We are thrilled to announce that now you will have access to conference transcription on TrueConf AI Server! The intelligent algorithm will help capture every detail of the discussion and automatically generate a meeting protocol.

What can it do?

• Generates meeting minutes
• Saves speakers’ audio clips
• Provides access to protocols for selected users
• Creates summaries and brief extracts

How to start?

• Update TrueConf Server to version 5.5.1.
• Contact your account manager to activate the AI Server license.
• Navigate to the Extensions – TrueConf AI Server, enter our service address, and click Connect.
• Generate the key and provide it to your account manager. We will then connect your TrueConf Server to our AI.

Learn more about the capabilities of TrueConf AI Server in our documentation.

The post Test meeting transcription for free! appeared first on Video Conferencing Blog.

The origin and development of video conferencing as we know it today occurred in the 20th century, the era of bold experiments in communications that were not always successful. The extremely high cost and the vague prospect of using video conferencing technologies posed major challenges to its advancement. It was only towards the late 1980s, when PCs and the Internet transitioned from novelty to commonplace, that video conferencing began to flourish, entering a period often referred to as its “golden age” that continues to the present time.

The beginning of the video conferencing revolution

Video communication as we know it took shape in the early 1990s, a period directly related to the spread of the Internet and integrated services digital networks (ISDN). Given the relatively high costs of computers and the Internet access back then, developers were driven to leverage the full potential of the devices, including within the realm of video conferencing, despite the lack of readily available hardware infrastructure for widespread user adoption and advancement.

During that period, video conferencing was accessible through two types: corporate software and hardware systems and PC-based solutions designed for private use. Implementation of video conferencing systems within a corporate setting required substantial investments in hardware components such as video cameras, compression and decompression software, ISDN connection interfaces, and much more — they were all located in specifically equipped conference rooms and operated using protocols developed by the International Telecommunications Union.

Video conferences for personal communication were conducted using a PC with an inexpensive webcam, audio input and output devices, and an installed video conferencing application connected to the Internet. However, these systems were deemed unsuitable for corporate environments, as they lacked sufficient image and sound quality and lagged in data transmission owing to network bandwidth limitations.

By that time, the benefits of visual contact provided by video communication had already been appreciated by specialists from diverse fields — doctors, engineers, politicians, and scientists around the world. In the early 2000s, the United Nations used video conferencing during the trials of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, while in the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission embraced innovative technologies for conducting debates and meetings.

In 2001, during military operations in Afghanistan, Nick Robertson, a CNN international correspondent, conducted the first live broadcast using satellite video conferencing technology. Following this milestone, journalists leveraged the technology to transmit live video reports from Afghanistan to their headquarters for redistribution.

Since 2002, video relay services (VRS) for people with hearing impairments have been developed in the United States. Sorenson Media Inc., known for its video compression software, introduced an autonomous videophone for displaying video images on the screen, enabling those with hearing and speech challenges to communicate through sign language.

Video communication builds a new reality

From the beginning of the 21st century, video communication has surged in popularity, serving as a prevalent tool for both business and personal purposes. In this period, Skype, a free platform for video and audio communication, experienced widespread adoption. Skype’s “golden era” extended from 2003 to 2019. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in the use of video conferencing platforms, with Zoom emerging as the dominant choice in the private sector.

During the 2010s, prominent video conferencing developers like Zoom, Lifesize Cloud, Google Hangouts, and Google Duo introduced a new concept known as “cloud-based” video communication. This innovative approach resonated with the prevailing trends and enabled the maximization of emerging technologies. Instead of maintaining communications data on the company’s physical servers, these solutions stored the information in the distributed centers managed by the service providers.

By adopting this model, the costs associated with video conferencing solutions were significantly reduced, streamlining their usability. Tasks such as data storage, server maintenance, scalability, and system upgrades were now handled by the video conferencing providers, freeing customers from these concerns. However, this shift also introduced inherent disadvantages of cloud services, including a lack of direct control over the infrastructure and heightened data security concerns, as sensitive information resided on third-party systems.

