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It’s no secret that over the past few years, working from home has become a popular alternative for employees as it not only gives them more time with their family members but also helps the company save operational costs. Now, in an effort to make the virtual meeting experience more immersive, Sony has announced that its Bravia TVs will be the first to support Google’s new Zoom for TV app, offering a seamless and convenient way to participate in virtual meetings from the comfort of your living room couch.
This move by Sony follows Apple’s integration of FaceTime into Apple TV, and although it is a significant development, Bravia TVs do not come with built-in webcams. Therefore, users will need to purchase a $200 accessory called Bravia Cam to complete the setup. However, it is important to note that the Bravia Cam not only facilitates Zoom calls but also adjusts sound and picture settings based on the user’s position and distance from the TV.
Additionally, the accessory features a proximity alert system that detects when children are sitting too close to the TV and ensures that kids maintain a safe viewing distance. Moreover, the cam also includes a power-saving mode that automatically dims the TV when no one is watching, saving energy and prolonging the TV’s life.
Not available yet
While Sony has announced the new features and the Bravia cam accessory, the Zoom for TV app will be available for Bravia TVs “by early summer.” Shusuke Tomonaga, the head of Bravia product design at Sony, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This partnership will allow our customers to enjoy more realistic video communication on a big screen in the living room, enabling them to be more connected to the people they care about, whether they are working from home, studying remotely, or simply catching up with friends and family.”