Boom Collaboration’s dedicated Work From Home conferencing kits have become the company’s best sellers this year, as more organisations look to level up their remote meeting technology.
Boom’s complete WFH kit features a plug-and-play MINI camera and GIRO wireless audio speaker – triggering a 28% rise in demand compared to the same period last year.
In addition Boom is reporting growing demand for its UNO vertical video bar (ideal for personal use) which has seen a 24% acceleration during 2023.
“There’s no doubt professional grade video and audio is the key to successful hybrid working,” says Boom co-founder Holli Hulett.
“Now the dust has settled on working from home practices, a clearer picture is emerging which enables companies to develop longer term strategies – with portable and powerful professional quality video and audio at the heart.”
She added: “Today, 60% of businesses globally have work from home policies with this number still growing in a post pandemic world. In addition, 30% of all employees are full-time remote workers while 62% work from home occasionally. The right equipment can significantly boost productivity while saving corporations money.”
Better meetings
The Boom MINI is a 1080p camera with a wide angle 90° field of view. It includes advanced focus technology, low light optimisation and two high sensitive mics.
The Boom GIRO audio device boasts 360°omnidrectional microphone pickup and full-duplex HD audio. Users can enjoy the convenience of wireless audio from a built-in lithium ion battery via Bluetooth or USB connection directly to a computer.
“We believe in better meetings. Simply. Whether in the office or at home,” Holli emphasised.
Her views are echoed by fellow founder Fredrik Hörnkvist who highlighted: “Meeting equity has become one of the most important components for a successful hybrid work experience. People need to be seen and heard clearly in equal quality wherever they are based.
“Everyone needs an equal voice and presence so they don’t become alienated and feel inferior. The performance of equipment at home needs to match that in the office. During Covid there was a mad panic to buy just what was available. We know from our resellers that many organisations are now investing in upgrade programmes as part of a longer term vision. Consistency is key.
“More and more organisations are recognising this is the best way to deliver more collaborative and flexible ways of working. Our WFH conferencing kit has become a best seller this year closely followed by the UNO all-in-one compact video bar.”
Boom Collaboration is aiming to raise the conferencing game with its latest intelligent camera innovation, which features sophisticated AI technology.
The Boom MEZZO benefits from 4K Ultra HD performance at 30fps, electronic Pan Tilt and Zoom plus built-in AI functions that include highly responsive auto-framing as part of an advanced ‘brain’.
Dual omnidirectional microphones feature noise suppression capabilities alongside a wide angle 110° field of view, 4K glass lens and 10x ePTZ. The Zoom certified device is ideally suited for huddle and smaller conference rooms as well as hybrid classrooms and the telehealth sector.
Boom Co-Founder, Holli Hulett, says the compact collaboration solution includes plug and play functionality and has been developed as an ‘intelligent camera for superior meetings’.
Significant step forward
She emphasized: “Our Boom MEZZO features a sophisticated Image Signal Processor (ISP) that provides vivid images with balanced brightness, high resolution and impressive colour layering. The MEZZO delivers a captivating meeting experience and represents a significant step forward in terms of overall quality.
“With AI-driven auto-framing, the MEZZO automatically centres on meeting participants while dynamically and seamlessly reframing to incorporate everyone in the room.”
Fellow company founder, Fredrik Hörnkvist, enthused: “This compact conferencing camera packs a big punch as the role of AI begins to penetrate deeper across our portfolio to deliver the highest levels of intuitive performance.”
He added: “Advanced ISP processing algorithms combined with a high quality Sony CMOS sensor means a clear and vivid image even in dim light.
“With 10 user-defined presets, the included remote control lets users quickly focus
on specific features around the room such as a white board, podium or meeting participant.”
Backed by a three-year warranty the Boom Mezzo has an RRP of £219.
Three years on from the first Covid lockdowns, is the on-going conflict between working from home and returning to the office, coming to an amicable end?
Global video conferencing manufacturer Boom Collaboration feels peace might finally be on the horizon, as a clearer and more consistent picture begins to emerge.