The early 2010s witnessed a series of remarkable achievements in the field of video conferencing. In 2011, Cologne hosted the longest live broadcast, while on May 19, 2013, Daniel Hughes from Britain, achieved a groundbreaking feat by making a video call to the BBC from the peak of Mount Everest using his smartphone. Another significant event took place on December 12, 2012, during the largest telephone forum organized by the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, where 2 million calls were logged. Fast forward to 2015, Alex Weber and Rob Moore made history by setting a new world record for the longest continuous video call, maintaining their connection for 14 consecutive days.

At ISE 2014, TrueConf, an award-winning East European communication technology company, unveiled a pioneering video conferencing in 4K Ultra HD resolution. Subsequently, the developer released point-to-point video calls with this resolution, including even on smart TVs. Alongside TrueConf, Lifesize also played a pivotal role in advancing 4K video conferencing technology with the introduction of their Ultra HD video conferencing system, Lifesize Icon 700.

TrueConf video conferencing in 4K resolution. Source: https://trueconf.com/

Since the mid-2010s, there has been a growing need for platforms that go beyond video communication to provide a comprehensive suite of tools including shared documents, file storage, and various collaboration features. Microsoft introduced its Teams solution in 2016, which quickly emerged as a frontrunner in this domain by integrating messaging, meetings, notes, and document sharing within a unified workspace. This shift has resulted in the phasing out of its predecessors, such as Office Communicator 2007 and Lync, with Microsoft Teams positioned to eventually replace corporate Skype for Business in the foreseeable future.

Smartphones, messengers, and video conferencing

Similar to other contemporary technologies, video conferencing has progressed beyond dedicated video conferencing hardware and desktops, expanding into full-fledged applications for smartphones. To comprehend this transformation, it is essential to reflect on its history: back in November 1996, the Israeli company Mirabilis introduced the ICQ application, offering mobile device users a groundbreaking capability — real-time instant messaging without the need for sending SMS.

The innovation was approved by both users and developers: Yahoo! Messenger and MSN Messenger by Microsoft debuted in 1998 and 1999, followed by Apple’s iChat and Facebook Chat in the 2000s. These applications underwent enhancements, and by the early 21st century, they provided users with online communication, file and image sharing, personal and group chats. A pivotal moment in this advancement was marked by the inception of the mobile application WhatsApp in 2009, which swiftly rose to prominence and by 2014 had established itself as the leading messaging platform.

The proliferation of laptops and smartphones equipped with built-in cameras, coupled with the widespread access to the high-speed Internet, including mobile networks, facilitated the integration of video conferencing capabilities into mainstream communication platforms. The inception of FaceTime for the iPhone 4 in 2010 marked the beginning of this trend. Subsequently, with the onset of the pandemic, video communication via messaging apps became an mundane thing, as video calling was introduced on platforms such as Viber, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Slack, Snapchat, and even Instagram.

COVID and new outlook

2019 has marked a new beginning for video communication. Research conducted by analytical agencies such as Gartner, Frost & Sullivan, IDC, and others, pinpointed Cisco, Poly/Polycom, Lifesize, Google, BlueJeans, Microsoft Teams (including Skype for Business), Zoom, and TrueConf as the foremost players in the video conferencing industry. Three main categories of video conferencing solutions emerged: hardware and software endpoints and server systems, which are mainly used by enterprises, and cloud services, which are equally applicable for private communication and specific corporate needs.

Gartner Magic Quadrant for Meeting Solutions 2019. Source: https://www.uctoday.com/collaboration/exploring-gartners-magic-quadrant-for-meeting-solutions-2019/

Despite the growing popularity of cloud-based services, users were not yet ready to completely abandon hardware-based meeting room products. Nevertheless, software solutions continued to dominate the market owing to their innovative features such as cost-effective scalability for expanding user bases within enterprises, the capability to transform a PC into a video conferencing server through software, the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) concept enabling the use of personal devices in meeting rooms, and the option to install video conferencing software on PCs and mobile devices, among other advantages.

