Owl Labs launches Meeting Owl 4+ to revolutionize hybrid work

Owl Labs has launched a new generation of its flagship hybrid meeting solution – Meeting Owl4+.

Meeting Owl 4+ is the latest all-in-one video conferencing device from Owl Labs. It includes a 360-degree camera, speaker and microphone with the ability to record 4K Ultra HD video for unparalleled clarity. Enhanced with the latest Owl Intelligence System (OIS) software, it supports wireless pairing of additional devices, enabling organizations to adapt meeting spaces to changing requirements.

“Nonverbal communication is crucial in the workplace for collaboration and understanding, and research has even shown that nonverbal communication is at least as important, if not more important, than verbal discussion,” he says Frank Weishaupt, CEO of Owl Labs.

As the hybrid workplace has evolved beyond meetings where everyone is in the same room, we need to get rid of outdated video technology that doesn’t allow remote participants to see and hear clearly during meetings. Meanwhile, today’s enterprises are evolving their offices and processes faster than ever to keep up with the pace of economic and AI-driven transformation.”

Meeting Owl 4+ expands Owl Labs’ offering to serve a wider range of clients, from small and medium-sized businesses to large enterprises. It can be paired with additional devices in larger areas and offers enterprise-friendly features such as simplified IT fleet management and customizable lighting and startup sound settings. This makes it a versatile tool that meets various organizational needs.

Meeting Owl 4+ comes with the latest AI-powered OIS software, allowing it to integrate with Owl Labs’ customizable system of connected devices to capture every aspect of the conversation. Owl Labs products can be configured in over 25 different ways, including center-of-the-room and front-and-center configurations.

For example, a company can wirelessly connect two conference owls to increase coverage, or connect a conference owl to an owl bar to provide comprehensive room coverage, creating a complete room solution.

“At Owl Labs, we create easy-to-use conferencing technology that is as agile as any other, from small businesses to the largest enterprises,” Weishaupt added.

Meeting Owl 4+ is now available in the US, Canada and Europe. For UK customers, the device is priced at £1,999 (including VAT) and can be purchased directly from OwlLabs.com, Amazon or through various third-party retailers and distribution channels.

More details about Meeting Owl and improved OIS software features

Meeting Owl 4+ is a customizable device suitable for corporate environments. It’s designed for quick and easy setup, taking less than six minutes.

It has an upgraded 64-megapixel camera that streams 4K Ultra HD video within a 3-foot radius, ensuring high-quality video. The audio capabilities are equally impressive, with powerful 360-degree speakers and smart microphones with a 5-meter pickup radius, which can be further expanded with an additional expansion microphone.

For IT administrators, the device simplifies the management of Meeting Owl devices through The Nest management tool, which provides features such as bulk registration and setting default configurations for a seamless user experience.

Improved OIS software now includes Silent Switching, which detects the direction a person is facing, even when silent, and seamlessly switches to the camera providing the best view.

The setup process is quick and simple, allowing for easy pairing of devices. The software is platform agnostic and provides compatibility with various video conferencing platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Slack and others.

Additionally, the Front + Center function has been improved to provide more precise and intelligent camera switching, capturing the best angle regardless of whether the participant is speaking or silent.

Compelling hybrid working surveys from Owl Labs

In recent months, Owl Labs has published some fascinating research results on hybrid working.

In March, an Owl Labs study found that more than two-thirds of surveyed managers allowed team members to work from home more often than required by company return-to-office orders (RTOs).

In the UK, 70 per cent of surveyed managers allowed remote working despite company RTO policies, indicating a trend towards ‘stealth management’ – a subtle shift towards the flexibility to retain talent within stringent RTO policies. Owl Labs suggests that this reflects a move away from rigid adherence to rules.

New April research found that almost two-thirds of hybrid workers (61 percent) felt pressure from the RTO’s cyclical mandate at certain times of the year.

A recent study by Owl Labs on hybrid work reveals a trend towards seasonal RTO mandates, where employers insist on on-site presence in the fall and winter, especially in September and January, affecting 17% and 13% of hybrid workers, respectively. This suggests a strategic pattern of RTO enforcement tied to specific seasons.