Texas-based Boom Collaboration was founded by Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett in 2020, ironically right in the middle of the pandemic! The company initially saw an explosion in demand for USB home working devices but is now witnessing a 40% rise in office video bars plus a 32% growth in high performance PTZ cameras and expandable audio devices, this year.
Office real estate apocalypse
“Through these interesting, challenging and evolving times, from lockdowns to hybrid working, conferencing has been at the fulcrum of dramatic changes in daily and working life; how people interact and communicate, almost from anywhere,” Hulett explained.
“In many ways there’s no going back to how we were before in an increasingly AI-driven world.”
She says the impact on the office property market has been particularly hardest hit with the true costs yet to fully emerge.
“There are widespread reports of a $500 billion ‘office real estate apocalypse’ where the effect of remote working in the US is even worse than expected,” she highlighted. “But what is in little doubt is how offices around the world have had to restructure to the ‘new normal’ creating more huddle room facilities to accommodate more video meetings.”
Hörnkvist, who recently visited the UK, noted: “We know these trends are mirrored around the world with one in five Londoners estimated to be working remotely, while four out of ten balance working from home with going to the office. Three-quarters would leave their job if they were no longer able to work from home for some of the week, according to one recent study.”
But he feels ‘it’s a lot more complicated argument than just wanting to work from home’.
Mixed bag
“There’s still a ton of companies pushing hybrid and in person. Maybe the real estate crash will not be that bad. Time will tell.
“Some companies at first were looking to go full remote but now they have requested staff to come back. Some went full time whilst others prefer hybrid. Some will never go back. It’s kind of a mixed bag. The key is to be flexible to maintain their culture and retain a happy workforce.”
Going full remote can be difficult to achieve, according to Hulett. “Even here at Boom we are a relatively small team dispersed across many miles but we all value getting together in person on a regular basis when we can. There’s a balance.
“Face-to-face meetings and direct human interaction on a regular basis matter and add value in so many ways. There’s social interaction as well as business benefits.
“However much some people want to work from home in terms of a work life balance, they still need to be face-to-face regularly, rather than just being isolated. Obviously high performance video technology offers a compelling alternative.”
She continued: “One of the main arguments I used to hear from friends is, what is the point of being in the office if my colleagues are not there so I end up on a video call anyway that I could have made from home?
“Regular patterns of behaviour are being formed with people in the office with key colleagues when they need to be, and working remotely too. This can boost business productivity and smooth any friction between departments.”
No war
Hulett concluded: “Over recent years there seems to have been a constant battle between the office or hybrid work. But it doesn’t need to be that way. There’s a benefit to both and that’s certainly the view of many of our customers around the world.
“Our portfolio is built with tomorrow’s meetings in mind. We offer future proof solutions with solid components and technology to stand the test of time. From all-in-one-systems to multiple video camera mixing controllers and full room solutions.
“We recognise quality makes a huge difference. It really matters. That’s why we went straight into 4K picture resolution for example. 4K is the future. It’s about continually raising the game and raising the bar. Our flexible technology covers all bases.
“Wherever people are working the latest video conferencing technology can help. The battle is over. There’s no war. Peace is being restored.”
Boom Collaboration has launched a powerful new ‘intelligent’ video bar, as the growing appeal of all-in-one devices continues to accelerate.
The US-based manufacturer has unveiled the Boom AURA, a stylish video bar with built-in AI functions designed to deliver superior meetings.
The Boom AURA offers 4K Ultra HD picture quality, 10x digital zoom and a wide 120 degree field of view. AI functions include highly responsive facial detection and sound source localization providing intelligent auto-framing and voice-tracking.
Six digital array mics with six meters of pickup ensure crisp high fidelity audio and an optimal intuitive response. An 8MP CMOS sensor is combined with plug-and-play functionality and a standard three-year warranty
The all-in-one AURA delivers a smart professional user experience backed by intelligent hardware that makes for better meetings. Simply. That’s the view of Fredrik Hörnkvist who set-up Boom Collaboration with co-founder Holli Hulett in 2020.