In response to the evolving needs of modern businesses, there emerged a demand for video conferences tailored for small groups of employees, often dispersed globally, rendering the traditional “everyone in one meeting room” setup inefficient. Boardrooms gave way to more compact meeting spaces for one or a few individuals. This shift precipitated another trend: AV manufacturers started providing all-in-one kits designed for huddle rooms, ensuring compatibility with various software platforms.

The 2020 pandemic led to drastic changes in the video conferencing industry, with remote and hybrid work modes being the main trend. These modes have become deeply ingrained in the corporate environment to such an extent that even post-pandemic, they continue to dominate as the preferred choices for a vast number of employees. This can be mainly attributed to the success of video conferencing technologies which were rapidly adapted to the new circumstances.
The healthcare sector has become a prime domain for the adoption of cutting-edge video conferencing technologies. Medical facilities have leveraged video conferencing services to enable remote collaboration among healthcare professionals, create secure red and green zones within clinics, and sustain ongoing interaction with global colleagues to expedite decision-making during critical emergencies.

Education has also embraced technological advancements: remote learning, online lectures and workshops have become standard practices for both students and teachers. Video conferencing platforms have progressively integrated a myriad of collaboration tools, streamlining the learning experience while preserving crucial aspects of social interaction for students. Nevertheless, the proliferation of video communication in educational environments has raised security apprehensions, culminating in the inception of the term “zoombombing”, that referred to unauthorized connection of outsiders with ignoble intentions to the conference.

The unprecedented surge in the adoption of video conferencing has had an impact on economics. Major players like Microsoft, Google, and Cisco have attained significant success on a global scale. During the second quarter of 2020, Microsoft’s global revenue from unified communications increased by 19.5% to $4 billion. It took Google many years to make Google Meet a competitive product for team calls and video conferences in 2020. Webex, which was acquired by Cisco Systems in 2007, saw an increase in sales of its solutions to $1.3 billion in 2021.

However, the main “star” of the video conferencing surge turned out to be Zoom, which has become one of the symbols of remote work during the pandemic. According to Apptopia research, on March 11, 2020, the day when the World Health Organization announced the coronavirus pandemic, Zoom was downloaded by 343 thousand people. The popularity of this solution was facilitated by its successful business model, offering four tariff plans, including a free one, making it affordable to a wide range of users.

During the pandemic, the global perception of video conferencing changed: the number of requests for server video conferencing solutions from state-owned companies, law enforcement agencies, large businesses, and medical institutions has increased significantly. This shift was primarily driven by the inadequacy of cloud services to meet high security standards and ensure data storage within the customer’s infrastructure, rather than in the provider’s data center, as observed with platforms like Zoom, Microsoft, Google, and others.

Self-hosted video conferencing systems emerged as a highly efficient alternative for cloud and hardware solutions, offering the required data security level while also being cost-effective for setting up meeting rooms and individual workplaces. This migration was largely facilitated by their compatibility with existing enterprise communication tools such as PBX, SIP/H.323 endpoints, and video conferencing solutions from various providers.

The high demand for video conferencing solutions prompted developers to respond to customer requirements. Consequently, in response to a 30-fold surge in requests during the COVID-19 era, TrueConf offered its server-based video conferencing platform license free of charge to all organizations. This initiative resulted in the issuance of over 50 thousand licenses, facilitating the connection of a cumulative total of 4 million users.

Nevertheless, even with the myriad benefits of server-based video conferencing systems, cloud-based solutions hold their own significance within the corporate realm. They are predominantly favored by small and medium-sized businesses, along with organizations with relatively lower communication security demands. Moreover, cloud solutions frequently excel in terms of flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency, particularly for customers who do not require an extensive video conferencing infrastructure. Therefore, when selecting an appropriate video communication system, customers are advised to prioritize the internal requirements of the company. This strategic approach will assist in making an informed decision regarding the optimal choice between hardware, server-based, and cloud-based solutions.

Despite the lifting of quarantine restrictions, remote communication remains relevant — video conferencing has become a common tool for communication and collaboration globally. The widespread adoption of video conferencing can be attributed not just to the aim of saving time and financial resources, but also to the necessity of adjusting to evolving business landscapes. Advancements in technology drive developers to integrate an expanding array of features into video conferencing services for various scenarios and enhance participant engagement in remote workflows. The findings of sociological studies are clear – despite the pandemic’s conclusion, employees are reluctant to return to office spaces, opting instead to work remotely from home.

