Google Hangouts (Classic) vs. Zoom Workplace

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Google Hangouts (Classic)
Score 8.6 out of 10
N/A
The classic version of Google Hangouts included messaging, voice, VoIP, and video call capabilities. It was replaced by the Hangouts Chat collaboration tool, and Google continues to support conferencing via the new Hangouts Meet.N/A
Zoom Workplace
Score 8.4 out of 10
N/A
Zoom Workplace, Zoom’s open collaboration platform with an AI Companion, empowers teams to be more productive, and strengthen customer relationships throughout the customer lifecycle with Zoom’s Business Services for sales, marketing, and customer experience teams, including Zoom Contact Center.
$5
per month per license
Pricing
Google Hangouts (Classic)Zoom Workplace
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
Add-On Zoom Translated Captions
$5
per month per license
Add-On - Zoom Whiteboard
$24.90
per year
Pro
$149.90
per year per user
Business
$199.90
per year per user
Business Plus
$250.00
per year per user
Add-On - Conference Room Connector
$499
per year
Basic
Free
Enterprise
Custom
Add-On - Large Meetings
starting at $600
per year
Add-On - Cloud Storage
starting at $120
per year
Add-On Audio Conferencing
starting at $1200
per year
Add-On Zoom Phone Power Pack
Starting at $300
per year per user
Add-On - Zoom IQ for Sales
Contact Sales
Add-On - Quality of Service Subscription
Contact Sales
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Google Hangouts (Classic)Zoom Workplace
Free Trial
NoYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoYes
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Google Hangouts (Classic)Zoom Workplace
Considered Both Products
Google Hangouts (Classic)
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
Google Hangouts integrates into our current workflows well (we use g-suite) and is quite user friendly. It is great for small to mid-size internal team meetings. It is also good for informal client meeting. There are other cases where other tools are needed/superior for the …
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
Best part of Google Hangouts is its simplicity, and performance. We never had connection problems, or quality interruptions, something that is more frequent with the other tools listed above.
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
Google Hangouts is by far the most practical and easy communication tool I have used. Skype sees lots of drop rate but never faced any such issue with Google Hangouts. Mobile accessibility is also easier with Google Hangouts.
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
well, google hangouts classic doesn't stack up that well when compared to either Skype or Teams, as it lacks advanced features. But the fact that it nearly costs anything to get it set up & running in no time is a positive point for the platform. I'm pretty sure that Hangouts …
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
In terms of simplicity and ease of use, Google Hangouts is wonderful compared to some of the competitive products listed above. I do think that each have their own benefits:
  • some companies do not allow for Google's suite of products (like Hangouts) to be utilized
  • some …
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
For its time, Google Hangouts (Classic) was a fantastic product and matched up well with all of its successors. Now however, with it having been phased on within Workspace for Education, I would not advise any new users use the product.

Google Chat, combined with Google Meet, …
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
Google is the white cotton socks of the conferencing world. It’s a great ad-hoc tool, but not too much more. If you are not looking to spend money or operate completely on WiFi (without data charges), it’s a great free option as well. The benefit of being free and open is also …
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
Google Hangouts (Classic) is better than those two competitors if you want [the] ease of use within Gmail. One does not need to go to a separate site to set up a meeting. You just select the link to add the Google meeting link within the scheduler.
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
Google hangouts (Classic), is a instant message solution with not much more to add, it lacks the screen sharing features, the broad app integration, and the video and audio conferencing of this software.
As a basic instant messaging communication tool it does what it promises …
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
An obvious advatange of Google Hangouts is that it does not require any installation which allows me to use it in any laptop, any device. Unlike other software that requires installation and forcing an IT guy to physically install it on my device. The software is also VPN …
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
Again, Google Hangouts would primarily be used if you're already in the Google system. Corporate chat systems are far superior in functionality and usability and are also more reliable for larger organizations. For any company that is working with clients, I'd recommend a more …
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
Google Hangouts app is already integrated with many apps users already are familiar with. The program is accessible on many platforms which makes it easy for users to conduct business without having specific devices on hand. It really helped that many people were already …
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
I prefer Google Hangouts (Classic) to Microsoft Teams and Zoom, in terms of ease of use. It is quicker to use than setting up a Zoom room, for example. I always have the tab open in my browser and get pinged when colleagues chat me. Same with the phone app - I have it on during …
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
We reserve Zoom for client-facing meetings as it is the "market standard" and many are familiar with it, however for most internal meetings, we use Google Hangouts due to how light and simple it is, plus the integration with Google Calendar.
