telepresence

Overheard: Telepresence is the new magic word for videoconferencing

I’ve seen videoconferencing vendors trying to upgrade their offerings with high-definition media and larger screens to compete with telepresence technology. You can put wings on a pig and call it a bird, but it still won’t fly. David Hsieh, as quoted in Telepresence industry to pass $1 billion in 2013

Videoconferencing is out. Telepresence is in.

It’s been ten years since I’ve attended a meeting in a videoconferencing suite.  I remember it feeling like I was talking to astronauts on the moon. The audio lag was at least five seconds. 

The new telepresence technology is too pricey for small to mid-sized businesses, but just like in the old days — there will be telepresence centers where you can take advantage of the technology. Cisco has partnered with Regus business centers and HP has partnered with Marriott to make it happen faster.