Zoom launches a cross application AI notetaker, AI avatars and more in its latest update

During the recent Zoomtopia conference, Zoom introduced an array of cutting-edge products aimed at enhancing user experience and productivity. Among the standout features is an upgraded AI companion that seamlessly integrates across various meeting applications. This new functionality enables users to add personal notes, utilize AI-driven meeting scheduling, and employ avatars that closely resemble them. In a bid to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving landscape of meeting technology, Zoom's latest offerings come in response to advancements made by specialized meeting startups and productivity platforms. Historically, Zoom has provided an AI bot capable of recording and transcribing meetings. However, the rise of cross-application notetakers like Read AI and Otter has prompted Zoom to adapt by allowing its AI companion to function alongside other platforms such as Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. One of the innovative features includes the capability to take notes during in-person meetings, inspired by Granola's approach of allowing users to draft notes which the AI can later refine. Additionally, Zoom is enhancing its search functionalities, enabling users to pull information from Google and Microsoft platforms effortlessly. The company is also introducing new calendar features through its AI Companion, helping users identify suitable time slots for meetings and suggesting which meetings they might be able to skip with its “free up my time” initiative. This is similar to a tool launched last year by calendar service Clockwise, aimed at resolving scheduling conflicts. Moreover, Zoom is set to roll out proactive meeting recommendations, offering suggested tasks and agenda items to prepare for upcoming discussions. Another exciting addition is the introduction of photorealistic avatars capable of mimicking users’ actions during video calls, which the company claims is beneficial for those times when users are not camera-ready. However, this feature raises concerns about potential misuse, prompting discussions among corporate IT departments regarding security. Expected to launch for consumers by the end of the year, the update will also allow hosts to leverage Zoom Clips—an asynchronous video tool—to greet participants in waiting rooms and outline meeting objectives. AI will play a crucial role in new live translation features and an updated web interface that prominently showcases the AI companion. Furthermore, additional tools like a writing assistant for drafting emails and a deep research feature will be introduced. Zoom's advancements also include the ability to develop custom AI agents and improved video quality with higher bit rates and 60 frames per second for meetings, alongside a new management tool for video assets.