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
Google Hangouts is more readily available based on the fact that it is part of the Google family, however, ease of use and convenience would make me want to prefer Whatsapp Business or Teams.
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
Google Hangouts is more for informal, care-free meetings. Zoom is more for professional, webinar, and live event-type meetings. Also, Google integrates with our full G Suite/Workspace products.
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
Google Hangouts [(Classic)] is better than jabber, but way behind all other business chat clients. I would much rather use any of the alternatives I have listed in place of Hangouts.
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
Since our staff and students already used Google products it was easy to add on this feature. We deployed it district wide at the start of the pandemic. Students and staff were easily able to learn the interface and we could mass deploy it on our Chromebooks. We really liked …
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
Since we use Google Suite, Google Hangouts (Classic) was the obvious choice. The ease of use and access to employees makes Google Hangouts (Classic) simple to use and access. Additionally, adding users to an existing Hangout is easy. Google Hangouts (Classic) also doesn't …
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
Zoom is solid but it's a whole other thing to log in to and limited in what its focus is. Slack has the chat functionality but Google Hangouts is integrated into my every day use and I don't feel like it's yet another thing to manage and keep track of.
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
Google Hangouts (Classic) is just as good as any of its competitors. Google Hangouts (Classic) has everything that is needed for an internal communication tool, besides the software makes work really fun with the cool and funny stickers. I have personally liked using Google …
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
It was integrated into our Google Business Suite and free to use. We selected it because it was easy to create hangouts wth the Google Calendar.
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
Zoom allows us to connect to a large number of people but personally I face problems while using Zoom on the mobile phone, it needs a high-speed network and lags too much. While on the other hand Google Hangouts is lite and easy to use on mobile phones, it's easy to connect and …
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
Apart from Google Hangouts, we were using Skype and GoToMeeting for the same business process. Over time we experienced that the quality of the call was reduced day by day with those products, so we moved to Google Hangouts.
Chose Google Hangouts (Classic)
We use the Google emails for business hence, the Google Hangout application was available for free. There was no setup cost or training that was required. Advanced systems have advanced features which are good but the downside is that they require training. A separate account …
Zoom Workplace
Chose Zoom Workplace
I feel, Zoom Workplace stands out for its superior video conferencing and meeting features, making it ideal for large meetings and webinars. While Slack and Teams excel in messaging and collaboration, Zoom is more user-friendly for video communication. It integrates well with …
Chose Zoom Workplace
Zoom Workplace is certainly the superior product, but MS Teams gives it a run for its money due to all of the AI integrated features that MS CoPilot has added to the entire MS Office product portfolio. If Zoom added more AI features, and possibly something similar to ZoomInfo …
Chose Zoom Workplace
Zoom is cheaper and easy to use than other tools.
Chose Zoom Workplace
I think that Zoom is a little less intuitive than google meets. I prefer it though because ore people have it so it feels like the industry standard to use Zoom for meetings. I would rely more on Zoom than on google meets as well because sending invites is easier and better …
Chose Zoom Workplace
Teamviewer is sloppy, and its SSO sign-in is faulty. I am so glad the company steered towards Zoom for all communications.
Chose Zoom Workplace
We still use both side by side. We tend to use Zoom for external calls and teams for internal calls
Chose Zoom Workplace
Zoom Workplace has a range of products that are closely integrated and is fairly customizable so that we are better able to control branding and improve efficiency. Other platforms like Skype have often faced connection issues and do not have as many advanced features.
Chose Zoom Workplace
To have all of the tools and features within one application makes it much easier to on-board new employees, acclimate, and manage. To split features across different platforms is cumbersome to manage and costs much more.
Chose Zoom Workplace
We use Microsoft 365 for everything we do as a company. Except for video communication. For that we use Zoom Workplace, even though Teams is integrated into our other Microsoft products. We found Teams difficult to use and buggy, whereas Zoom Workplace always just works. It is …
Chose Zoom Workplace
It's better for group conversations, and it's more reliable. And everyone has it.
Chose Zoom Workplace
Zoom Workplace is less resource-intensive compared to Microsoft Teams. Slack appears very basic and does not have the app offerings that Zoom boasts. I've also encountered a significant amount of audio issues when using Slack to conduct meetings. Zoom has found its niche and …
Chose Zoom Workplace
I prefer to use Zoom Workplace over Microsoft Teams because I find it to be more user friendly and everyone can access Zoom, whereas only Microsoft users can use Microsoft Teams. For the work that we do, we like that anyone with a valid email address can sign up and use Zoom …
Chose Zoom Workplace
Zoom Workplace is much more user friendly and easy to use it is also better generally at consistently working well when needed.
