Owl Labs Through the Years: Evolving Hybrid Meetings for a New Era

The Birth of the Meeting Owl: Revolutionising Hybrid Collaboration

In 2017, Owl Labs introduced the world to the original Meeting Owl, a groundbreaking device that transformed how teams collaborate in hybrid work environments. The Meeting Owl was the first all-in-one 360º smart video conferencing camera, designed to make hybrid meetings smoother and more efficient. Featuring a 720p HD resolution camera, eight omnidirectional beamforming microphones with a 12-foot pickup radius, and a noise-cancelling speaker, the Meeting Owl set a new standard for high-quality hybrid meetings. Its easy setup and intuitive use made it an essential tool for modern teams, enhancing collaboration, communication, and productivity.

Meeting Owl Pro: Elevating Audio-Visual Quality

In 2019, Owl Labs took a significant leap forward with the Meeting Owl Pro. This update built upon the original's success by offering enhanced audiovisual quality and software accuracy. The Meeting Owl Pro featured a sharper 1080p 360º camera, a tri-speaker system, and an extended 18-foot (5.5 meters) mic pickup radius. These improvements ensured that every participant's voice was heard clearly, and the automatic speaker tracking and echo reduction features made the user experience even more immersive. The Meeting Owl Pro quickly became a favourite among hybrid teams for its ability to provide an inclusive and engaging meeting experience.

Meeting Owl 3 and Expansion Mic: Expanding Hybrid Possibilities

In 2022, Owl Labs propelled the Meeting Owl ecosystem to new heights with the Meeting Owl 3. Combining cutting-edge hardware with AI-driven software, the Meeting Owl 3 delivered the most immersive hybrid experience possible. The high-resolution 1080p camera with a 360º field of view captured every angle of the room with remarkable detail. Its eight omnidirectional beamforming Smart Mics enabled audio pickup from a radius of up to 18 feet (5.5 meters), ensuring that every participant's voice was heard. The Meeting Owl 3 also offered direct USB-C device compatibility, making it easier for teams to connect their devices.

Complementing the Meeting Owl 3 was the Expansion Mic, which extended the audio pickup range by an additional 8 feet (2.5 meters). This allowed teams seated at longer tables to optimise their space for inclusive hybrid meetings. Together, the Meeting Owl 3 and Expansion Mic redefined the boundaries of hybrid collaboration, empowering teams to communicate, connect, and collaborate with unparalleled ease and efficiency.

 

Owl Bar: Bringing Front-of-Room Clarity

In 2023, Owl Labs introduced the Owl Bar, a cutting-edge front-of-room camera, microphone, and speaker system. The Owl Bar offered remote participants a new perspective on all the action in the room, with its 4K resolution camera and 30 MP sensor delivering crystal-clear visuals. Paired with the Meeting Owl 3, the Owl Bar captured every angle of a room, creating a more natural meeting experience. This combination facilitated more face-to-face communication between remote and in-person team members, ensuring that everyone could be clearly seen and heard.

Meeting Owl 4+: The Next Generation of Hybrid Meetings

The journey continued in 2024 with the launch of the Meeting Owl 4+, Owl Labs' next-generation all-in-one collaboration device. The Meeting Owl 4+ featured a new 64 MP sensor, which outputted 4K Ultra HD video in 360º, combined with award-winning speaker-switching software and purpose-built enterprise features. Whether used on its own or paired with other Owl devices, the Meeting Owl 4+ empowered teams to collaborate seamlessly in any space.

As we reflect on the evolution of the Meeting Owl, one thing is clear: innovation and adaptability are at the core of Owl Labs' mission. By continuously improving immersive hybrid collaboration for teams around the world, Owl Labs has established itself as a leader in the field. For resellers, the Meeting Owl product line offers an essential tool for business clients looking to enhance their hybrid work environments. With each iteration, the Meeting Owl has proven to be an indispensable asset in the modern workplace, driving productivity, communication, and collaboration to new heights.