Holy Grail
“There’s little doubt the popularity of video bars continues to rise as they provide a perfect solution especially for huddle rooms which are now an integral part of today’s hybrid work trends,” he explained.
“The AURA offers many exceptional features to create a complete conferencing solution combining stylish design with high performance and ease of use.”
The AURA joins the Boom UNO vertical video bar as part of an expanding portfolio, with further product developments in the pipeline.
However both Hörnkvist and Hulett insist video bars might not be the ‘holy grail’ of conferencing for every environment, especially very large rooms.
“Despite their growing popularity video bars have limitations especially in larger rooms where people might be sat a long way back,” Hulett highlighted. “PTZ cameras with optical zoom offer the ultimate visual performance and when paired with our GEMINI expandable wireless audio system, for example, it’s often a better experience.
“We have also just introduced the Boom GOJO multi-camera controller which makes it easy to add a new dimension to conference meetings and live events by utilising more than just one PTZ camera.”
She concluded: “Boom Collaboration provide solutions for all room types, from home workers to the biggest boardrooms – raising the bar in performance and convenience, whether that’s all-in-one or more powerful PTZ camera technologies. The popularity of bars and cameras remain high.”
Boom Collaboration has launched a powerful multi-camera controller designed to put the power of mixing into the hands of anyone, in an easy and intuitive way.
The Boom GOJO transforms live events, court rooms and religious ceremonies, as well as standard video meetings – with a four dimensional joystick to control pan, tilt, zoom and speed functions.
It includes four camera quick select buttons and massive capacity to seamlessly link 255 devices. The GOJO can be used in traditional conference rooms as well as for high performance broadcasts, with an array of connectivity options.
Texas-based Boom Collaboration is spearheaded by founders Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett. Created in 2020 the ambitious video conferencing equipment manufacturer has launched a global expansion drive this year including the UK and wider Europe.
Seamless control
Hörnkvist says the GOJO represents the dawning of a new era for multi camera functionality which has often been complex and difficult to operate in the past.
“The Boom GOJO offers the ultimate in camera control with a 4D joystick and LCD display at its heart. Users can easily adjust focus, colour, PTZ and shutter speed with quick-adjust dials and quick buttons to program camera presets and shortcuts. It offers the ultimate camera control for broadcast, live events, auditoriums and traditional conference settings.”
Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett
The GOJO seamlessly controls multiple PTZ cameras on a single network making it an intuitive, flexible and superior solution across a host of environments, according to Hulett.
She highlighted: “Boom Collaboration is a relatively new kid on the block and we are all about pushing the boundaries of innovation and ease of use. The GOJO is an ideal solution where more than one camera is needed. That could be government meetings, religious services or other live events – and even conference rooms where multiple angles are required.
Ultimate experience
“Enjoy quick switch control for four cameras with dedicated buttons and control for up to 255 cameras in total. We’re putting the power of mixing control into the hands of anyone with basic knowledge. Additional quick control buttons adjust focus, backlight compensation, red and blue, white balance, pan/tilt speed and zoom speed with ease.”
She concluded: “POE is included too and when paired with our MAGNA 4K PTZ cameras the GOJO ensures the ultimate visual experience.Users can also deploy LAN network control which is a big feature for many organisations and has been one of the primary drivers for lots of initial traction.”
The Boom GOJO offers multiple connectivity options with ports for LAN/PoE, RS232, RS422/RS485 and Tally/Contact. It comes with a three-year warranty and has an RRP of£545.