The post A brief history of video conferencing. Part 2: From commercial premium service to “pocket” technology appeared first on Video Conferencing Blog.

We’re thrilled to announce that TrueConf has been recognized as a Top Performer in the Spring 2025 Customer Success Report by FeaturedCustomers, a leading platform for B2B software reviews and testimonials.

FeaturedCustomers evaluates vendors based on real customer feedback, market presence, and proven success stories, helping businesses identify top software vendors.

The Spring Video Conferencing Software Report examined reliable and user-approved products and identified TrueConf a Top Performer, underscoring our commitment to delivering exceptional messaging and video conferencing solutions that empower companies worldwide to collaborate seamlessly, securely, and efficiently.

The award from FeaturedCustomers reflects the trust of TrueConf’s users, as well as continuous product enhancement and enterprise-grade messaging and conferencing security.

The post TrueConf named a Top Performer in FeaturedCustomers’ Spring 2025 Video Conferencing Software Report appeared first on Video Conferencing Blog.

Why replace cloud messengers with TrueConf Server?

• Enhanced security & control: all user data and files are kept within your private on-premises environment under your full control.
• Safe data transfer: strong encryption of all corporate communications.
• Security сontrol: more than eight levels of user data security.
• Truly scalable storage: your capacity is bound only by your server’s space, not by recurring cloud costs.
• No size barriers: transfer files of any size without limitations.
• Mobile-first flexibility: native mobile apps with push notification support ensure seamless communication for frontline workers, field staff, or anyone without a dedicated workstation.

How to secure your 1,000 free online users?

For new customers:

• Purchase the Full+ Technical Support package (contact sales).
• Once activated, enjoy instant access to 1,000 online user licenses at no extra cost for 12 months.

For existing Full+ or Full Technical Support subscribers:

• Reach out to our sales team to claim your 1,000 online user license.
• The feature remains active for the entire duration of your Full+ Technical Support subscription.

The future of corporate communications is here: harness its power to unlock growth!

¹The offer is valid from 2025.06.01 till 2025.12.31.

The post Get your 1,000 online users to replace popular cloud messengers appeared first on Video Conferencing Blog.

Introduction

It’s been almost 50 years since in 1977, the first complex for interactive self-service, which is now known as “kiosk” or “information stand”, was developed. Based on PLATO computer system and therefore named “Plato Hotline”, this device enabled students to access information on extracurricular activities and college courses, as well as view maps, lecture, and bus schedules.

“Plato Hotline” interactive kiosk. Photo provided by The Industry Group (The Evolution of Kiosk Software, 2018).

In the 1980s, the developing of interactive voice response (IVR) technology, that was also used for addressing customer queries using automated menus and pre-recorded messages, prompted the emerging of the first devices to replace personal consultations with innovative and convenient remote self-service kiosks. In 1991, the first interactive touchscreen device with Internet access useda to search for missing children in stores and shopping malls was showcased at Comdex computer exhibition.

Self-service kiosks in the transportation industry. Photo provided by Advanced Kiosks (Transportation).

During the next decade, the interactive devices continued to evolve and scale up. Companies started applying kiosks for video rental, buying airline and movie tickets, searching for information in museums and amusement parks, ordering in restaurants, paying in supermarkets, and registering patients in hospitals.

Kiosks for food ordering in Hong Kong. Photo provided by Forbes (Self-Order Kiosks Are Finally Having A Moment In The Fast Food Space, 2019)

With kiosks, customers could perform operational actions themselves, but the lack of personal interaction showed that even self-service needs communication and consultations as most people prefer to interact with a real person.

In parallel with self-service kiosks, video conferencing has become the No. 1 communication standard, replacing real meetings. With the development of the Internet, digital technologies and the increasing demand for convenient and effective ways of communicating and receiving information, companies began to integrate audio and video conferencing into kiosks to improve customer service. This led to the audio and video calls in kiosks starting to appear actively in the middle 2000s.

