New features coming to Zoom: from virtual classes to sit next to each other in videochat to reaction and animations
The Zoomtopia 2020 online event announced new features coming to Zoom videochat. Following user feedback, the platform will introduce virtual classes and the ability to liven up chats with reactions, animations and sound effects such as applause.
The new feature for virtual classes is called Immersive Scenes and is reminiscent of the Together Mode already introduced by Microsoft Teams. The host of the meeting will be able to choose between the classic visualization of the participants in boxes, or insert the faces in a background that reminds that of a classroom, where they will all appear close together. Among the novelties there is also the introduction of reactions and animations to be used in the meeting chat. Finally, there is also a virtual waiting room by Zoom in which those organizing the meeting will be able to see the video of the participant before authorizing him to enter the group video call.
Zoom launches Immersive Scenes
Just like the mode already launched by Teams, now also Zoom will offer the possibility for its hosts to create virtual classrooms. The function is based on a system that, instead of showing the webcam frames of the individual participants side by side, zooms in on their faces and places them in a pre-set background, for example as in a distance learning class, where each participant will be seated virtually at his or her desk.
Zoom, from reactions to the waiting room
Online events on Zoom will be increasingly interactive thanks to the introduction of reactions and animations. Meeting participants will be able to use the new features to liven up the chat and the animations will include sound elements, such as the sound of applause.
In addition, security will be increased by allowing the host to view the participant's video before admitting them to the meeting, through a virtual waiting room. To see this feature active, however, we will have to wait longer, probably in early 2021.
Zoom focuses on artificial intelligence
Other two important features that are still in development involve the use of artificial intelligence. The first is Recording Highlights, which allows you to make recordings on Zoom's cloud and transcribe them by extracting key information, for example making it easier to review the highlights of the meeting, without having to watch the whole recording.
The other feature is called High-Fidelity Music Mode, which allows you to automatically turn on hi-fi mode to offer music playback in high quality and suppressing background noise. A feature that will be especially useful for online music lessons.