The Boom UNO is solid, looks modern and is available in black or white for Professional video conferencing meetings. This comes with a USB 2.0 cable that connects to your computer and fits directly on the bottom of the kit, The length of the cable can be expanded via the supplied extension cable ( In the box: UNO, USB 2.0 cable, USB extender, quick guide Cable length: USB cable: 152.4cm USB extension: 183cm) allowing for additional distance from your laptop. The kit is designed for areas in Huddle Room, Executive Office, Telehealth but can be used in any area required for conference calls as with Pc Mac laptop Desktop. It has a cylindrical shape with a wide-angle camera on the top and a speakerphone on the bottom. The device Dimensions are 181mm x 62mm x 62mm) Weight: is 465g while solid on a surface. The device is designed as a collaboration solution with HD video and omnidirectional speakerphone
Package Contents
Part number: BM03-0016 (black), BM03-0017 (white)
UNO all-in-one
USB 2.0 cable
Extension cable
Quick guide
UNBOXING
Features:
Full HD 1080p @ 30fps
Wide angle: 120° field of view
Multi codec
Full Duplex HD audio
Omnidirectional microphone
High-quality CMOS sensor
Dynamic Noise Reduction (DNR)
Echo cancellation
Plug & Play
USB 2.0
3-year warranty
Setup & use:
The Boom UNO is easy to set up and use as required no additional software to be manually downloaded, Once this is plugged into the Laptop USB port the installation of the drivers and software is done in the background. You can then use it with any video conferencing platform such as Zoom, Teams, Webex, Meet, Bluejeans, GoToMeeting, Skype etc. The device supports multiple resolutions up to 1080p at 30 frames per second and has a plug-and-play feature that makes it compatible with Windows, Mac OS X and Chrome OS.
When in use the green light indicated use, or the Red light when muted, The lens can be slightly adjusted manually up or down. Once connected to eg a team call the kit defaults on the system to the Audio/video settings. The process of connections worked seamlessly and efficiently.
Once connected which was simple and easy the basic in terms of volume up, down mute worked.
A niggle in terms of the connections was noted in Teams & Youtube, On turning up the volume on 2 separate modern Windows laptops, the volume was increased/decreased but not shown on your tube or Team calls, When the mute was pressed on a team call, the call muted & change to red but again the mute symbol within the team call did change to advise muted. ( Technically this worked as expected but not the indication we have become familiar with )
The Audio when increased/decreased via the Uno up/ down buttons, had an effect of a step down of the volume rather than a liner approach noticeable when going from a low volume to 0 volume quickly, typically the frequency of calls on other devices gradually fade away while with Uno this audio when from low to zero.
The Brand: Boom Collaboration is a company that specializes in video conferencing and collaboration tools founded in 2020 with their Headquarters in Austin, Texas, they also offer a range of high-quality cameras for video conferencing. Their logo boasts “We are on a mission to make Meetings Better. Simply.” Their Specialties include Videoconferencing, Collaboration Hardware, Video conferencing cameras, Webcams, Hybrid work solutions, Work From Home Solutions, All-In-One devices, PTZ 4K cameras, Distance learning, Telehealth, Huddle rooms, Intelligent AI solutions, Audio Visual Installations, NDI compatible cameras,
Warranty:
Boom Collaboration have got this right in terms of a 3-year warranty and an optional 5-year Boom Care plan which is an indication of their confidence in their brand.
Conclusion
The Boom UNO is a compact all-in-one high-quality audio and video device for use in small meetings, home or setting that required a video conferencing option. The kit is compact and I would like to see an option of a USB C cable and an option to connect to a phone, Bluetooth or via the USB C cable to increase the flexibility/option of the kit. The extension cable is excellent allowing to extend of the distance of the cable as required,
The colours of the screen are great to see in terms of Green and Red, but on testing on a team’s call, the mute does as required on the call but does not change the software mute icon to show mute. Similarly, the volume up/down features works but again the software does not show the increase on eg YouTube or MS Teams.
The setup and use are easy requiring no technical skills in this area with the extension cable a bonus to facilitate the placing of the kit further away from the laptop.
The audio experience in terms of moving away from the mic a distance worked quite well for calls where users did not experience a major deterioration of the call quality as I moved further away from the 360° omnidirectional microphone, This was superior to many tested before due to the dynamic noise reduction and echo cancellation features.