Chose Zoom Workplace
I believe it is a great contender for a video and audio calling platform. We selected it due to the need for a more flexible option over using Microsoft Teams. It is difficult to join a Teams call if you do not already have a Microsoft account setup, whereas with Zoom Workplace …
Chose Zoom Workplace
We used Dialpad and Teams previously and both were fine. When we were looking at scheduling software, we looked at Calendly. Ultimately, it was cheaper to use Zoom Workplace for phone, video and scheduling and we really liked our Zoom Workplace support team. Calendly and Zoom …
Chose Zoom Workplace
We went with Zoom Workplace due to it's stability, ease of use, and feature set.
Chose Zoom Workplace
Much better place to connect than Google meets. Service, audio and video seem much more efficient
Chose Zoom Workplace
As far as I know Google meets doesn’t allow to record the calls which is a big downside
Chose Zoom Workplace
We actively use both to accomodate the audience/attendees. Zoom Workplace is much better for large groups.
Chose Zoom Workplace
RingCentral Contact Center
Chose Zoom Workplace
Zoom Workplace had a better phone system from our understanding currently. Other features are relatively comparable
Chose Zoom Workplace
Zoom Workplace has a more robust interface and is more widely understood than Google meets or other video call services and so its best for us for larger groups and with external partners.
Chose Zoom Workplace
We prefer Slack for interoffice communications. We find it more convenient, easier to use, and more customizable. Administration is pretty easy too. We utilize Microsoft Teams otherwise, as we are a Microsoft shop and integrating Teams is easier when we are already heavily …
Chose Zoom Workplace
easier to use and navigate, more reliable, better call recording
Chose Zoom Workplace
Features are more roboust.
The price is comparable based on the features.
Integration has more options. SOme of the competitors just limit you to their software/products only.
Features
Google Hangouts (Classic)Zoom Workplace
Cloud PBX
Comparison of Cloud PBX features of Product A and Product B
Google Hangouts (Classic)
6.3
Ratings
24% below category average
Zoom Workplace
8.6
Ratings
3% above category average
Hosted PBX6.90 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Multi-level Interactive Voice Response (IVR)7.70 Ratings8.90 Ratings
User templates5.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Call reports9.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Directory of employee names3.00 Ratings9.00 Ratings
Call Management
Comparison of Call Management features of Product A and Product B
Google Hangouts (Classic)
8.0
Ratings
5% below category average
Zoom Workplace
8.8
Ratings
4% above category average
Answering rules8.00 Ratings8.40 Ratings
Call recording7.90 Ratings9.10 Ratings
Call park7.00 Ratings9.00 Ratings
Call screening9.00 Ratings8.80 Ratings
Message alerts8.00 Ratings9.10 Ratings
Business SMS/External Messaging00 Ratings9.00 Ratings
Voicemail Transcription00 Ratings8.20 Ratings
VoIP system collaboration
Comparison of VoIP system collaboration features of Product A and Product B
Google Hangouts (Classic)
8.6
Ratings
7% above category average
Zoom Workplace
-
Ratings
Video conferencing9.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Audio conferencing9.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Video screen sharing7.10 Ratings00 Ratings
Instant messaging9.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Mobile apps
Comparison of Mobile apps features of Product A and Product B
Google Hangouts (Classic)
8.0
Ratings
1% above category average
Zoom Workplace
9.1
Ratings
7% above category average
Mobile app for iOS8.10 Ratings9.20 Ratings
Mobile app for Android8.00 Ratings9.00 Ratings
Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software
Comparison of Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software features of Product A and Product B
Google Hangouts (Classic)
-
Ratings
Zoom Workplace
8.4
Ratings
2% above category average
High quality audio00 Ratings8.70 Ratings
High quality video00 Ratings8.70 Ratings
Screen Sharing
Comparison of Screen Sharing features of Product A and Product B
Google Hangouts (Classic)
-
Ratings
Zoom Workplace
8.6
Ratings
7% above category average
Desktop sharing00 Ratings9.10 Ratings
Online Meetings / Events
Comparison of Online Meetings / Events features of Product A and Product B
Google Hangouts (Classic)
-
Ratings
Zoom Workplace
8.6
Ratings
5% above category average
Calendar integration00 Ratings8.30 Ratings
Meeting initiation00 Ratings9.40 Ratings
Record meetings / events00 Ratings9.40 Ratings
Online Events Collaboration
Comparison of Online Events Collaboration features of Product A and Product B
Google Hangouts (Classic)
-
Ratings
Zoom Workplace
8.2
Ratings
2% above category average
Live chat00 Ratings8.30 Ratings
Online Events Security
Comparison of Online Events Security features of Product A and Product B
Google Hangouts (Classic)
-
Ratings
Zoom Workplace
9.1
Ratings
17% above category average
User authentication00 Ratings9.10 Ratings
Participant roles & permissions00 Ratings9.10 Ratings
Unified Communications Platform and Collaboration
