Fuze Meeting is the #1 Choice for Lawyers with iPads!
The mobile collaboration site, iPad 4 Lawyers put up a post reviewing meeting apps for the iPad. (You can read it here.) The author included all the big ones in his comparison: GoTo Meeting, WebEx, Adobe, and Fuze Meeting. And for the most part, the comments he used to describe our competitors are pretty much the same things we’ve noticed when testing out their apps.
In response to the review of our iPad app (he gave us “a solid B+”), we have to say…thanks! And we’re confident we’ll get into the “A” category very soon!
His one major area for improvement – a desire to annotate directly from the iPad – is a feature request we’re aware of and are working on.
That said, he missed 2 major features that would be sure to interest any tech-savvy attorney. (more…)
Web Conferencing Rocks for Data Presentation and Information Dissemination
Don’t take our word for it! This tidbit comes to you courtesy of Forbes!
What we’re thankful for this year: Clouds
This year, as the gobble gobble of a turkey dinner gets closer, we can’t help but appreciate the things that have made our lives oh-so-much better as of late.
And this year, we appreciate the cloud.
The day before Thanksgiving, I’m lucky enough to be working remotely. I’m referencing documents I’ve stored in my cloud based storage providers SugarSync and Dropbox, transferring large files using a handy Fuze Meeting feature, and collaborating on content on the fly with Google docs.
All this without downloading one thing to my desktop! I’ve hopped back and forth between 3 different computers in the last few hours without so much as a minute of lost productivity.
Thanks to the cloud and its far-off data storage and management, we have access to the world at our fingertips.
Part of me wonders…when did this all HAPPEN? When did this become the norm, and even the necessity for me to have a productive workday away from the office?
I Was So Proud of Us Today
This one’s not about web conferencing. Sorry. I know you were dying for new tips and tricks on how to hijack your Fuze Meeting account to transfer large files for free (it’s coming!).
But this post is about people. As you know, a company is about the people – and today this company really knocked it out of the park.
Our web designer is leaving to move back home with his family in Colorado. (Yes, we’re hiring) And he came by to say farewell one last time. And you know what, in under an hour, our office came together and pulled off something remarkable. We’d taken up a collection for (quite a nice) gift, spun a card around the office and MacGyver’ed a full gift wrap out of 2 sq. feet of wrapping paper.
And what did it take? Just a little efficiency and a passion to get something done. Granted, I can think of *something else* that helps you be more efficiency. But I promised this post wasn’t about online meetings or the crazy amounts of time you could save with a little Fuze Meeting in your life.
But no, no. This one’s about the people. And hey, don’t you want to work with a company who can pull it together in 45 minutes to give someone a fabulous send off?
We thought so.
Fuze With Skype: What to Consider When Choosing A Web Conferencing Headset
Just this afternoon, some of the team here were in a Fuze Meeting webinar and I noticed almost all the callers were on Skype. That said, either they were home alone, annoying the rest of their office with loud voices emanating from their computers, or on a headset. And since I’ve done my best to swear off telecommuting, I’ve been on a constant search for the *perfect* in-office web conferencing headset experience.
I’m not in love with my headset choice YET (Freetalk Everyman Headset – more on that later) – but 4 headsets in the last 3 months make me somewhat of an expert on headset rejection – so here’s a short list of features to consider when finding an online meeting headset solution.
#1 Connection
Headset rejection #1 was because, foolish me, didn’t realize that not all computers have a mic jack. Headphone/mic jacks and USB connections both work really well in terms of sound, but you’ll probably have to mess with the input/output settings a bit if you use a USB connection. On the other hand, all computers have a place to shove a USB cable, so you won’t be stuck there like a cross-eyed buffoon staring at your headphone jack in the headphone port with your mic jack dangling of the edge of your laptop. (Sore subject) My recommendation: go with the USB.
Found yourself with the double-jack and a computer that won’t work with it? Don’t worry – they have converters and (let’s be honest) it’s probably not a bad idea to have a stereo headphone converter handy in case you only have your iPhone set with you.
