, not saying ‘this one should work anywhere,’” Hensley advises.
Aesthetics of AV
Joe Whitaker from Origin Acoustics proposes a redefinition of resimercial, focusing on blending the lifestyle and styling of residential technologies into commercial settings. “Turning a boring waiting room into a residential-style lounge is an example. Making spaces more about the people than the purpose should be what resimercial is all about,” Whitaker suggests.
As the AV industry continues to evolve, the resimercial trend is poised for growth. Integrators who can successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this blurring of lines will be well-positioned to thrive in an increasingly diverse market. By understanding the unique requirements of both residential and commercial environments and selecting products that best fit the needs of each project, integrators can deliver innovative and impactful AV solutions that enhance the user experience, whether at home or in a light commercial setting.
Resimercial or Light Commercial
The light commercial revolution is not just about the convergence of technologies; it’s about creating spaces that prioritize the well-being and comfort of the people who inhabit them. As the industry continues to embrace this trend, we can expect to see a more seamless integration of residential and commercial AV solutions, ultimately leading to more engaging, functional, and inviting environments in both homes and businesses alike.
Crestron’s Modern Work Summit brought together industry leaders and experts to discuss the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of the workplace. Among the key topics explored was the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming how we work and interact with technology. The summit provided valuable insights into how AI in AV is being integrated into various aspects of the modern workplace, from video and audio to natural language processing and productivity.
Modern Work AI
One of the standout presentations was delivered by Nicole England from Intel, who emphasized that we are at the dawn of an age where AI is everywhere. She highlighted the convergence of AI in our work and homes, with the PC becoming our digital meeting space, connecting us to content and colleagues. England also discussed the three pillars of AI: reactive, predictive, and generative, and how AI is moving from being a personal assistant to a personal agent.
The summit also featured a thought-provoking discussion from Andy Ellis on the challenges and benefits of setting up a modern workplace. Ellis emphasized the importance of giving employees choices and using AI to enhance their experience without being intrusive. They also highlighted the potential of AI in AV to detect trends in working habits, consumption data, and preferences over time, allowing for continuous improvement of the workplace.
Leveraging AI in AV
Dave Hatz, Kelby Green, and Dan Noulett sat down for a discussion about reinventing the modern office. The panel talked about the importance of focusing on outcomes rather than just technology. Organizations need to identify their unacceptable losses and work towards mitigating them. The panel also discussed three key opportunities for AI in the workplace: providing technical power to non-technical users, enabling personalization, and leveraging sensors everywhere. To succeed in implementing AI in AV, the panelists stressed the importance of clarifying outcomes, engaging specialists, and not waiting for perfection.
Crestron Modern Work Summit Craig Durr
Craig Durr from Futurum emphasized that people go to the office for collaboration, concentration, socialization, and learning. He argued that AI in AV will work best in the workspace when it’s not seen, seamlessly integrating into the background to support these activities. Durr also shared insights on how to make hybrid work effective, including recognizing the limitations of a “set and forget” approach, teaming up with HR, facilities, and corporate real estate, and utilizing hybrid work as a tool to support corporate goals rather than making it a goal in itself.
Meryn Corrigan from Microsoft highlighted the aspects of her company’s innovations. Term AI is not just a theory for the software giant. With Copilot, they are introducing tools to take notes, make meeting equity a reality, and leverage some AI in AV tools to make meetings better. Corrigan said Microsoft has released over 100 advancements and updates leveraging AI and looks to add more to the capabilities.
AI in AV work
Throughout the summit, it became clear that AI is not just a buzzword but a transformative force that is already reshaping the modern workplace. As organizations navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by hybrid work and the ever-evolving technology landscape, embracing AI will be crucial to creating a more efficient, personalized, and engaging work environment.
Crestron’s Modern Work Summit provided a platform for industry leaders to share their experiences, insights, and strategies for harnessing the power of AI in the workplace. As we move forward, it’s evident that the successful integration of AI will be a key differentiator for organizations looking to thrive in the future of work. By staying at the forefront of these developments and collaborating with partners like Crestron, companies can create workspaces that not only support their employees’ needs but also drive innovation and growth in the years to come.
Barco, headquartered in Kortrijk, Belgium, is a company with over 3,300 visioners, leveraging visualization and collaboration technology across healthcare, enterprise, and entertainment sectors. Barco has entered an agreement with Microsoft for Teams devices, allowing integration of ClickShare devices with Teams Rooms Pro Management Portal. This enables data access for IT managers, leveraging ClickShare’s extensive deployment for insights.
The collaboration enhances Teams Rooms management, providing valuable insights to IT decision-makers without disrupting user experience. ClickShare’s integration streamlines data transmission during Teams calls, optimizing meeting space management within organizations.