Comparison of Unified Communications Platform and Collaboration features of Product A and Product B
Google Hangouts (Classic)
-
Ratings
Zoom Workplace
9.0
Ratings
12% above category average
Centralized communications management00 Ratings8.80 Ratings
Team messaging00 Ratings9.20 Ratings
Team document sharing00 Ratings9.10 Ratings
Call and meeting analytics00 Ratings8.80 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Google Hangouts (Classic)Zoom Workplace
Small Businesses
CloudTalk
CloudTalk
Score 7.2 out of 10
Broadvoice | GoContact
Broadvoice | GoContact
Score 9.2 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
CloudTalk
CloudTalk
Score 7.2 out of 10
Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
Score 8.7 out of 10
Enterprises
Cisco Business Edition 7000 (discontinued)
Cisco Business Edition 7000 (discontinued)
Score 9.0 out of 10
Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
Score 8.7 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Google Hangouts (Classic)Zoom Workplace
Likelihood to Recommend
8.0
(0 ratings)
8.9
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
10.0
(0 ratings)
4.1
(0 ratings)
Usability
8.0
(0 ratings)
5.1
(0 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
8.0
(0 ratings)
1.6
(0 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
3.0
(0 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
7.3
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
-
(0 ratings)
7.3
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Google Hangouts (Classic)Zoom Workplace
Likelihood to Recommend
As previously mentioned, Google Hangouts (Classic) is best suited for ad-hoc, informal communications with external collaborators that would benefit from face-to-face interactions, but don’t require a record of the conversation and don’t necessarily require a high degree of corporate security. For communications of consequence, our corporate toolset is more appropriate, but Google Hangouts (Classic) serves a similar function to FaceTime or Zoom.
Read full review
* Onboarding new employees - adaptation is quick and easy for new employees - for phone and meeting use. * Administration is quick and easy as well as finding answers to the 'what ifs' * Delegation for scheduling and creating scheduler links - what an awesome process - delegation allows for ease of on-boarding new employees - pre-emptively setting up their meetings and orientations in advance of start date *AI summary - our development teams uses them for ALL meetings creating a great history and follow up process for the entire team
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Pros
  • Google Hangouts (Classic) is embedded within Gmail's scheduler, so setting up the link is as quick as a click of the button. It's a one-step process.
  • Google Hangouts (Classic) is user-friendly and [has] features to share screens easily.
  • Google Hangouts (Classic) is much easier to use than its competitors.
  • Google Hangouts (Classic) have [a] good connection time and there are few glitches.
Read full review
  • It's a great way to connect around the world with minimal bandwidth consumption.
  • Meeting our peers and exchanging ideas is made possible through the use of high-quality video and audio calls.
  • Exceptional audio and video quality; we are recording meetings and transferring them to other storage.
  • Compared to other apps, it has more features and allows for efficient file sharing within the chatbox.
Read full review
Cons
  • I would like to see improved video support, so that saved videos can be sent back and forth via Hangouts more easily, without having to start a separate meet chat
  • More pronounced notifications of messages would be helpful; pop up notifications are good, but once there is one, additional messages do not pop up
  • Custom muting times would be great, so that if I am in a 90 minute Zoom meeting, I can set it for that time; right now, it is 1 hour or 2 hours. Easy to forget.
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  • You need an app to make the calls and meetings, but it would be perfect if it had a web-based option.
  • Sometimes when internet speed drops, the audio quality also drops; I would understand the video quality dropping, but the audio doesn't consume much bandwidth, so it would be nice to have a consistent audio even on low internet speeds.
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Likelihood to Renew
No answers on this topic
Because every other conference tool is expensive, bloated, or fails to make it easy to just have a call with someone.
Read full review
Usability
The tool is almost self-implemented. It is likely to be available in every pc or mobile device a user or potential user might have, and all you need to do is adding the company's account and you are done. Once you are setted up, you have almost all actual communication methods available in one tool
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Zoom is made for the non tech office. It has features that can be made to do what you need to run things on a day to day basis. Immediately we we able to get meetings going with remote employees. The ability to be able to add smartphone connected people was a big plus. Zoom met our needs at the time.