#2 The Boom Boom
Chances are, you don’t really notice that your headset mic isn’t working for you until you start getting annoyed with all the ‘could you speak up’ complaints. Finally, someone had the good sense to suggest that the problem was my mic and headset #2 was out the door. I switched from an on-cord mic to a boom mic, and the audio complaints went away. A plus side of the boom mic? Feeling like a pop star and asking people if they’d like fries with that. My Recommendation: Boom
#3 Headphones
Headset #3 got the boot because it only had a speaker on one ear, and I just decided I’m a surround sound girl.
But – there’s all TYPES of headphones. In-ear buds, foam headphones, and the very intense gamer-style foam padded headphones. This is a personal choice, but, for me…the buds fall out and the gamer headsets do too good a job of cancelling out the noise. I work in an office, so I actually like the ambient noise and currently use the Freetalk Everyman Headset that SKYPE suggests, but…I’m not in love.
Why, you ask? They’re a bit flimsy and they only come in black. I’m still on the hunt for the perfect headset and I gladly take suggestions!
Note: Fuze doesn’t necessarily endorse the products shown or mentioned, but – if you’re looking for them here are the links: Input/output Converter, Stereo Converter.
Fuze Interview with FreeCallsTo
Our very own Community Manager (me) was recently inerviewed by a website called FreeCallsto.com. The site was created to share all the cheap and sometimes free (! Did you say free !) ways to stay connected with people across the globe. They write about ways to call internationally for free as well as VOIP, web conferencing, internet fax, calling cards, and any other type of product that helps you stay connected worldwide without breaking the bank. Isn’t that nice of them?!?!
The Interview:
I had a great opportunity to do an Interview with Kristen Isaacs, PR/Community Manager for Fuze Box and learn about the exciting web conferencing software the company provides. Check it out:
What exactly is Fuze Meeting?
Fuze Meeting is a browser based web conferencing software. It allows meeting attendees from all over the world to host or attend an online meeting and share/view content and desktops – just like if you were all in a big conference room, but without the hassle (and expense) of travel.
What are the benefits that users will get from your product?
Well, there are the obvious benefits to online meetings – real time communication, fast paced synergy, huge savings and the like. Specifically Fuze Meeting stands out among competitors because
- Fuze Meeting is browser based – meaning attendees don’t have to download a plug-in to attend a meeting – that’s a big hit with training and sales teams. One click and you’re in!
- It’s really easy to use. There’s no disclaimer ‘well, once you get used to it and know where to click.’ We went through a TON of user testing to make sure the meeting process was intuitive.
- It handles all typs of rich media really well with a focus on high resolution images and videos – this is a favorite feature of creative and healthcare professionals who have to present intricate images/videos with tiny (and important!) detail. Plus, you can mark up all content.
- We’re cheaper than the big guys. This (of course!) makes us especially popular with small businesses.
Is it mainly for business or for consumer as well?
Anyone who has a need to collaborate online would benefit from web conferencing in general. Currently, most of our customers are businesses or freelancers, but we’re seeing growing numbers among students as well.
What do you see in the future of VOIP?
As a business, we’re betting on VOIP increasing in usage, especially in the business sector. Currently 5-10% of users Skype on our meetings, and we’re seeing this trend increase. With our upcoming releases, we’re integrating it further into our software and are embedding VOIP into our upcoming iPad app.
Fuze Meeting’s parent company is Fuze Box. What else does Fuze Box do?
Fuze Box is a leading platform provider of visual collaboration applications for consumers and businesses so we’ve designed our products to fall under that umbrella.
Fuze Messenger integrates all your IM accounts them through a single interface on your iPhone or BlackBerry. It’s similar to Meebo, but Fuze Meeting is the only free app that allows you to integrate OCS (Micosoft’s Office Communicator).
Fuze Movie is a real time review and approval collaboration tool for remote film or video professionals.
Tweetshare is the baby of the bunch but one we’re excited about. It is Fuze Box’s first foray into Twitter APIs. It’s a third party Twitter service that allows Tweeters to immediately publish any type of content to the web, including HD video, presentations, images and start and monitor twitter threads around their content. It also brings Fan Pages to the Twitter community with branded pages.