Telemedicine kiosk for virtual medical consultation (NewYork-Presbyterian, 2017)

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed people’s views on the work and communication principles. 24-hour live service support became challenging. The need for constant professional connection and growing number of customers has pushed many industries to embrace using automated options to transform the customer experience and provide a faster client service, comply with social distancing rules and limit personal interaction, cut down long queues and save human resources.

Kiosks have become ubiquitous devices for remote service. Depending on the needs and purposes they can combine online consultations with a specialist, integration of additional peripheral devices, such as RFID readers for POS terminals, document printing, smart queue to name a few.

Besides, leveraging special software developer tools, SDK and API, expand the virtual assistant system capabilities according to the company’s requirements, for example, they help to integrate video conferencing into any existing application.

1. Banking industry

A customer uses TrueConf Kiosk to connect with a bank agent (Banpará Bank, 2017). Photo provided by TrueConf.

All modern spheres of the economy need timely digitalization, especially those that work with a huge number of customers or users. Kiosks have come to the aid of many financial institutions, but with integrated video conferencing, which allows providing bank’s customers with remote services.

This approach enables abandoning the maintenance of entire offices, reduces queues, and provides more privacy in communications between a customer and manager. At the same time, it is much easier for the bank itself to place a mini-branch with video devices and offer 24-hour support by an online consultant center, increasing the response speed.

Kiosks in financial organizations can be customized to the specific tasks, allowing customers to easily connect with a live agent via video-enabled kiosk using video conferencing platforms like Cisco Webex, Google Meet, MS Teams, TrueConf, etc. Such kiosks provide immediate and personalized assistance with advanced collaboration tools, such as file sharing, call recording, credit card reader, bill acceptor, and remote scanning and printing.

An individual digital branch with a 24/7 ATM (Bahrain Islamic Bank, 2017). Photo provided by TrueConf.

The kiosks must be connected to a secure network to guarantee the protection of the bank’s customer data, which means they require the use of a corporate video conferencing solution, often on-premises one that does not require a connection to the public Internet and guarantees secure data storage and transfer, as well as protects the safety of payment gateways and sensitive personal information.

2. Manufacturing and healthcare

The staff members of many hospitals, large-scale enterprises, as well as companies with high need for ID verification are prohibited to use their personal smartphones and other gadgets due to different reasons: strict safety and labor protection rules, restrictions connected with COVID-19.

The management looking for digitalized options can integrate special secure video kiosks with RFID/NFC authorization. This protects employees and ensures compliance with stringent security requirements. Two types of access are available to employees, doctors, patients, and customers: general, which allows them to connect to the first available operator in one click, and a secure RFID/NFC authorization, which requires a personalized card or a bracelet with an RFID/NFC tag to get access to the endpoint. The second type of kiosk access includes an emergency call button that can be used without authorization and an individual address book for each person, enabling them to contact management, remote employees, and relatives. Using video conferencing, doctors and medical staff can have an emergency call, a video call for consultation, or a call home from the “red” zone during the observance of quarantine measures.

TrueConf Kiosk Safety Version (SV) with RFID and NFC access control is used in the Bakulev Scientific Center for Cardiovascular Surgery. Photo provided by TrueConf.

Hereby, building a connection bridge between numerous areas with the help of contactless video-enabled kiosks provides an opportunity to isolate “safe” and “red” zones, protect patients and doctors, and prevent the spread of diseases. Moreover, applying digital solutions contributes to faster professional responses and optimizes workload in emergency situations.

3. Airports and stations

The number of passengers, flights, and routes handled by today’s airports and stations increases on a daily basis every year. A new reimagined approach of advising and assisting tourists requires an appropriate transformation to reduce queues, distribute the workload among employees, and improve the quality of services provided.

By implementing self-service kiosks and information panels across the building, airports and stations can digitalize working processes, facilitate customer assistance, and provide service to clients with special needs. This new system is designed for travelers who require immediate help in purchasing tickets, viewing flight, train or bus schedules, and simply finding their way around the building without the need to do extra laps looking for an appropriate consultant.

