Cisco has announced the launch of a major update to its popular meeting application, Webex, aimed at fully leveraging the technical capabilities of Apple's new iPhone Duo. The update focuses on enhancing the user experience in hybrid work environments by adapting the application interface to suit the device's innovative dual-screen design, thereby boosting user productivity while on the go.
Deep Integration with Multiple Display Modes
The new version provides high flexibility in usage, as Webex operates efficiently whether the device is open or closed, and in portrait or landscape orientations. The application also supports "Laptop" and "Tent" modes, allowing users to choose the most suitable angle for participating in meetings without the need for additional accessories.
When the device is fully opened, the interface allows for displaying a larger number of participants while maintaining the clarity of shared content, in addition to providing quick access to the Whiteboard. The application also supports Split View, allowing users to run Webex alongside other applications, such as email or a browser, to enhance multitasking.
Collaborative Features and Integrated AI
The update introduced an innovative feature called "Webex Mobile Camera Share," which allows users to stream their iPhone camera feed directly while in "Laptop" mode. This feature enables other meeting participants to see what the live camera is capturing and to comment or add annotations in real-time, which represents a significant shift for field demonstrations and technical collaboration.
In addition to hardware support, Cisco has added the AI-powered Webex Notetaker Agent to the iPhone application. The capabilities of this agent include:
- Transcribing audio conversations into text with high accuracy.
- Summarizing in-person and virtual conversations and providing key takeaways.
- Automatically creating action items to facilitate follow-up after the meeting ends.
What Practically Changes for Business Users?
This update represents a swift response from Cisco to the shift in the mobile device market toward foldable or dual-screen designs. For professionals, this update means transforming the phone into a complete workstation for meetings; one screen can be used to display content while the other is used for notes or chat, reducing the need to carry laptops for quick tasks. Furthermore, the integration of AI note-taking tools addresses the issue of information loss during intensive meetings, making Webex a smarter tool for managing workflows.