Barco has officially entered into an agreement with Microsoft regarding Teams devices. One of the initial outcomes of this collaboration is the integration of Barco’s ClickShare devices with Microsoft’s Teams Rooms Pro Management Portal. This integration will allow ClickShare devices to provide data that can be accessed through Microsoft’s platform, offering IT managers valuable insights into room and device utilization.
With over 240,000 ClickShare Conference devices deployed, ClickShare will serve as a significant data source for enhancing Microsoft Teams Rooms management capabilities and supporting future initiatives.
This collaboration aims to provide IT decision-makers with valuable insights without disrupting the user experience. When initiating a Teams call, the user’s Teams desktop client will identify the connected microphone, speaker, and camera through the ClickShare Base Unit and Button, transmitting the data to the Teams Pro Portal.
Moreover, when multiple users connect to the same ClickShare Base Unit, this information will be aggregated and made available for IT managers within the Pro Management portal. This functionality enables the registration and efficient management of meeting spaces within organizations.
BenQ, is the projector brand, uses TI DLP technology to enhance productivity, aesthetics, and user experience. BenQ offers professional installation solutions for enterprise, education, and entertainment markets. BenQ introduced the InstaShow VS10 Wireless Presentation System, enhancing ease and security for hybrid collaboration in huddle rooms. It features plug-and-play screen sharing, fast wireless integration, interactive collaboration capabilities, and robust security.
The VS10 prioritizes information, network, and device security, ensuring secure collaboration while enabling users to set up meeting rooms quickly and easily. It offers touchback control, two-way split-screen sharing, multi-device compatibility, and fast Wi-Fi streaming for seamless presentations.
BenQ, an internationally renowned provider of visual display solutions, announced the latest addition to its InstaShow® Wireless Presentation System (WPS) family, the InstaShow VS10. The VS10 builds on the ease and security first introduced in InstaShow but adapted for hybrid collaboration in huddle rooms. The VS10 features plug-and-play screen sharing, fast wireless integration to conferencing platforms, interactive collaboration capabilities, and a router-level chipset for robust security.
“InstaShow is the first and only WPS of its kind to prioritize information, network, and device security,” said Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development at BenQ. “InstaShow VS10 adds new features to ensure secure collaboration while allowing users to set up the meeting room to fit their needs. Whether they’re meeting in person or need to integrate with the room’s conferencing system, they can get started in seconds.”
InstaShow VS10 Starts All Meetings Quickly and Easily
The BenQ InstaShow VS10 WPS gets meetings started quickly and easily. Users simply click the button to cast directly on the meeting room screen without downloading drivers or external internet. It features touchback control, allowing presenters to control content directly from the room’s interactive display, and two-way split screen for two presenters to share content simultaneously on one screen. With multi-device compatibility, users can connect and present from their laptop, smartphone, or tablet. For hybrid meetings, the InstaShow VS Assist app seamlessly integrates an all-in-one video conferencing device and display within the same secure network, synchronizing video and display for remote participants. Fast Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) lets the InstaShow VS10 smoothly stream 1080p full HD video such as high-definition slides or streamed content without any lag.
InstaShow VS10 Layers on Security
InstaShow is the only WPS certified as having no critical and high-risk security vulnerabilities. The system passes CVSS 3.0 standards as tested by an ISO27001 and ISO17025 certified security lab, demonstrating its steadfast information security. InstaShow VS10 boasts a self-contained, isolated wireless network fortified with an embedded firewall, guaranteeing secure over-the-air data transmission and averting potential breaches or inadvertent leaks of sensitive information. Utilizing WPA2-Enterprise, including guest SSIDs, it establishes separate networks for employees and guests. This segregation of access privileges offers robust protection against unauthorized data access and sharing while ensuring guests can still present at a touch of the button. Powered by MTK Technologies’ router-level chipset, the InstaShow family creates ideal high-speed secure Wi-Fi zones to handle multiband and fast media traffic with internal isolation of wireless data channels. In addition, it’s fully compatible with HDCP-encrypted content via HDMI, which allows seamless playback of most audiovisual content protected by digital rights management.
Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 18,000 employees in more than 150 countries. Its consultancy and engineering practice is one of the largest in the world. The company works on a wide range of projects, from new buildings and infrastructure to the refurbishment and restoration of existing structures. Its portfolio includes a variety of award-winning projects from across the globe.
In 2022, Mott MacDonald embarked on a major refurbishment of its flagship office in London. As part of this project, the company sought to upgrade its meeting spaces to support flexible, hybrid work for clients and employees. The goal was to create a meeting room experience that would be equally well-suited for in-person and remote participants, while also empowering teams to collaborate effectively regardless of their location.