The camera has a View angle: of 120° with a Resolution: of 1920 x 1080. This gave a good quality picture while when tested with one person on the call or a team the autofocus of a team’s call did not appear to have much of an effect. The camera can be manually slightly tilted up and down while not a PTZ camera nor does it zoom in out to focus on an area. The camera cannot be manually blocked out rather have to do this via the laptop etc The quality from the CMOS Image sensor ( (1/2.8)) gave a good quality picture at @30fps. The kit works as required with a simple-to-use setup with clear features colour coded for effective calls and audio
Fast-growing video conferencing manufacturer, Boom Collaboration, has developed a wireless and expandable audio solution for smarter and more flexible meeting experiences.
The portable Boom GEMINI is a dual unit system, where each device features four omnidirectional microphones each with an impressive reach of up to eight metres.
Dynamic noise reduction and automatic echo cancellation are combined with wideband audio for supreme plug-and-play performance. It provides the ability to double the audio and microphone capacity for medium to large meeting rooms, as well as more adaptable spaces.
Boom Collaboration was created in 2020by founders Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett, in a bid to disrupt the sector and stand out from the crowd – creating high performance, high valueadvanced products.
The ambitious Texas-based business has quickly developed an extensive conferencing portfolio and operates in 20 countries, with plans for major expansion to 30 more this year including the UK and central Europe.
Flexible spaces
Hulett explained: “Our latest innovation signals the end of messy wires ruining office aesthetics. The Boom GEMINI is a perfect solution and represents the future of audio devices for virtual meetings.
“The main stylish unit benefits from five easy control buttons and can be discreetly connected via daisy chain to its’ twin’ for expandable audio which effectively doubles the range. It’s designed for medium to large rooms, flexible spaces or even meetings on the go.”
The Boom GEMINI boasts 10 hours talk time plus 90 days in standby. It charges over USB and can also connect and call over USB as an alternative to the battery. Bluetooth 5.0 comes with a BT dongle for easy pairing.
She concluded: “Enjoy professional, wireless audio in conference rooms and meeting spaces on any meeting platform. The Boom GEMINI twin speakerphones make meetings better, simply.Wireless connectivity with Bluetooth ensures attractive cable-free audio in an ideal centralised location without the expense of running cables under flooring.
“When paired with our MAGNA or MIDI PTZ cameras it creates a very powerful complete conferencing system which is both flexible and high performance.”
The art of communication continues to evolve with personal appearance becoming ever more crucial on video calls, as participants compete to be seen and heard clearly.
That’s the view of Holli Hulett, Co-founder of global conferencing manufacturer Boom Collaboration, who says body language and eye contact can help build an instant bond in an increasingly virtual world.
She says the Covid pandemic triggered a huge ‘Zoom boom’ with more than a 40% rise in the popularity of minimal invasive procedures such as Botox and lip fillers, in some areas of the world – as millions more people began embracing video calls for work and socialising.
“People are definitely becoming more self-conscious and aware of how they appear.
Other than looking in a mirror, many hadn’t really paid too much attention to themselves and certainly not on camera before,” she highlighted.
“We’ve read widespread media reports how interest in neck and face work has leapt dramatically in recent years, which reflects what we’re seeing too. In areas of the UK and Europe there’s been a reported 30% rise in bookings year-on-year, compared to the US which has seen a 41% increase in treatments, with 5.5m procedures conducted in one year alone. The industry is estimated to be worth $4.4 billion with no sign of slowing down.”
This increase has also brought more attention to other appearance-related concerns that surface under bright webcam lights—such as excessive facial sweating, which can impact on-screen confidence. Individuals now exploring cosmetic enhancements are often simultaneously considering treatment options including Botox that target facial sweating as part of their self-care routine for video calls. This overlap has positioned non-invasive cosmetic and dermatological procedures as part of the modern “Zoom-ready” toolkit.
Human interaction
Maintaining face-to face eye contact is crucial for a rewarding and life-like call experience, Hulett says. “Body language is part of the overall call chemistry, with great hardware vs not so great hardware a vital component of overall success. Building a bond and rapport happens in many different ways. Being relaxed, happy and friendly goes a long way.
