Zoom video calls can now be taken from Sony TVs: How will it work
Sony has announced that its Bravia range of TVs will soon support the Zoom for TV app, allowing users to participate in virtual meetings directly from their living room TVs. This is great news for individuals who are still working from home or have hybrid work arrangements. The Zoom for TV app integration will provide a convenient and immersive video conferencing experience, eliminating the need for users to rely on their computers or smartphones for meetings.
This development follows Apple's announcement at WWDC 2023 that FaceTime will also be available on Apple TVs through mounted iPhones later this year. These moves indicate a growing trend in incorporating popular communication platforms into home entertainment devices to facilitate remote collaboration.
With Sony's Bravia TVs supporting the Zoom app, users can enjoy the benefits of larger screens and a more engaging video conferencing experience. This integration aligns with the changing work landscape and the increasing demand for flexible and convenient communication solutions. It allows remote workers to participate in virtual meetings more comfortably and effectively, right from their living rooms.While specific details regarding the availability and features of the Zoom for TV app on Sony Bravia TVs are yet to be disclosed, this announcement demonstrates Sony's commitment to enhancing the remote working experience and catering to the evolving needs of users in the current digital environment.
To use the Zoom for TV app on Sony's Bravia TVs, you would need to purchase a separate accessory called the Bravia Cam. Unlike built-in webcams, the Bravia Cam enables users to have Zoom calls directly on their TV screens. It offers the convenience of attending virtual meetings from the comfort of your living room.
Once you have the Bravia Cam, you can connect it to your Bravia TV and set it up according to the provided instructions. After that, you can launch the Zoom app on your TV and log in to your Zoom account. From there, you can join scheduled meetings, host your own conferences, and engage in video calls just as you would on a computer or mobile device.
In addition to Zoom functionality, the Bravia Cam enhances the overall viewing experience by allowing you to adjust sound and picture settings based on your location and distance from the TV. This feature ensures optimal audio and visual quality during your Zoom meetings.
It's worth noting that the Bravia Cam is designed specifically for Sony's Bravia TV lineup, and the Zoom for TV app is available through Google Play. This development follows Apple's announcement that FaceTime will be accessible on Apple TVs using mounted iPhones.
With these advancements, Sony is providing users who work from home or have hybrid work arrangements with the opportunity to utilize their Bravia TVs for virtual meetings, offering a larger display and potentially more immersive experience compared to traditional computer or mobile screens.
To use the Zoom for TV app on Sony Bravia TVs, users will need to purchase a separate accessory called the Bravia Cam since the TVs don't have built-in webcams. The Bravia Cam enables Zoom calls and offers additional features to enhance the overall experience.
Apart from Zoom calls, the Bravia Cam can adjust sound and picture settings based on the user's location and distance from the TV. This ensures that the audio and visuals are optimized for the user's specific viewing position in the room.
In addition, the Bravia Cam introduces gesture control, allowing users to control their TVs without using the remote. With simple hand gestures, users can navigate menus, adjust volume, and perform other basic functions. It adds a touch of convenience and interactivity to the TV-watching experience.
The Bravia Cam also includes a proximity alert feature. It can detect if children are sitting too close to the TV and send an alert to ensure they maintain a safe viewing distance.
Furthermore, the accessory has a power-saving mode that automatically dims the TV screen when no one is watching. This helps save energy and reduce unnecessary power consumption.
Overall, the Bravia Cam is an external device that enhances the capabilities of Sony Bravia TVs. It allows users to use the Zoom for TV app, control their TVs with gestures, receive proximity alerts, and benefit from power-saving features. It aims to provide users with a more immersive and user-friendly TV experience, catering to their various needs and preferences.
According to a report by Engadget, Sony has announced that the Zoom for TV app will be available for Bravia TVs "by early summer." This means that users will soon be able to enjoy video conferencing through Zoom on their living room TVs. To utilize this feature, users will need to purchase the Sony Bravia Cam separately, as the TV lineup does not come with built-in webcams. The Bravia Cam will not only enable Zoom calls but also offer additional functionalities such as adjusting sound and picture settings based on the user's location and distance from the TV. Moreover, it will allow users to control their TVs using hand gestures and provide a proximity alert if it detects that children are sitting too close to the screen. The Bravia Cam will also include a power-saving mode that dims the TV screen when no one is watching. Shusuke Tomonaga, the head of Bravia product design at Sony, expressed that this partnership aims to enhance video communication and enable users to stay connected with their loved ones, whether they are working from home, learning remotely, or simply catching up with friends and family.