As the world continues to adapt to hybrid work environments, the need for effective and efficient communication tools is more important than ever. Traditional large meeting rooms are evolving, because organizations recognize that many employees will be attending meetings remotely. This shift has led to a rising need for agile spaces where a few ( 1-3 ) people can join a meeting in person with one or more online attendees. One type of spaces gaining popularity is the use of huddle spaces – small, informal meeting rooms, or areas, equipped with solid audio-visual technology. Research firm Futuresource reports that 68% of companies plan to invest in AV technology for small meeting rooms and huddle spaces.
The way modern work is changing all the time, is the reason why I wanted to write about Rally Bar Huddle. I have been doing device reviews occasionally, and this time I got advance information about what’s coming out from Logitech during summer. I haven’t tried this myself – all information is from press releases I was provided with. But I have used Logitech Rally Bar, for example, in meeting rooms (as Teams Room Device) and it has been a great experience (like almost all modern devices). And it is clear that requirements and needs for meeting spaces are changing – support for hybrid and agile work is in the rise and this is also connected to the future of work – and the metaverse – since in that era we will be working from multiple locations and in agile dream teams.
Scott Wharton, general manager of Logitech B2B
“Huddle rooms are popping up faster than companies can video-enable them,” said Scott Wharton, general manager of Logitech B2B. “We designed Rally Bar Huddle from the ground up to have the optimal AI functionality for modern equitable meetings while coming in at a price point that is affordable for every single huddle room out there.”
Enter the Logitech Rally Bar Huddle, a premium all-in-one video bar designed to deliver professional level (Built-in AI video intelligence and 4K image quality) video conferencing meetings in huddle and small rooms. Announced on May 24, 2023, the Rally Bar Huddle is the newest addition to Logitech’s family of conference cameras and is designed to accommodate up to six people.
What makes the Rally Bar Huddle stand out?
- Advanced AI features. Advanced sound pickup via six beamforming mics and AI-based noise suppression creates a natural meeting experience for remote employees. Through ongoing software improvements, Rally Bar Huddle becomes smarter with regular updates. Features like RightSight 2 provide Speaker View, which detects and shows the active speaker, and Grid View, which gives each participant equal representation by detecting faces and zooming in on each person. Integration with platforms such as Microsoft IntelliFrame and Zoom Rooms Smart Gallery ensures that everyone is seen and heard clearly.
- Easy deployment and set-up: Rally Bar Huddle can be deployed in three ways – with a dedicated Windows or ChromeOS computer, in BYOD mode, or in appliance mode without an external computer. It works with leading video conferencing platforms, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet. IT teams can quickly set up and monitor room health, deploy updates, and modify settings through the cloud-based Logitech Sync. Don’t underestimate also that IT teams can take Rally Bar Huddle out of the box and have the meeting room up and running in minutes.
- Customizable design: Organizations can choose from different colors and easy-clean covers to suit their decor or specialty settings, such as healthcare and education environments.
It will be priced at 1,999 EUR and the Rally Bar Huddle will be available globally in July 2023. RightSight 2 features are set to be available in Fall 2023. With its impressive array of features and ease of use, the Logitech Rally Bar Huddle is set to transform small meeting spaces and provide equitable meeting experiences for all.
Key Technical Specs:
- Dimensions: Width: 549.6 mm (21.6 in), Height: 78.9 mm (3.1 in), Depth: 76.0 mm (3.0 in), Weight: 3.9 lbs (1.8 kg)
- Compatibility: Works with leading video platforms like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Zoom
- Audio: RightSound™ and 6 Beamforming Microphones with a pickup range of up to 23 feet
- Video: Digital PTZ, image quality up to 4x digital zoom
- Mounting: Multi Mount for easy and flexible installation on a display, table, or wall
- Privacy: Automatic Privacy Shutter
- Cable Management: Clean Cabling and Secure Wire Management
- Device Management: Logitech Sync for cloud-based monitoring, updates, and settings
- Sustainability: Up to 65% certified post-consumer recycled plastic in components, FSC-certified paper packaging
By addressing the rising need for agile spaces in the era of hybrid work, the Logitech Rally Bar Huddle offers a powerful and user-friendly solution for organizations looking to optimize their small meeting spaces.
Vesa Nopanen - My Metaverse Day 