News

Zoom unveils new innovations

Zoom has unveiled new innovations that it said will “power modern work experiences and celebrate the future of communication and collaboration”.

New offerings include Zoom Mail and Calendar. This product (pictured below) is launching in beta and means users do not need to leave the Zoom platform to access their email and calendar. Popular email and calendar services will be integrated directly into Zoom, meaning users can quickly access their communications and scheduling, and get their work done more efficiently.

The company also revealed Zoom Spots, a virtual co-working space. Coming in early 2023, Zoom Spots is a video-enabled persistent space, integrated within the Zoom platform, to help foster inclusive discussions, keep colleagues connected, and bring the fluid interactions of in-person work to distributed, hybrid teams throughout their day.

In addition, Zoom Virtual Agent, an intelligent conversational AI and chatbot solution, will be available in early 2023. This product uses natural language processing and machine learning to understand and quickly resolve issues for customers. It can be fully integrated with Zoom Contact Center and will also be offered as a standalone chatbot solution.

Zoom has also widened collaboration across Zoom One, with the all-in-one communication and collaboration offering bringing together Team Chat, Phone, Whiteboard, and Meetings. Among these new capabilities is the integration between Team Chat and In-Meeting Chat, creating an always-on functionality so users can flow between Team Chat and Meetings to reduce silos, keep projects moving, and continue the conversation after meetings.

Eric S. Yuan, CEO, Zoom, explained, “As global organisations are adapting to how, when, and where work happens, it’s crucial that human connection remains a top priority to drive business strategies forward.

“Zoom is purpose-built to make all kinds of connections possible, effective, and meaningful. Our team has built and launched more than 1,500 features and enhancements on the Zoom platform this year, advancing the way people connect with each other, their organization, and their customers—ultimately, opening the doors wide for creativity and collaboration.”

Zeus Kerravala, principal analyst, ZK Research, added, “There has never been more uncertainty surrounding the future of work than there is today. Work from anywhere, hybrid offices and other trends have created a complex set of questions that business and IT leaders need to address. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain and that is collaboration tools will be critical in keeping workers connected.

“Zoom has rapidly evolved from being a niche meetings company to a broad collaboration platform that delivers unparalleled employee and customer experience, and helps organisations address the current and future needs of work.”