Following a comprehensive office workspace consultation in partnership with Microsoft, Mott MacDonald appointed AVM, a British audio-visual (AV) integration company, to design and implement a solution that met its specific needs. AVM carefully considered several key elements during the design process, including room layout, certified Microsoft Teams Rooms technology, BYOD functionality, network bandwidth and latency, and security from unauthorized access.
To address the client’s requirement for a future-proof solution, AVM selected Avocor L Series displays as the core component of the new meeting rooms, one of which is a dedicated Microsoft Teams Room. The L Series’ ultra-wide aspect ratio and high resolution provide an immersive meeting experience for all participants, both in-person and remote. Additionally, the L Series’ large screen size and wide viewing angles make it easy for everyone in the rooms to see and interact with the content on display.
To further enhance the meeting room experience, AVM also integrated Logitech videoconferencing solutions, Airtame screen and data sharing capabilities, and a range of other Microsoft Teams Room certified peripherals and cabling. Additionally, AVM provided comprehensive training to Mott MacDonald users on how to get the most out of the new meeting rooms, ensuring a smooth transition and optimal utilization of the technology.
The implementation of Avocor L Series Displays and the wider audio-visual solution designed by AVM has resulted in a number of tangible benefits for Mott MacDonald:
The immersive experience created by the displays has led to increased engagement and collaboration among meeting participants, both in-person and remote.
The large screen size and wide viewing angles make it easier for everyone in the room to see and interact with content, boosting productivity and efficiency.
The displays help to reduce the costs associated with Microsoft Teams Rooms by eliminating the need for multiple displays.
The displays maximize daylight which has contributed to an improved work environment and enhanced well-being for staff.
The L Series displays have played a pivotal role in transforming Mott MacDonald’s meeting spaces into hubs for flexible, hybrid work. The solution has not only met the company’s specific needs but has also exceeded expectations, delivering a range of tangible benefits that have positively impacted employee engagement, productivity, cost savings, and well-being.
“The Avocor L Series Displays have been a game-changer for our meeting rooms, providing an immersive and productive experience for all participants, both in-person and remote, commented Davina Sandberg, Project Manager, Mott MacDonald. “We are confident that these displays will continue to support our hybrid work strategy and enhance collaboration across our teams.”
Barco, headquartered in Kortrijk, Belgium, is a company with over 3,300 visioneers, leveraging visualization and collaboration technology across healthcare, enterprise, and entertainment sectors.
Barco has partnered with Microsoft to empower ClickShare devices to contribute data to Microsoft’s Teams Rooms Pro Management portal, delivering crucial insights into room and device usage for IT managers.
The collaboration between Barco and Microsoft aims to integrate ClickShare devices with Teams, streamlining meeting room management. This partnership addresses the growing demand for meeting analytics tools, supports the Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM) concept, and enhances the user experience, all while aligning with evolving workforce needs. Barco, a global leader in meeting room technology, announces it has formally entered into an agreement with Microsoft around Teams devices. As a first outcome of the agreement, Barco will enable ClickShare devices to provide data that will be available through Microsoft’s Teams Rooms Pro Management portal, and through tPro Portal to offer IT managers rich insights into room and device utilization.
Research by Frost & Sullivan1 reports there is greater adoption of meeting insights and analytics tools to gain a better understanding of space utilization, performance, and engagement, with 76% of the decision-makers indicating this is a key capability. Companies are looking into implementing emerging technologies that provide insights on the workspace and meeting room utilization.
Today’s workforce has become accustomed to the Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM) or Bring your own Device (BYOD) concept in meeting rooms. The Barco ClickShare solution enables users to host calls from their own laptop with their preferred video conferencing platform, using the audio and video equipment in the meeting room. ClickShare has been leading the market with its wireless BYOM approach, as market research company Futuresource Consulting has previously estimated that ClickShare’s portfolio makes up over 50% of the global wireless conferencing market.
With more than 240,000 ClickShare Conference devices in the field, ClickShare will be a significant data source for Microsoft Teams Rooms management capabilities and will feed into future initiatives. This first step provides valuable insights for IT decision makers without changing the user experience. When initiating a Teams call, the user’s Teams desktop client identifies the connected microphone, speaker, and camera via the ClickShare Base Unit and Button, passing the data into the Teams Pro Portal. Once multiple users have connected to the same ClickShare Base Unit, the information is populated for IT managers as a potential shared space within the Pro Management portal, enabling registration and management of the meeting space.
“ClickShare has always put the user at the heart of the experience, while guaranteeing IT managers have the necessary insights to equip meeting rooms in the most optimal way,” said Jan van Houtte, Head of Product at Barco. “Through this integration, Microsoft and Barco will work together to build easy management systems at scale for their customers. The joint forces in the Shared Spaces initiative are a first yet crucial step to explore market opportunities and establish a future portfolio.”
