Can We Use Our Own Smart Devices To Run Our Meetings?
History of the AV design and integration industry shows a tremendous reliance on the sale and installation of proprietary touch screens/monitors for control of a presentation or meeting room. This was the only way to do it originally, but with the evolution of smarter personal devices there are other ways to control and present. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) gets continually debated by the IT group within companies and organizations. And this discussion goes nowhere without their endorsement or support.
We get asked consistently by our customers, “Can we use our own smart devices for control?” or “Can the system you design be supported by our BYOD strategy?” The simple answer is yes. Even if using proprietary control systems, each has created a way to, at a minimum, launch an “app” providing front end control of the room features (video, audio, environment, etc.).
The idea of using a personal device to both control and present is an easy one for us to promote. The comfort level we each have with these devices makes the adoption of new technical workflows and user experiences that much easier. What are you more comfortable with? The smart phone in your pocket right now or the 15” acme brand proprietary touch panel being passed around the table like a hot potato?
You will find a more complete view of BYOD from Vaddio in their BYOD and Group Collaboration whitepaper.
Additionally a BYOD strategy ties into the use of wireless technology; see our blog Should I Use Wireless for AV?