A Powerful Addition to AirMedia
 (and Crestron Flex)
A recent, feature-packed update to Crestron’s AirMedia technology enables the solution to work brilliantly with Crestron Flex
October 16
By Connor Bright, Product Owner, AV Solutions

The impact of BYOD — “bring your own device” — in the workplace has been nothing short of remarkable. It’s common practice for staffers – and guests – to share content and collaborate with their own laptops and tablets, especially with the post-pandemic explosion of hybrid work.

The phenomenon isn’t limited to business. From university students sharing assignments in class to attorneys presenting evidence in court, the use of personal laptops, tablets, and even phones to communicate and collaborate is as common as the devices themselves. The challenge, of course, is one of interoperability. As we’ve noted before on the Crestron blog:

As collaborators move from space to space in any setting that demands seamless communications technology, the questions about sharing or presenting content are always there: How can I make this work properly? Will I need to download an app or some third-party software to connect to a system? How long will that process take? How complicated will all this be?

Crestron has been at the forefront of creating ways to meet those challenges. The company led the industry by outfitting Crestron Flex solutions with BYOD capability as early as 2019. That was followed several years later by the AirMedia Connect Adaptor, a device that allowed for BYOD connectivity without cables and without requiring software or drivers. The latest advancement comes in a firmware update that creates a new level of flexibility for multiple Crestron solutions, offering those familiar with Crestron Flex videoconferencing and AirMedia® wireless presentation and conferencing systems the “best of both worlds.”

AirMedia Technology and Crestron Flex

One of Crestron's most forward-thinking solutions, the AirMedia suite of wireless presentation and conferencing systems allows instantaneous connection for any device. There’s no need for a permanent presentation device in any room with this technology: Users can simply walk in with their laptop or tablet and present to their screen without additional drivers, software, or cables. Additionally, they may conference on their laptop using Zoom®, Microsoft Teams®, Cisco® Webex®, or Google Meet® software. Crestron Flex videoconferencing solutions have already been providing one-touch meetings on a variety of platforms with the added benefit of connections for BYOD situations. Crestron Flex is focused on giving the user a native unified communications experience on an organization’s platform of choice (Microsoft Teams® Room or Zoom Rooms® software) in spaces large and small. With Crestron Flex technology, a dedicated, pre-wired room device is given a room assignment and license, allowing collaborators to begin a meeting with one touch — without the need to bring their own device. There’s still a BYOD presentation option with a room-provided cable.

Those two solutions are terrific for a wide variety of use cases. And now, the latest AirMedia firmware update brings you the best of both worlds.

An AirMedia Firmware Update

With its latest firmware update, the solution now works with Crestron Flex to offer a native UC experience while leveraging the simplicity of the AirMedia® Connect Adaptor.

Presenters not only have a fully featured in-room experience with the native meeting platform of their choice — Microsoft Teams or Zoom software — but they can also leverage the room system for other conferencing providers. If 80% of collaboration in a meeting space is done with the native platform, this advancement solves the remaining use with other platforms.

For example: A presenter in a Crestron Flex outfitted space can take advantage of all the features that Microsoft Teams Rooms has to offer, but when there’s a need to begin a Zoom, Google Meet, or Cisco Webex videoconference, a wireless connection from their laptop via AirMedia allows immediate, frictionless collaboration. As soon as the meeting’s over and the AirMedia technology solution is disconnected, the room simply flips back into a native Microsoft Teams Rooms experience.

Crestron Flex Advanced Kits had provided this level of flexibility, but the latest firmware update eliminates the need for a hardwired cable — it’s all handled by the AirMedia Connect Adaptor, a simple and elegant USB-C® dongle. The solution works with the entire line of Crestron Flex technology, including the Videobar 70 all-in-one collaboration bar (with native Microsoft Teams Rooms software).

With every advancement, every new product, every new update, Crestron is keeping this singular goal in mind: How can our technology enhance workspaces as seamlessly as possible? The latest AirMedia firmware update is another in a series of answers to that challenge.

featured products

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AirMedia® Wireless presentation and conferencing systems

With AirMedia® wireless conferencing technology you can transform any space into a high quality conferencing space. Whether you’re in a huddle room, lounge, or mixed use room, it’s easy to present, share, and host a meeting from any device

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Crestron Videobar 70 — All-in-one video collaboration bar for medium and large rooms.

Create premium hybrid meeting experiences with Videobar 70 — an all-in-one device packed with powerful built-in audio and intelligent video capabilities from four high resolution cameras, plus Android™ OS for easy deployment.

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Crestron Flex Video Conferencing

Crestron Flex Video Conferencing makes it easy for a dispersed workforce to come together. Easy to use. Simple to deploy. A consistently high quality experience for every user in every type of space.

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