Lessons from Eyjafjallajökull
Yes that’s right everybody. Your favorite Iclandic volcano and mine has been doing quite a number on the air space around Europe and has stranded quite a few would-be meeting attendees on the other side of this big blue ball of dense space dust (or on my side for that matter).
So what does this mean? Since you’re on the Fuze Meeting blog, I’m going to let you guess… But OK FINE, I’ll just tell you. If by chance you happened to be stranded, enjoy your few extra days of vaycay, but take advantage of this moment to learn about web conferencing!
If you haven’t been doing online meetings yet, THE TIME IS NOW.
Q: What have you got to lose?
A: Literally…nothing. I mean…do you really have another choice anyway?
So, *hint hint wink wink* sign up for our 30 day free trial (or just get free unlimited meetings for 3 attendees by fanning us on Facebook) and (for heaven’s sake!) use this opportunity to learn something new about whatever unexpected culture you’ve just found yourself amidst.
Take that, Eyjafjallajökull! You and your ridiculous spelling won’t keep us from being productive with our co-workers.
Regis, I’d Like to Use a Life Line
Remember when I promised loosely related posts? Well, here you go.
Unless you are living under a rock, you probably noticed that the Oscars were on Sunday night. Being the blogophiliac that I am, I used my keen wit and common sense to scour the blogs for predictions. The big winner of the night (Besides The Hurt Locker?) You guessed it. Your very own Community Manager.
But…what does this have to do with Fuze Meeting?
Ah! Well, nothing actually. But is just another lesson on the amazing power of the online community. Remember Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Ask the audience was always your best shot. Don’t you see? Online communities are one BIG ask the audience! I was writing a blog post, needed references, Tweeted the question and in 1 minute had 7 references. Crazy!
All this to say – if you don’t know…ASK. There are blogs about almost everything, and most bloggers (like myself) love helping out and answering questions. As it turns out, most of us are looking for MORE ways to get involved in our communities. The more of us who are involved, the better it will be. *sigh* How organic.
And there you go. Your dose of encouragement for the day. Now get out there and find that blogger to answer your burning question. Remember! There’s no such thing as a stupid question.
___
Ok. Now prove me wrong. Give me your best stupid question in the comments.
Lame post, good intentions…
Hi guys! Just saying hello via our team blog. I just got back from a trip to NYC to visit investors as well as the Web 2.0 conference.
Hey – question for you – are you a user of Fuze Meeting? If so – please tell us what you like (or don’t like!!) about our service – Frustrated? We’re sorry. Happy? Even better! Share!
Patrick
Product Marketing – don’t learn from the big guys, IMO
I am laughing at a recent post on ZDNET titled “SharePoint 2010 SKUs multiply like rabbits” – Now SharePoint is pretty powerful (so I hear; we abandoned it for Box.net internally) — but does it really need 10 SKUs and a degree in Microsoftology to purchase and deploy?
…and I quote:
With SharePoint 2010, there will be (at least) 10 different SharePoint SKUs. (I guess the SharePoint team is bucking the trend that other Microsoft teams seem to be following — that fewer SKUs is better.) On the product editions list: SharePoint Server 2010 for Intranet Scenarios (with Enterprise and Standard Client Access Licenses); SharePoint Server 2010 for Internet Sites, Enterprise; SharePoint Server 2010 for Internet Sites, Standard; FAST Search for SharePoint 2010; FAST Search for SharePoint 2010 for Internet Sites; Search Server 2010; Search Server Express 2010; SharePoint Designer 2010; SharePoint Foundation 2010 (the product formerly known as Windows SharePoint Services). There are also at least two SharePoint Online SKUs: Standard and Deskless Worker.
Did you get all that? This was after a fun time in the office poking fun at HP’s “purchase page” for HP Skyroom (a competitive product to ours, I guess) that has the header, “HP SkyRoom Version 1 (Quantity 5) Node-locked E-LTU Software (VK631AAE) – Specifications and Warranty” – That makes me want to buy it, you?!
Here at Fuze Box, we want to keep it simple. Maybe all these names are why their prices are so high, and ours are so low… Anyway, If you see us doing complex things that add friction to the process, let us know!
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