Additionally, if а video conferencing solution is integrated in such a kiosk, a communication hub between passengers and airport or station employees is created. People are able to contact the remote call center in one click and receive instant personalized multi-language support based on their trip needs and preferences.

Operators can highlight the important information during the content demonstration with an annotation feature and transfer a call to another assistant or even connect an additional person to a video conference for more customer-oriented service.

Cizgi kiosks empowered by TrueConf video conferencing solution are used in Istanbul New Airport to ensure an engaging travel experience. Photo provided by TrueConf.

In the realm of passenger service, an interactive kiosk is a secure, cost-effective, multifunctional, and user-friendly solution. A reliable on-premises software ensures that all call records and sensitive personal information will be stored on your company’s own server and protect your passengers’ data from cyber threats and system failures.

4. Retail and building

The recent dramatic changes in customer care have also affected reselling and building. Now businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance customer experience and boost sales.

The use of video kiosks is revolutionizing the way retailers engage with customers and streamline operations in various settings, from retail stores to a building under construction. Thanks to interactive digital displays powered by video conferencing, customers can receive professional services and connect with companies’ representatives without the need to physically visit their offices, or when it is not possible to solve issues via phone. At the same time, it allows the call agents to work remotely.

Israel Electric Corporation implemented digital self-service kiosks with integrated TrueConf video conferencing technology for high-class remote services. Photo provided by TrueConf.

Switching to a comprehensive model for customer care provides optimization to company staff and enhances company attraction: in standby mode, a slideshow with customizable photos (for example, of apartments), a video clip about a residential complex or a company overview can be cyclically played on the video kiosk screen engaging new customers in a two-way conversation. Besides, staff and customers have an opportunity to experience smart queue mode which distributes incoming video calls from different endpoints between free operators.

5. Public events and education

Video conferencing has become the standard of communication and we are the real witnesses of a certain burnout that has appeared. Many vendors are working their best to make our virtual communication more interactive and add the effect of a live presence. There are metaverses and different kinds of VR helmets, but kiosks follow their own path of evolution. Died in 2012 3D video conferencing now gained a second wind. Companies have started to develop huge projects (Logitech Ghost and Google Staarline) for three-dimensional communication, but still there are more versatile solutions.

Technology that utilizes a box with a 4K screen to showcase a full-size hologram eliminates the need for any specialized equipment for projecting a life-sized 3D holographic image of a person in real-time. By changing the design of the box and using 4K video conferencing solutions that enables the delivery of a high-quality video stream to an interactive display, users receive a real holographic video conferencing system that can even fit on their desks.

Along with utilizing such holographic kiosks for immersive communication, they are mostly used in spheres like education or public speaking which require to foster more meaningful and personalized interaction.

Currently, educational institutions around the world collaborate by hosting shared activities like lectures, webinars, and workshops. However, logistical constraints often prevent speakers from being physically present at these events. The participation of numerous speakers and technical personnel in organizing such functions can lead to various challenges and inconveniences.

Immersive video conferencing boxes for photorealistic interaction. Photo provided by TrueConf.

Hence, the technology that fosters ultra-realistic experience plays a pivotal role in facilitating interaction between a presenter situated in a different physical space and an audience. Creating a sense of live interaction with the speaker also increases the level of attention and engagement.

The post The journey of kiosks: transforming customer experience appeared first on Video Conferencing Blog.

In this article, we provide a concise overview of the major new features introduced to TrueConf Server, our corporate messaging and collaboration platform, over the past two years. If you haven’t updated from version 5.2.6, these enhancements might have flown under your radar.

Corporate messenger

• Drafts synchronization will allow users to return to unsent chat messages from any authorized device.
• “Typing…” status shows who of your team members is currently typing a message in personal or group chats.
• Read indicator will allow you to see who of the participants in the group chat has already viewed your sent message.
• Favorites chat can be used as a personal storage of files and useful messages.

Soon:

• Archive
• Chat folders
• Channels
• Chat pinning
• Chats in the browser

Video conferencing

Simultaneous interpretation

For international events and conferences with participants who speak different languages, we added a simultaneous interpretation mode. You can now connect professional interpreters to online meetings, which will allow listening to speakers in a preferable language.