“Barco shares a clear focus with Microsoft on creating the best meeting experience. This focus drives our decision making, strategy, and partnerships, which has led us to take this step,” said Dan Root, Head of Global Strategic Alliances at Barco. “We are very pleased to be a part of the Microsoft Teams Devices ecosystem, and to bring Microsoft into our partnership program. Through this collaboration we will work together to build industry-leading solutions that take collaboration to the next level.”
Logitech, a Swiss company founded in 1981, designs hardware and software solutions for businesses and individuals to pursue their passions in a sustainable manner. The company’s brands include Logitech, Logitech G, Streamlabs, and Ultimate Ears. Logitech is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and Nasdaq Global Select Market.
Logitech has announced that all video collaboration devices on the CollabOS operating system will be made from next-life plastics, aiming to support sustainability objectives. The refresh of existing products, including Rally Bar, Rally Bar Mini, Tap IP, Tap Scheduler, and Scribe, will help organizations manage their carbon footprint.
The move aligns with Logitech’s Design for Sustainability (DfS) principles, which aim to reduce carbon footprints and promote circular materials like post-consumer recycled plastics. The initiative aims to help enterprise customers manage their carbon footprint while maintaining product quality and performance, addressing environmental impact and meeting sustainability goals. Today, Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) announced that all video collaboration devices that run on the CollabOS operating system will now be manufactured with next-life plastics, helping enterprise customers support their sustainability objectives. Existing products– Rally Bar, Rally Bar Mini, Tap IP, Tap Scheduler, and Scribe– are being refreshed with materials that lower the carbon impact of each product. This provides organizations with a partner that in turn helps position them to better manage their carbon footprint.
“By transitioning our portfolio of conference room devices to a lower product carbon footprint, we are helping other companies navigate their sustainability challenges,” said Prakash runkundrum, Chief Operating Officer at Logitech. “We’re not only designing and manufacturing new products with recycled plastic and other lower carbon materials, but refreshing existing products to provide IT leaders with a new way to evaluate their workplace technology investment in conference room systems – one that includes people and planet. We do this without increasing prices or compromising the highest quality and performance companies expect from Logitech.”
Efforts to reduce negative environmental impact have rapidly become a business imperative. In a recent survey of IT professionals by analyst firm Frost & Sullivan, 65% say that becoming a leader in environmental, social, governance and sustainability practices is a critical or very important business objective in the coming year.
Applying Design for Sustainability (DfS) principles to Logitech’s video collaboration portfolio means that Logitech customers can outfit entire conference rooms– including Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms–with technology designed with sustainability in mind. This development expands on the progress already achieved with personal workstation peripherals such webcams, headsets, mice, and keyboards.
Design for Sustainability (DfS)
A key tenet of DfS is the use of circular materials that can be recovered from the waste stream and given a second life, including post-consumer recycled plastics (PCR) that Logitech calls “next life plastics.”
Newer conference room products like Logitech Sight use:
Minimum of 50% certified recycled plastic21% reduction in carbon footprint***
1,400tCO2e avoided carbon per 100,000 units (enough to drive around the Earth
approximately 131 times†)
Additionally, Logitech video conferencing products have:
Low carbon aluminum made with renewable energy rather than fossil fuels
Packaging from FSC®-certified forests and other controlled sources
100% recycled fabrics in the Rally Bar family
Option to collect and recycle old video conferencing equipment via Logitech Select
Power saving modes that can potentially reduce Rally Bar and Rally Bar Mini’s carbon
impact by 1.65 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent**
Opening Access for Greater Impact
Logitech has decreased its Scope 3 emissions by 21% in 2022 with the goal of removing more carbon than it creates by 2030.
To drive carbon reduction at an even bigger scale and stimulate industry-wide progress, Logitech is offering to openly share its DfS principles, tools and its knowledge of how to incorporate more sustainable materials in the manufacturing process with any organizations in the consumer technology industry interested in increasing their sustainability efforts. For a consultation on how to incorporate more sustainable materials into your manufacturing process, contact sustainability@logitech.com.
Transparency and Accountability
As more companies hold themselves accountable for measurably reducing their carbon impact, they increasingly seek out technology vendors who provide transparency via key performance indicators, reporting, and third party certifications. Logitech is on track to achieve its 2025 target of having a product carbon footprint for every product in its portfolio, making it easier for company technology buyers to make informed decisions about–and report on– the scope of their impact when outfitting their global workforces for meeting rooms, personal workstations, and flex desking. Logitech annually reports on its progress toward its Climate Action goals in the 2023 Impact Report.
Availability
Availability timing varies depending on supply of existing products in each geography. Logitech business products made with Next Life Plastic, and their availability, can be found here. For more information on the Logitech Select collect-and-recycle program, contact
collect-recycle@logitech.com.
