The game-changing nature of Cisco’s telepresence video conferencing tools have now hit the home. Today, the company announced the Umi kit that combines a console, HD camera and remote control for $600. The kit also has a service element with a $25 per month fee for unlimited chatting.
While these tools and service don’t have an immediate geospatial connection, the clarity and immediacy of the connection approaches a travel experience where you can be in the same room with anyone that is similarly connected around the world. The technology also has a sustainability connection as it provides a means to closely connect without the time, energy and emissions of travel.
Such technology may have implications for the meetings industry as well, as events could take advantage of this new low-cost ability to connect. For less than the price of conference attendance, individuals and companies can gain a whole new means to connect.