Waiting rooms

We introduced a mechanism that allows distributing participants between a video running conference and a waiting room. When joining the meeting, users are automatically placed in a queue, and the owner or moderator can move them to the main conference and also bring them back.

Infinite layouts

We redesigned the built–in layout editor. Now you can hold an online meeting in accordance with any scenario, thanks to even more flexible configuration settings. Additionally, three new parameters are available to choose from:

• Windows with active speakers — a special voice activation mechanism (VAD) will bring actively speaking participants to the podium.
• Windows with a random participant are filled in by a randomly selected participant.
• Windows with users, shuffling in time — randomly selected participants who do not belong to other types of windows will alternate according to the parameters set in the Shuffling settings.

Real-time conference management

The owner and moderators of the conference can perform the following actions without interrupting the flow of the meeting:

• start, stop, and disable the recording on the video collaboration server
• set or change the entry PIN code
• edit the conference ID
• lock the meeting for new participants.

In addition, the owner and moderators can now extend the conference time without interrupting it. You just need to enable this feature when scheduling a conference, as well as set a meeting end reminder.

Conference chat in the browser

We expanded conference chat capabilities for participants who join the meeting via a browser. Now users can:

• forward one or several messages
• reply to messages
• select multiple messages
• edit sent messages
• copy the text of the message
• delete their own messages
• see the number of unread messages in the chat
• upload, view, and download attached files.

High-quality conferences and participants video bitrate settings

We increased the highest possible quality of video and content sent by each participant in a group conference up to Full HD (1080p) at 60 fps.

Besides, the administrator of the video collaboration platform can limit the resolution and frame rate of video streams and the content sent by each user to a group conference.

Audio remarks disabling

In the Moderated role-based mode, you can disallow attendees to give short audio remarks. In this case, the Push to talk button will be unavailable during the conference.

Integrations

Integration with corporate calendars

TrueConf conferences can be added to any events in the Outlook and Thunderbird calendars, using special add-ins to schedule meetings without distracting from the workflow.

You can configure the mail plugins and the event description template in the corresponding section of the TrueConf Server control panel.

Integration with DLP systems

To enhance the information security framework and prevent corporate data leaks, we integrated a module for DLP (Data Leak Prevention) systems using the ICAP protocol. The DLP system will analyze all messages sent by users in personal and group chats, as well as in video conference chats.

Licensing

New PRO users are allowed to participate in conferences, and all other features are available to online users, the price of which is significantly lower.

Online licenses are taken automatically when the user is authorized on the device, and PRO licenses are taken when users participate in group conferences or they can be assigned to a group of users on a permanent basis.

Other changes and enhancements

• We added support for VP8 codec for SIP connections
• We added support for Simulcast for WebRTC connections
• Security updates for 2023-2025 were introduced.

The post What do you miss out by not updating your TrueConf Server? appeared first on Video Conferencing Blog.

Dear Friends,

Happy winter holidays to you! We would like to recall the most significant highlights of 2024.

Why would you read this? To make sure once again that your communications are in good hands.

TrueConf’s technological journey

2024 was a year of remarkable achievements for us. We introduced more than 2,000 improvements, 7,000 enhancements, and 30 product releases.

The most exciting innovations:

• Thanks to the new technology of Distributed conferences, we succeeded in reducing the load in large conferences with participants from different regions and boosted the number of active participants in each video meeting up to 2,000 and more.
• A smart offline assistant — an on-premises solution for meeting transcription — was unveiled. TrueConf AI Server is a software and hardware system, which operates within a corporate network and facilitates automatic generation of conference protocols. Stenographing and summary ensure that you stay informed, even if you are pressed for time or missed a meeting.
• One more step into the future was made by launching a TrueConf-powered futuristic video conferencing solution. Our technologies were integrated with leading hologram companies — Eyefeelit and IAORA. The holographic effect is achieved with the available tools: you just need a green or white background, a 4K camera, a PC with our software and a transparent screen. No heavy computing and expensive servers to achieve a live presence effect.