“So much human interaction happens through body language and facial expressions. A smile can light up a room and make someone happy without any words. Emotion is powerful. A meeting is an encounter between people, where we constantly read each other. First impressions count.
“It’s also important to be flexible as well as natural and adaptable to different scenarios whether that’s teaching, pitching or selling. Being able to adapt is very important on a video call. Some miss that when trying to create inclusivity and equality. This is particularly hard with a large group when everyone is split up into little square boxes on a screen.”
Boom Collaboration’s own independent research based on discussions with channel partners and backed by various industry studies, shows:
Around half of people worry about how they look on video
Nearly 60% feel more self-aware.
Almost everyone multitasks during meetings
Around 40% experience hardware or software issues such as picture and audio performance
Hulett began the business with co-founder Fredrik Hörnkvist in 2020, with Boom now embarking on a global expansion drive including the UK and Europe.
She advises: “To overcome some of the challenges we always suggest putting the camera at eye level on the same wall as the main display so that it’s natural and easy to engage directly with people.
“We feel something like a 360 degree camera is actually counter intuitive to the way we communicate. Also because more people are using video calls now they want to look their best as they can physically see themselves in a different way on screen.
“For me, if I’m conducting a big webinar for example, when I’m prepping my content I’m also prepping my appearance. I do pay special attention and take more time.”
Global economies
She added: “Quality equipment does make a significant difference. Quality really matters. It’s one of the many reasons we decided to produce a 4K PTZ camera early on. We believe this is where a lot of the platforms such as Teams will go next. In the future video calls will be conducted in 4K not HD. Raising the bar and raising the game in terms of quality will lead to a greater customer experience.”
Hulett notes how global economies still face many challenges with the most recent report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) showing world growth slowing to 2.9% in 2023, down from 3.4% last year.
“Through these interesting, challenging and evolving times, from lockdowns to hybrid working, conferencing has been at the fulcrum of dramatic changes in daily and working life; how people interact and communicate, almost from anywhere. Choosing the right equipment is crucial. That could be plug-and-play or more powerful full room integrated systems.
“To survive an unstable economic climate, business leaders are looking to technology solutions that cut costs, amplify productivity, and accelerate ROI. Automation tools are widely considered ‘recession-proof’ because they reduce operating costs, increase efficiencies, and build the strong digital foundation organisations need to weather any storm.”
Smart appearance
The quality of audio and video plus user friendly technology all have to combine to create the ultimate life-like video call experience, according to Hulett who stated: “It doesn’t happen by chance.”
She concluded: “A video call has become part of daily working life for many people. It’s probably one of the biggest lasting legacies of the pandemic. There’s no going back. Jumping on a video call is now part of working culture. However it doesn’t matter how good the technology is. If it’s not being used on a regular basis in the right way then the whole investment and experience is undermined. It has to be reliable, easy to operate and effective.
“Being smart and professional is hugely important. Equally people need to be seen and heard clearly too.”
Collaboration tools are a thing now and we have covered many tech solutions for this over the last year and we have a few to look at now and the first one up is a new name to many probably more so in Ireland that overseas and the company is Boom Collaboration which has set out to make live easy in these workplace or home meeting scenarios and not only that I know many who have now converted garages or a room into an office at home too and again at tool like this is ideal to carry out such tasks with ease.
The Boom UNO is a complete conferencing system that combines a 120° wide angle full HD camera with a 360° omnidirectional microphone and built-in speaker. The compact stylish device has plug-and-play functionality via one USB cable and is available in black and white color variants. It is compatible with Zoom, Teams, Webex, Google Meet and all the major meeting apps.
A status light is complemented by full duplex HD audio, a vertically adjustable lens and touch keypad with volume and mute controls. Boom Collaboration was created in 2020 by founders Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett, in a bid to disrupt the sector and stand out from the crowd – creating high performance, high value advanced products.
Check out what this new kit looks like and if you have any questions feel free to ask.
