7 Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of Video Conferencing

Once viewed as a luxury, video conferencing has proven to be an indispensable tool for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Understanding the future of video conferencing is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in today’s market.

Technology is constantly evolving. Sometimes, the progress is gradual, while at other times, advancements occur seemingly overnight. In recent times, significant advances in the audio-visual industry have completely revolutionized how we communicate and collaborate.

Profound Technologies is a team of highly skilled AV specialists with over two decades of dedicated experience. You can count on us to keep you updated with the latest and greatest video conferencing trends. Let’s dive in!

1. Artificial Intelligence Takes Center Stage

Unsurprisingly, much of the innovation happening in this industry is powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Modern hardware and platforms use AI to facilitate a smooth, seamless video conferencing experience in a number of ways.

• Automatic Framing and Zooming: AI-driven technologies can follow and focus on active participants and ensure that all users are perfectly framed. This is even possible with complex, multi-camera systems that once required a human camera operator.
• Real-Time Noise Cancellation: The days of noisy meetings are behind us. AI-powered noise suppression technologies can reduce ambient background and distracting sounds, like keyboard typing or mouse clicking.
• Speech-to-Text Transcription: One of the more significant video conferencing trends is the ability of AI to provide detailed meeting transcriptions and summaries.
• Engagement Analysis: AI can use facial recognition technology to identify the emotional responses of participants, providing management with helpful insight into engagement.

We’ve only scratched the surface as far as AI’s role in the future of video conferencing. The technology is already incredibly powerful, and it’s only going to expand exponentially over time.

2. The Rise of Extended Reality (XR) 

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are game-changing technologies that are both classified under the extended reality (XR) umbrella. Although XR is often associated with gaming and social platforms, the “metaverse” is quickly emerging as one of the most compelling video conferencing trends for businesses.

• Virtual Reality: It’s impossible to fully comprehend the potential VR offers without experiencing it first-hand. Essentially, you wear a headset that completely immerses you in a 360-degree environment, making you feel like you’re truly in the room. 
• Augmented Reality: AR is similar to VR, but it’s only partially immersive. You can still see your immediate surroundings, but there are digital overlays. Imagine putting on a pair of glasses to read a document instead of sifting through a file cabinet.

Naturally, XR has major implications for video conferencing. Beyond facilitating breathtakingly life-like, face-to-face interactions, users can collaborate in a simulated workspace, participate in training simulations from home, or attend company events from overseas. The possibilities are endless.

3. Spatial Computing for “Hands-On” Interactions

Like XR, spatial computing is a video conferencing trend that bridges physical and digital environments. However, it’s not exactly the same. 

Although the technology hasn’t quite reached its full potential just yet, the future of video conferencing with spatial computing is rapidly coming to fruition. It’s a nascent technology to watch very closely.

Essentially, the difference between XR and spatial computing is the ability to interact with digital objects. VR and (to a lesser extent) AR do have “hands-on” capabilities, but they’re more limited and not quite as thoroughly immersive.

For example, with spatial computing, you could interact with holographic displays of colleagues within your office, right down to “shaking” their hands. You could pass digital documents back and forth and sign them when it’s time to close the deal.

4. Improved Privacy and Security

It’s not the most glamorous video conferencing trend, but enhanced privacy and security technologies are crucial for many individuals and businesses, especially those that communicate sensitive information.

• Blockchain Technology: The blockchain isn’t just for cryptocurrencies! Blockchain technology can be used to distribute data across multiple nodes so only authorized users can access it.
• Decentralization: Similar to blockchain technology, decentralized platforms allow users to avoid centralized platforms that collect and store data.
• End-to-End Encryption: End-to-end encryption ensures that only users with valid credentials are privy to conversations.

5. Integration With Other Collaboration Hardware

The future of video conferencing looks like a comprehensive system that goes beyond just video calls. Many video conferencing trends are directly related to other types of hardware and software.

• Digital Whiteboards: Digital whiteboards are just like traditional whiteboards, but they can connect to video conferencing platforms. This allows users to collaborate remotely in real-time.
• Shared Online Calendars: Shared online calendars keep everyone in the loop, reducing scheduling conflicts and providing reminders of upcoming events.
• Integrated Content Sharing: Video conferencing platforms can also facilitate content sharing and instant messaging so collaboration can happen within the same ecosystem.
• Connected Workflows: Combining video meetings with project management software naturally improves efficiency and accessibility.
  
  

6. High-Performance 5G Mobile Connections

5G networks are setting the stage for video conferencing trends that rely on mobile access. Being able to host high-quality streams with smartphone and tablet users is so important. 5G allows for 4K and 8K resolutions with life-like quality and minimal interruptions.

7. Cloud-Based Platforms

Although the cloud is relatively aged compared to other emerging technologies, there’s no doubt that the future of video conferencing will continue to make use of it. 

• Worldwide Access: Cloud-based video conferencing makes it possible for anyone to join meetings and presentations from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.
• Digital Infrastructure: Cloud-based solutions reduce the need for bulky servers and other physical equipment.
• Ability to Scale: Cloud-based platforms can host meetings and presentations of all sizes.

Level Up and Future-Proof Your Communications

These video conferencing trends are just the start of what’s possible! We understand that cutting-edge technologies can be intimidating. That’s where we come in. 

Profound Technologies is a team of audio-visual specialists with a passion for what we do. We’re here to assist you every step of the way. Not only will we help you choose the right hardware, but we’ll install, configure, and maintain it. We’ll also provide ongoing support as needed.

We know that every individual, business, and organization has its own needs when it comes to commercial AV solutions. Whether you require a basic home setup for video check-ins or a custom-tailored conferencing system with state-of-the-art technologies, we can transform your workspace.

Keeping up with the latest video conferencing trends isn’t always realistic. Partner with us so you always have AV specialists on your side to keep you informed. We’ll make sure the future of video conferencing is bright for your business. Contact us now for a free consultation.