• We released an application for immersive communications on Apple Vision Pro.

Recognized by analysts and user platforms

Thanks to the trust of our users, TrueConf’s dedication to innovation and excellence was acknowledged through our notable achievements and awards:

• Recognized as an “Innovator” in the Aragon Research Globe for Intelligent Video Conferencing
• Acclaimed us as a “High Performer” in the G2 Grid Report for Video Conferencing
• Named a “Top Performer” in the video conferencing category by FeaturedCustomers.

               

2024 major projects

In 2024, TrueConf solutions were chosen by companies across diverse industries globally.

The most striking projects of 2024 include:

• KIOCL, a leading Indian iron ore company
• Karnataka Bank, a private sector bank with 900 branches in India
• a virtual campus across 200 Maldives islands for Mandhu College
• Serum Institute of India, a multinational biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals company
• Elysium Pharmaceutical Ltd., a world-renowned pharmaceutical company based in India.

Inspiring events

This year, we embarked on numerous journeys across the globe, showcasing TrueConf developments at major industry-focused trade shows. Our team participated in 14 events in Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

TrueConf successfully brought together Indian IT professionals at our events in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru and debuted with the IT workshop in Vietnam.

We were happy to educate our users and administrators and present our latest updates and new features at our 7 webinars.

Thank you for your trust throughout the outgoing year. Let’s stride into 2025 together!

The post 2024 key highlights and new achievements appeared first on Video Conferencing Blog.

On November 19 – 21, TrueConf took part in the 27th edition of Bengaluru Tech Summit in Karnataka. The trade show served as a huge networking platform and attracted global leaders, innovators and technologists from more than 50 countries.

TrueConf team were excited to showcase our enhanced products that empower corporate communication and break the boundaries of traditional collaboration:

• TrueConf Server, our flagship product for seamless corporate communication, video conferencing and remote collaboration, which meets the security requirements of the public sector, large business, and law enforcement agencies
• All-in-one applications for desktops and mobiles which allow staying in touch with colleagues from no matter where you are
• TrueConf Room, a software system for managing video conferencing in meeting rooms.

Thank you for joining us at Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024!

The post TrueConf secure video collaboration solutions at Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024 appeared first on Video Conferencing Blog.

We are thrilled to release TrueConf Room 4.3.3, a new version of our software-based solution for Windows and Linux PCs and mini PCs, designed for managing video conferencing in meeting rooms. The update brings support for Ubuntu 24.04, authorization using AD FS, as well as other enhancements.

List of supported operating systems

• Microsoft Windows 7 SP1+
• Debian 11
• Debian 12
• Ubuntu 20.04
• Ubuntu 22.04
• New: Ubuntu 24.04

Updates and improvements

• The ability of authorization using Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) has been supported
• The issue that could lead to a decrease in video quality from some conference participants has been fixed
• The stability of the software-based video conferencing endpoint has been improved.

For a complete list of updates, check our changelog.

The post TrueConf Room 4.3.3: updates and improvements appeared first on Video Conferencing Blog.

On November 4 — 7, TrueConf participated in ADIPEC, the world’s largest energy exhibition, held in Abu Dhabi. This year, the conference brought together experts from over 20,000 companies.

TrueConf team introduced exhibition visitors to an ecosystem of on-premises solutions designed to meet the strict demands of the public sector and critical infrastructure facilities, such as those in the energy sector, for ensuring information security and independence:

• TrueConf Server 5.4, on-premises software platform for 4K UltraHD video conferencing and webinars, team messaging, and collaboration
• TrueConf 8, all-in-one desktop applications with built-in AI assistants to streamline collaboration and enhance user experience
• TrueConf 3.0 for Android, the major update of our mobile client application that allows fitting all the power of corporate communications in your pocket
• TrueConf Room, a software solution for PCs and mini PCs to control video conferencing in meeting rooms.

We were thrilled to connect with all ADIPEC attendees and introduce our advanced ecosystem of video collaboration solutions. Look forward to meeting you again!

The post TrueConf presented the power of video collaboration at ADIPEC 2024 appeared first on Video Conferencing Blog.