Featured Article from Conferencing

Lifesize Opens Beta Testing for Redesigned Conferencing App

By Frank Griffin
Contributing Writer

Collaborative solutions are embedded deep into the processes of organizations. Although the technologies have been around for some time in different forms, it is only now that the full capabilities are being leveraged to improve workforce productivity. Mobile broadband, smartphones and cloud computing are three of the biggest drivers responsible for the growth. And video conferencing uses all three in allowing users to initiate and participate in conferences to collaborate with their colleagues, partners, vendors and customers. The newly redesigned cloud-based conferencing application by Lifesize is opening a phased beta program to test the platform for audio and video quality performance to further improve the collaborative process in today's workplace.

Lifesize has been developing technologies to connect people in the workplace for more than a decade. The company says it has created video collaboration solutions designed to address enterprises and small businesses by combining best-in-class, cloud-based video conferencing experiences with easy-to-use devices that can connect users anywhere. 

The phased beta program the company just announced is for the newly redesigned Lifesize app. This is a cloud-based collaboration platform delivering high-definition audio, Web and video conferencing. In order to achieve the new capabilities, the company says it created a new architecture for the application. The app now has a more intuitive user interface with functionalities to improve the overall video conferencing experience.

“Collaboration delivers amazing results for businesses. It drives creativity, productivity and efficiency and should be simple and intuitive. So, as we redesigned and rebuilt the new Lifesize app from the ground up, we collaborated closely with customers and users. As a result, the new app delivers an effortless meeting experience that matches the ease of use people have grown accustomed to in their personal lives, but with enterprise functionality, reliability and security,” said Craig Malloy, CEO at Lifesize.

The new features include easy navigation for Global Search with Smart Matching technology so users can search for contacts, meetings and room systems to find individuals or organizations in their circle much faster. The search capability is supported with an enhanced directory using an alphabetized and filterable contact list. This list can be marked with favorites, so users, meeting rooms and systems can be launched for quick access from the homepage.

Meetings have also been improved because users can now initiate a conference with an invite from the home screen using a chat message as well as other apps in the directory, such as email, calendar, link, or template. And when you are ready to start a conference, it is as easy as dialing a number to make a call.

Additional improvements include an onboarding process with an in-app tutorial, in-app updates and automatic updates, and in-presentation moderator controls.

Lifesize is making the first phase of the beta program available by invitation only. The company said this phase will be carried out to gather real-world feedback and further improve the app. When this phase is over, an open beta will be launched.