In addition to full two way speech, Netviewer has further developed its video conferencing capabilities. The new multi-video function now allows any six simultaneous participants to see each other in real time video windows enabling communication that is much more true-to-life. The ability to have face-to-face exchanges, seeing gestures and expressions increases the effectiveness of communication, making for better online meetings. Additional participants can follow the conference (see and hear) in a Webinar mode like that used for shareholders’ meetings.
Interactivity has also been enhanced with the addition of a survey tool. Surveys can be pre-prepared in the survey creator and delivered at any time during a session. As a result, moderators can easily poll the participants’ opinions or gauge progress in learning and react to the survey results while the web conference is taking place.
Netviewer has also fully revised the user interface of one2one and one2meet. Additions include “Theatre Mode” where the presenter’s screen, the video images, and chat become the focus, and the background is turned black to direct the viewer’s full concentration onto the presenter’s transmitted material. The revised control panel also allows users to drag individual functional boxes such as chat or video windows and drop them anywhere on their screen. This enables both the moderator and participants to customise the overall appearance according to their own working style.
Another function new to Netviewer five makes it possible to hand over control of an online meeting to a co-moderator as needed. This gives the organisers greater flexibility and lets them temporarily focus on other urgent tasks without interrupting the session.
For the first time, Netviewer five offers a plug-in for Skype, the popular telephone and messaging program. Now Skype users can invite participants and start Netviewer conferences directly from Skype.
“Netviewer five represents a major leap forward for us. Our solution is getting ever closer to becoming a full-fledged alternative to on-site meetings”, explains Rachel Lane, Managing Director of Netviewer UK. “Even companies that have preferred so-called ‘real’ meetings in the past will find reasons to be excited about Netviewer five. Making use of the full integration of video images and sound is very easy and the cost savings offered by integrated VoIP are compelling.”
In addition to the currently available seven languages, Netviewer five is now also available in a Swedish version. Netviewer plans to open a subsidiary in Scandinavia during the next year.