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Reliability and Availability
No answers on this topic
There have been less than a handful of outages during our two years with Zoom, and whenever there was one, an email informing us of the outage went out immediately, and they had the issue resolved shortly thereafter.
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Performance
No answers on this topic
Zoom has among the best performance of any video conference platform, as I've mentioned several times. Besides that, their Chat platform works great, and their back end always runs smooth. It's unfortunate that reporting can now only be done by one month at a time, but nonetheless, it only takes a second to run any kind of Zoom report, whether it's an attendee report, Poll results, a user report, a list of meetings from the past month, etc.
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Support Rating
Google Hangouts works great and does not require a lot of work to troubleshoot. Everything is simple and easy to use. Google provides all of the tools that one requires to utilize Google Hangouts and any information can be found in the built-in help tools. There is also a forum for users to report issues and typically, Google responds well and will try to work out any issues.
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Because I got a response right away, and was assigned one specific individual to work with me from the beginning to the resolution. I had an actual email address and direct contact with this person without having to start over and over every time I contacted Zoom - this singular individual remained attentive and was well informed on the subject matter and quite able to resolve my needs.
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Implementation Rating
No answers on this topic
If you receive any pushback from higher ups, point to any of the various positive reviews like this one. Or show Zoom's excellent Gartner report, or articles describing Zoom's partnership with Sequoia capital. It's not difficult to show how Zoom is a trustworthy industry leader with best-in-class technology.
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Alternatives Considered
For its time, Google Hangouts (Classic) was a fantastic product and matched up well with all of its successors. Now however, with it having been phased on within Workspace for Education, I would not advise any new users use the product. Google Chat, combined with Google Meet, have superseded Hangouts (Classic) and should be used by default due to their close knit integration with Gmail.
Read full review
Zoom Workplace is typically on the more expensive end against other options, but it's the industry leader for a reason. It has the most brand credibility by far, but that doesn't mean it's perfect. There are limitations when it comes to technical performance, customization and video/audio quality. I prefer Slack myself for communication apps, but Zoom Workplace is a good alternative.
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Scalability
No answers on this topic
Because the Basic licenses are completely free, and because it's very easy to configure and install Zoom, and because anyone can join Zoom from a link without needing an account, scaling is a Breeze. There are absolutely no roadblocks. My company keeps adding more Zoom Pro license every week since it's so in demand. We were able to convert users from several different platforms onto Zoom with no trouble at all.
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Return on Investment
  • I believe it was part of the google suite that was purchased. It was worth the cost as it was cheaper. I believe it is now free, but also becoming deprecated. It is much better to use Teams, Discord, Telegram, etc. Google does not provide enough support or features to make using hangouts worth it these days.
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  • We have not lost much productivity in our teamwork during the pandemic because of the ability to have Zoom video calls and keep everyone in touch. This is definitely a positive.
  • We are able to have more people participate in coaching sessions (described earlier) because we don't have room space limitations. This is a big positive.
  • Being able to start a meeting instantly is great when we are doing support and/or training with a client over the phone and need to be able to share a visible
Read full review
ScreenShots

Zoom Workplace Screenshots

Screenshot of an example collaboration feature. These are used to:
Transcribe, summarize, and capture action items with AI Companion from your in-person meetings.
Improve visibility and alignment by sharing emails to chats
Elevate a chat to a meeting or phone call to get to resolution faster. 
Continue meeting conversations and easily access shared information in Team Chat.Screenshot of an example of Zoom's productivity features. These features are used to:
Improve productivity across teams, locations, and time zones.
Organize project deliverables and assets in a centralized, collaborative doc.
Collaborate and map out projects visually on a whiteboard.
Jumpstart brainstorming sessions using AI and templates.
Gather valuable team input for well-informed decision-making with surveys and polls.
Stay on top of action items surfaced from across Zoom Workplace.Screenshot of some additional collaboration features. These are used to:
Optimize office experiences and in-person time.
Make sure remote participants feel connected with what is going on in the room.
Collaborate across remote and in-person teams on a virtual whiteboard.
Easily know and identify who is in the room and who is speaking in a Zoom Room with smart name tags and smart speaker tags.Screenshot of an example of Zoom's AI companion. This feature is used to streamline communications, improve productivity, increase employee engagement, and optimize flexible work.Screenshot of additional AI Companion features. The tools is also used to:
Launch internal campaigns.
Deliver visually rich updates with live streams, billboards, and videos.
Ensure critical comms are never missed with read receipts.
Send updates to deskless workers with Workvivo TV and Chat.